Crimped Hair Got a Sleek Makeover at New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027 — See Photos
Overview
Crimped hair, the zigzag texture that defined 1980s beauty trends, resurfaced on the runway at New York Fashion Week's Spring/Summer 2027 shows. Rather than reviving the look wholesale, hairstylists gave it a contemporary edit — pairing the tight waves with sleeker finishes to keep the style feeling current rather than costume-like.
A Brief History of the Crimping Iron
The crimping iron rose to popularity in the 1980s as an alternative to curling irons, using ridged plates to press hair into uniform zigzag patterns instead of round curls. The tool fell out of everyday rotation as smooth, straightened hair became the dominant look through the 1990s and 2000s, relegating crimping to nostalgia and throwback theme parties. Its reappearance on a major runway signals that stylists are once again mining decades-old tools for fresh texture, following similar recent revivals of finger waves and other retro techniques.
How the Look Was Reworked for SS27
The crimped texture appeared backstage at a Spring/Summer 2027 New York Fashion Week show, as reported by Allure. Rather than crimping hair from root to tip in the exaggerated 1980s style, stylists concentrated the texture in sections — often mid-shaft to ends — while keeping the roots smooth and close to the head. That contrast between structured crimps and a controlled base is what gave the look its 'sleek makeover': it reads as intentional, modern texture rather than a direct throwback.
Why This Matters Beyond the Runway
Runway hair often previews what shows up in salons and on social feeds within a season. Crimping's return fits a broader pattern of texture-driven styling — braids, waves, and now crimps — gaining ground as an alternative to the sleek, straight styles that dominated the past decade. Because crimping irons are widely available and relatively inexpensive compared with other hot tools, this is a trend that's easy for readers to test at home without booking a salon appointment.
FAQ
Is crimped hair damaging? As with any heat styling tool, crimping can cause damage with repeated use, especially at high heat settings on fine or previously colored hair. Using a heat protectant and limiting frequency of use helps minimize breakage.
Does crimping work on short hair? Yes — crimping irons can be used on hair as short as a few inches, though the zigzag pattern is most visible on hair long enough to show multiple sections of texture.
How long does a crimp last? Hold time varies by hair type and humidity, but a light setting spray or dry shampoo at the roots can extend the texture through a full day of wear.
Source
Originally published at www.allure.com.