Crimped Hair Returns with a Modern Twist at NYFW Spring/Summer 2027
Unlike the harsh, uneven results of 1980s tools, today’s versions deliver
Designers revived the 1980s crimped hair trend with sleek, polished interpretations on the New York Fashion Week runways for Spring/Summer 2027. The retro styling tool, once synonymous with bold volume and texture, reappeared in refined forms across multiple collections, signaling a nostalgic yet contemporary shift in beauty aesthetics. The resurgence was led by hairstylists who used updated crimping irons to create subtle, linear patterns rather than the exaggerated frizz of past decades. Shows by brands like Collina Strada and Proenza Schouler featured models with crimped sections integrated into low ponytails, braids, and half-up styles, blending edge with elegance. This approach softened the trend’s association with costume-like looks, positioning it as a deliberate texture choice rather than a throwback gag. How Modern Tools Are Reshaping a Vintage Technique Advancements in heat technology allowed stylists to achieve consistent crimps without damaging hair, using ceramic-coated plates and adjustable temperature settings.
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The Secret to a Flawless Autumn Complexion is Sunscreen LayeringUnlike the harsh, uneven results of 1980s tools, today’s versions deliver precise, repeatable patterns that hold for hours. Backstage at NYFW, lead stylist Guido Palau noted that the goal was „to honor the era’s experimentation while making it feel current and wearable.” The technique was often paired with glossy finishes or wet-look gels to contrast the matte texture of the crimped sections. Could This Signal a Broader Return of 80s Beauty Trends? The reappearance of crimped hair raises questions about whether other once-maligned 80s staples—like bold blush, metallic eyeshadow, or asymmetrical cuts—might follow suit. While some critics remain skeptical, the positive reception on runway and in early street style sightings suggests openness to reinterpretation. Trend forecasters point to a cycle where extreme styles from past decades return in muted, sophisticated forms during periods of cultural uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions Was crimped hair actually popular in the 1980s?
Yes, crimped hair peaked in popularity during the mid-to-late 1980s, driven by music icons and television shows that embraced exaggerated volume and texture as part of the era’s maximalist aesthetic. How is today’s crimped hair different from the original version? Modern crimping uses finer, more uniform patterns and is often applied selectively—such as in streaks or underlayers—rather than covering the entire head, resulting in a subtler, more sophisticated effect. Which designers featured crimped hair in their SS27 shows? Collina Strada, Proenza Schouler, and several emerging labels incorporated crimped textures into their hair designs, often blending them with braids, twists, or sleek back styles for a contemporary feel.