How to Maintain Crimps

Crimped hair is achieved with a crimping iron or braids that are left in the hair for several hours. No matter what your method, achieving a crimped head of hair is a labor-intensive process that is undone with improper care. Making your crimped locks last all days starts with a clean head of hair and continues with the correct use of styling products and instruments.

Things You'll Need

• Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
• Wide-toothed comb
• Mousse, hair gel or styling cream
• Hair spray

Instructions

1. Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. This will ensure that your hair is clean, which will allow you to wear your crimped hair for a longer period of time.

2. Allow your hair to dry completely and brush it with a wide-toothed comb before crimping. Do not attempt to use a crimping iron on wet hair, as this will lead to damage and breakage.

3. Divide your hair into 1-inch sections. Apply mousse, hair gel or styling cream to each section before crimping. Prepping your hair correctly will ensure that the crimped style remains intact longer.

4. Spray your hair with a healthy coating of strong-hold hair spray. This will set your hair and prevents your hair from straightening.

5. Work out any tangles knots or tangles in your crimped hair with your fingers. Do not use any combs or brushes, as these will straighten out your newly crimped hairstyle along with the tangles.

6. Store a travel-sized hair spray in your purse, glove compartment or desk drawer at work. Cover your hair with a light coating of hair spray throughout the day to maintain the look.

References

• Seventeen; Soft Crimps; Kelli Acciardo
• Woman Junction: How to Crimp Hair