Y2K crimped hair is back - and cooler than you ever remember

It’s official: the hair trend you thought was buried in your childhood picture album is making a high fashion comeback. Crimped hair (you know, the zigzag textured style that defined 90s cool), is being reimagined with a grown-up edge thanks to the New York runways.

We have the Christians to thank for this. Christian Cowan and Christian Siriano's spring/summer 2027 shows catalysed the crimping renaissance, with models debuting pristinely kinked locks woven into youthful, sleek updos and scattered through silky lengths for a nostalgic nod.

In essence, crimping is set to be everywhere this season - and according to fashion's pioneers - next season, too. 

© Imaxtree

Philip Downing, Creative Director of Bed Head, shared his expertise with H! Fashion on the revival of the familiar style. He explains: “There’s a new wave (literally) sweeping through the hair world, and it’s combining serious nostalgia with a fresh edge. Crimping, the iconic texture made famous by 80s legends like Cyndi Lauper and Madonna, is making a bold revival, but this time, with some evolution.

© Getty Images

© Getty Images

When crimping was ‘in’ the first time round, the tools used had smaller and more narrow plates, which created a very uniform ‘Z’ like zigzag pattern to the hair. It was all about high drama and high volume, especially effective on finer hair types for creating added texture."

The Y2K crimping revival is all about fun, volume, and movement with a modern edge. It remains true to its origins, but with added movement and body for a modern vibe. 

© Imaxtree

Phillip's top tips for creating the Y2K crimped look: 

1. Create Your Base - It’s best to crimp hair from a straight base as this keeps your cuticle flat for a solid foundation to create a pattern of movement. Plan to blow-dry hair to smooth it to start off.
2. Protect & Prep - You’ll be using a heated tool, so prepare your hair first with a good spray of heat protection. I'd recommend Bed Head's Some Like it Hot for the added benefit of an irresistible scent. Then, to make sure the texture of your crimp holds, apply a thickening spray on damp hair from root to tips before blow-drying it in. My must-try is Bed Head's Queen for a Day for maximum volume. 
3. Section Smart - Once fully smoothed out, divide your hair into manageable sections and work the crimper horizontally, from the root to ends. Thicker hair? Go smaller with your sections.
4. Let it Cool - It’s important to let your crimped hair cool down before using finishing products, as this will help lock the shape. 
5. Finish Your Texture - Shake out the hair with your hands to maintain the look. Or for a softer texture, try brushing out with a soft-bristle brush. 
6. Lock It In - Finish off with a good spritz of hairspray to add final hold and a gorgeous reflective shine. My top pick here would be Bed Head's Masterpiece. 

© Imaxtree

Grab the scented glitter pens and Tamagotchis because crimping is back. After all, if it's good enough for the catwalks, it's certainly good enough for us - again.