Advertisement
Home LIFESTYLE Beauty

The Y2K Hairstyle That Is Set To Make A Comeback in 2024

And it's had a modern makeover.

If we told you crimping was the hottest hairstyle of the moment, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking, ‘Have I fallen asleep and woken up in the 80s or even the early 2000s again?’

Advertisement

This bold hairstyle was on the mood boards of every It Girl during the Y2K era, from Christina to Tyra, Britney, and Hilary Duff. However, as of late, it has certainly begun its beauty renaissance.

It first became popular in the 80s, then came back around for the first time in the early aughts. Now, just like fashion trends, 20 years later, it is back in the style stratosphere throughout the 2020s.

Although the look has certainly had a modern makeover when it comes to executing the look. Instead of tight zig-zag crosses, the modern crimp is bigger, beachier, and almost curl-like. But don’t get it twisted! These are executed in essentially the exact same way that you may have done back in the day, just with a bigger, rounder barrel.

As of late, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Keke Palmer, Saweetie, and even Barbie herself, Margot Robbie, have debuted the hairstyle on the red carpet. Besides giving a wavy effect to the hair, crimping can do wonders for volume and adds a unique texture to the locks. 

Advertisement

One of the best things about the crimped hairstyle is the sheer easiness it is to execute. Simply invest in a specialised tool and take the time to press your locks—it is literally that easy and can take less than 15 minutes.

If you’re inspired and want to emulate the look for yourself, below are some of our top hair crimpers on the market. With options to suit that classic retro disco-ready look or a more fresh, undone approach.

2024’s top 3 hair crimper’s

  1. Pro Hair Waver, $87.20 (usually $109) at Mermade Hair
  2. Double Waver, $79.20 (usually $99) at Mermade Hair
  3. Remington S 3580 Ceramic Crimp, $55.32 at Amazon

The best hair crimpers of 2024 

e
(Credit: Mermade)

Pro Hair Waver 

$87.20 (usually $109) at Mermade Hair

Advertisement

With fans including Khloe Kardashian, Hailey Bieber and the queen of hair, Matilda Djerf, it’s no wonder that Mermade Hair’s Pro Hair Waver is such a bestseller. Achieve enviable big, bouncy waves in just minutes with the simple clamping of the prongs. 

Key features: 

  • Ceramic barrels to protect hair from damage
  • Extra large barrels for big bouncy shapes
  • Heats up in 60 seconds 
  • Various heat settings 
  • Swivel cord
  • Two-year warranty and quality check guarantee 

SHOP NOW

e
(Credit: Mermade Hair)
Advertisement

Double Waver

$79.20 (usually $99) at Mermade Hair

Alternatively, Mermade’s brand new Double Waver tool is a smaller and more compact option to try. With two barrels as opposed to three with the original, it’s more lightweight and great for travel, but also allows for more precision in where you crimp whilst creating loose, soft waves. It’s also a particularly good option for those with shorter hair. 

Key features: 

  • Anti-scald protection
  • Compact design
  • Lightweight and perfect for travel
  • Waves hair in two seconds
  • Ionic ceramic plates
  • Two-year warranty and quality check guarantee 

SHOP NOW

Advertisement
w
(Credit: Remington)

Remington S 3580 Ceramic Crimp

$55.32 at Amazon

If it’s a good old Y2K crimp you’re after, then this is the tool for you. It delivers that classic tight zigzag style and is a great way to add texture to your hair. If you’re looking to add some serious volume, use a crimping tool close to the root and lay uncrimped hair over this to hide it – life hack. 

Key features: 

Advertisement
  • Multiple temperature settings
  • Wide plates to reduce styling time
  • 30-second warm-up
  • Automatic shutdown after 60 minutes 
  • Comes with a heat-resistant mat

SHOP NOW

e
(Credit: Revlon)

Revlon 3 Barrel Jumbo Hair Waver 

$98.10 (usually $109) at Oz Hair & Beauty

Receive professional-level quality at an affordable price with the Revlon 3 Barrel Jumbo Waver. This will make big, bouncy waves that last for days and look naturally stunning. The tourmaline ceramic coating prevents damage and leaves your locks looking shinier than ever. 

Advertisement

Key features: 

  • Jumbo sized barrel 
  • Wide plates to reduce styling time
  • Tourmaline ceramic coating
  • Multiple heat settings

SHOP NOW

e
(Credit: BondiBoost)

Wave Wand

$63.75 (usually $85) at Bondi Boost

Advertisement

This wand provides those natural beach wave-esque crimps but on a tighter, smaller scale – almost the perfect combo of that classic style and the modern take. It has three barrels at 25mm and will crimp and curl the hair in just seconds. 

Key features: 

  • Extra long three-metre cord
  • Adjustable temperatures between 80°C & 210°C
  • High-grade crystal powder tourmaline ceramic glaze
  • Swivel cord
  • Instant heat up 
  • Five-year warranty

SHOP NOW

How to crimp hair?

The wonderful thing about crimping is it literally could not be easier! Follow these easy steps and walk away with enviable locks in just minutes.

Advertisement

Preparation:

  • Start with clean, dry hair. You can also apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage from the heat styling

Sectioning:

  • Divide your hair into manageable sections using hair clips or ties. Smaller sections will make it easier to crimp your hair evenly

Crimping:

  • Take a small subsection of hair and hold it taut between the plates of the crimper
  • Clamp the crimper down onto the hair, starting close to the roots and working your way down to the ends. The closer to the roots, the more volume you’ll get
  • Hold the crimper in place for a few seconds (typically 5-10 seconds) to ensure the hair is heated evenly then release the crimper and gently slide it down the length of the hair to create a crimped pattern
  • Repeat this process for the rest of the sections, working your way around your head until all of your hair is crimped

Finishing touches:

Advertisement
  • Once you’ve crimped all of your hair, you can lightly mist it with hairspray to help set the style and add extra hold. You can also use a light styling cream or serum to add shine and smooth down any flyaways

Related articles: 

Related stories


Advertisement
Advertisement