Flat roots are the fastest way to make a good haircut look tired, and the best hair crimpers for volume fix that in a way blow-drying alone cannot. A crimper presses a repeating zigzag pattern into the underside of your hair, and when you release that section it holds slightly fuller than it started. Put the crimped layer underneath and smooth only the top layer over it, and you get lift that survives a whole day without a single product.
I spent weeks working through a dozen crimping irons and wavers, comparing plate geometry, heat ranges and how close each tool can physically get to your scalp. What surprised me is how little the marketing matters. The two variables that decide whether a crimper gives you volume are plate width and how close the tool can sit to the root without burning you, and almost nobody tells you the second one.
This guide is written for the person most likely to be disappointed by a crimper: someone with fine or thinning hair who has tried one, brushed it out, and watched the volume disappear in an hour. There is a fix for that, and it is technique rather than equipment. Every pick below is qualified by hair type, and the technique section covers the underside-layering and brush-out steps that turn visible zigzag marks into volume nobody can see.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Hair Crimpers for Volume in 2026
Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver
- Tourmaline ceramic deep barrel
- Heat settings to 400F
- Dual voltage and swivel cord
VOLOOM Classic 1.5 Inch Volumizing Iron
- Checkerboard volume-pocket plates
- Adjustable 220F to 395F
- LED display and auto shut-off
Gold N Hot 2 Inch Ceramic Crimper
- 2-inch wide ceramic plates
- Adjustable heat to 450F
- 60-second heat-up
Best Hair Crimpers for Volume Compared in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver |
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 TOP4EVER 3 Barrel Curling Iron |
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 MBHAIR Ceramic Crimper Iron |
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| Gold N Hot Professional 2 Inch Crimper |
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| VOLOOM Classic 1.5 Inch Volumizing Iron |
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 Terviiix 4-in-1 Keratin Crimper |
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 SHEGLAM Beach Babe Hair Waver |
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 Pulla 4-in-1 Ceramic Crimper |
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 Wavytalk Power Wave Hair Crimper |
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 SAOSA Ceramic Crimping Iron |
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Check Latest Price |
 Sixriver 4-in-1 Ceramic Crimper |
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Check Latest Price |
 Dmriektu Volumizing Crimper Iron |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver – Best Overall Volume Pick
- Tourmaline ceramic cuts frizz and adds shine
- Multiple heat settings work from thin to coarse hair
- Instant heat recovery
- Plate-locking switch for packing
- Dual voltage for travel
- Deep barrel may not suit a tight zigzag look
- Higher price than basic crimpers
This is the tool I keep reaching for when I want volume that looks like hair and not like a style. The barrel is a deep waver rather than a flat zigzag plate, so it produces an S-shaped bend at the roots that releases into body rather than into visible crinkle.
It heats to multiple settings up to 400F and comes with tourmaline ceramic technology, which is the reason the finish looks shiny rather than dull and matte the way some coated plates leave hair. Reviewers consistently single out the shine and the frizz reduction.
The plate-locking switch is a small detail that matters more than it sounds. Crimping means holding the tool in awkward near-vertical positions for many passes, and a switch that can lock the plates shut means it stays in the bag until you are back at a socket rather than rolling around your kit.
Dual voltage makes it work worldwide, and the tangle-free swivel cord is long enough that you can work at the back of your head without fighting the cable. Reviewers also report instant heat recovery, meaning the barrel does not drop temperature noticeably as you pass over a thick section.
What you get from the deep barrel for volume
The barrel size decides how much bend you get per pass. A deep barrel creates a wide, loose wave in one or two passes, which means you can crimp a full section quickly and move on. That speed is the actual volume advantage here, because rushed sessions are where heat exposure turns into damage.
Because the pattern is broad rather than tightly corrugated, the brush-out step takes seconds and the texture survives it. That is the opposite of a micro crimper, where you spend longer detangling than you spent styling.
Where this one falls short
If you want visible 90s zigzag texture, this is the wrong tool. The deep barrel is built for bend and shine, not for a crisp corrugated mark, so anyone chasing the Y2K look should look at a true crimper instead.
Reviewers who bought it for a different purpose sometimes find the depth too much for their taste, and a few mention the deep barrel is not the easiest thing to work with right at the scalp on very short sections. On long or medium hair it is unproblematic.
2. TOP4EVER 3 Barrel Curling Iron – Best for Fast Beach Waves
TOP4EVER 3 Barrel Curling Iron, 1-Inch Hair Crimper Tool for Women
- Creates beachy waves quickly
- Works on short and long hair
- One minute heat-up
- Dual voltage for travel
- Anti-scald barrel tip
- Only two temperature settings
- Some users report waves do not hold on fine hair
- Clip handle can run warm
- Chemical smell reported on first use
This is a three-barrel waver rather than a plate crimper, and I include it because the fastest route to root volume is sometimes not crimping at all. The three barrels stack on either side of a section so you get three waves per pass instead of one.
It reaches operating temperature in about a minute, which matters more than it sounds. Most mornings the difference between a tool that is ready when you walk into the bathroom and one that is still warming decides whether you style at all.
The trade-off is temperature control. Two settings, 180C and 210C, means you have no fine adjustment for fine hair. Several reviewers note that waves may not hold on very fine hair without product to back them up, and that is a real limitation for anyone crimping at low heat.
The anti-scald design is well thought out: an anti-skid handle, a heat-insulated front bracket and an anti-scald barrel tip. Barrel tools run hotter at the tip than plate tools do, so this is not a gimmick.
Why three barrels suit thick and medium hair
Three barrels at 25cm each cover a lot of hair per pass. Reviewers with thick coarse straight hair report this handles long lengths quickly, which is where a narrow micro crimper would need six passes for the same section.
For volume specifically, work it on the underside layer only, held at a slight angle away from the scalp, then smooth the top layer over the top. The waves give grip, and the grip is what holds the root section up.
Where it will not work for you
If your hair is fine or thinning, the 410F setting is more heat than you want and the 356F setting is the only sensible choice, which leaves you one dial. Volume on fine hair is better handled with a plate crimper at a low setting and a much shorter hold.
A few users report a chemical smell on the very first heat-up, which usually clears after a few uses. Some also note the clip handle runs warm during a long session.
3. MBHAIR Ceramic Crimper Iron – Best for Fine Hair on a Budget
MBHAIR Ceramic Crimper Iron Volumizing Fluffy Hair, Anti Static Adj Temp
- Ceramic glaze reduces frizz and static
- Five heat settings give fine control
- Thirty second heat-up
- Anti-static technology
- Lightweight ergonomic body
- Lightweight build may feel less durable
- Limited temperature range against premium models
- Compact size suits shorter sections
This is the one I would hand to someone with fine hair who is nervous about heat damage. Five separate heat settings topping out at 430F means you can sit at the bottom of the range all the time and only climb when you have thick sections to deal with.
Most tools in this category give you three settings or, in the case of the three-barrel wavers, two. Five steps across the same range is a real difference when you are trying to keep the working temperature low on fine hair.
The ceramic glaze coating is the other reason it behaves well on fine hair. Smoother plates glide through a section instead of catching at the ends and pulling, and that pulling is where breakage usually starts on fine hair. Anti-static technology does the same job for static that causes flyaway at the root.
Heat-up takes about thirty seconds and the body is light with an ergonomic handle and a tangle-free swivel cord. On a full head of small sections that combination matters more than any spec on the box.
Why fine hair needs low heat and short holds
Fine hair has less internal structure to protect it, so the same temperature and the same number of passes that a thick head shrugs off will show up as breakage at the crown. That is the single most common heat-damage complaint in the fine-hair forums, and it is almost always a heat-and-time problem rather than a tool problem.
With this crimper I would work the bottom setting, take sections about the width of your finger, hold for two seconds rather than five, and keep the plates a couple of centimetres away from the scalp. The lift comes from the underside texture, not from pressing the roots hot.
Where it falls short
The lightweight build is the main reservation. It feels great over a short session but reviewers note it can feel less durable over time, and a crimper that slips at the plates loses you the zigzag you came for.
The temperature range is narrower than tools here that reach 450F, so very thick coarse hair will need more passes. It is also a compact format, which suits fine sections rather than bulk work.
4. Gold N Hot Professional 2 Inch Hair Crimper Iron – Best Wide-Plate Pick
- Wide plates crimp a full section per pass
- Highest heat range in this lineup
- Ceramic plates spread heat evenly
- Reviews report crimps lasting multiple days
- Professional construction
- Controls sit inside the grip
- Temperature dial lacks clear direction marking
- Plastic housing reported as less durable
- Not dual voltage
Two-inch plates are the widest here and that changes how you work. Instead of taking thin slices and clamping repeatedly, you take a normal section, clamp once, and the width of the plate covers the whole thing in a single pass.
That is a large time saving on long or thick hair, and it reduces total heat exposure because you are doing fewer passes over the same section. For volume on a full head of long hair it is the fastest plate crimper in this list.
The temperature dial reaches 450F, the highest ceiling of any tool here, which is what makes it work on thick coarse hair. Ceramic plates distribute heat evenly, and the even distribution is why reviews describe the finish as smooth rather than scorched at the edges of the plate.
Reviewers repeatedly mention that crimps last for days. That longevity is partly the plate width, partly the temperature, and partly the corrugated depth, and it is what makes this tool useful when you want volume that survives work meetings without a touch-up.
When wide plates are the right call
If you crimp long layered hair, a wide plate is the difference between a five minute job and a twenty minute one. It is also kinder, because fewer passes means less cumulative heat. On short bobs and pixie cuts it is the wrong tool entirely and cannot get into the small sections you need.
The other thing a wide plate does is produce a shallower, broader bend. That is exactly what you want for hidden volume: the texture disappears on the brush-out instead of showing as a hard zigzag line.
Where the ergonomics disappoint
The controls sit on the inside of the tool, so you have to open the grip to change temperature mid-style, which is exactly the moment your hand is hot and your attention is elsewhere. The dial also lacks clear direction marking, so a lot of people set it wrong the first time.
It is not dual voltage, which means it is a home-and-desk tool rather than a travel one. Some reviewers describe the plastic housing as less durable than the plate performance warrants.
5. VOLOOM Classic 1.5 Inch Professional Volumizing Iron – Best Splurge Pick
VOLOOM Classic 1.5” Professional Hair Volumizing Iron – Long or Thick Hair
- Checkerboard plates create hidden volume pockets
- Volume holds until the next wash
- LED display for exact temperature control
- Automatic shut-off
- 1.5 inch plates suit long and thick hair
- Highest price in this lineup
- Learning curve on technique
- Heavier at two pounds
- Needs sectioning for best results
This is the only tool here built for one job. Its plates are not zigzag and they are not barrels, they are a checkerboard grid, and the physics of that grid is what produces volume rather than texture.
Because the plates do not press the hair flat, they create alternating pockets of lift between the points of contact. When you brush the section out, those pockets stay open, and the root section sits higher off the scalp than flat hair ever could.
The heat range is 220F to 395F with an LED display, which matters more on a volumizing iron than the numbers suggest. A waffle pattern needs enough heat to set the bend but not so much that you dry the section out, and being able to see the exact temperature is how you find that point.
Automatic shut-off, a 360-degree swivel cord and ceramic plates round out a tool that is clearly built for regular use. Reviews describe volume that lasts until the next wash, which is the strongest wear-time claim in the whole product set.
Why the checkerboard pattern beats zigzag for volume
A standard crimper compresses the hair between two corrugated plates, which leaves you with texture that has to be brushed out to become volume. This one never fully compresses the section, so the lift is structural rather than temporary. That is why the volume survives a brush-out and a commute.
There is a technique cost. You need to section properly, hold the tool almost vertical at the root rather than clamping horizontally, and give it time to set. Skip the sectioning and you will get a shadow of the effect you bought it for.
Where it falls short
It is the most expensive tool here and the heaviest at two pounds, which matters over a full head of sections. It is also built for long or thick hair, so on fine hair the 1.5-inch plates are wider than most sections you would take.
Do not expect visible crimp texture from it. This is a volume tool and only a volume tool, and anyone who wants a Y2K zigzag will be disappointed by the result.
6. Terviiix 4-in-1 Keratin and Argan Oil Crimper – Best for Versatility
- Four plate widths in one tool
- Keratin and argan oil infused plates
- Tourmaline ceramic coating
- Thirty second heat-up
- Sixty minute auto shut-off
- Dual voltage worldwide
- Plate changing mechanism takes practice
- Higher price than basic crimpers
- Colour options vary by market
Four interchangeable plates from narrow to wide is the reason this tool handles more hair types than anything else here. A narrow plate for the fine sections around your face, a wider plate for the back of your head where the sections are thick.
The plates are infused with keratin and argan oil and coated in tourmaline ceramic. That combination does not make heat harmless, but it is a gentler surface than bare metal and it is the reason this tool appears on fine-hair shortlists at all.
Five temperature settings run from 280F to 430F, and the bottom of that range is low enough to use on fine hair without the anxiety of a tool that will not go below 350F. Dual voltage 100-240V means it works outside the US, which is rare at this level.
The shape Z buckle design secures the plates so they do not fall out mid-session, and there is a 60-minute auto shut-off for anyone who has ever walked away from a hot tool to answer the door.
When one tool has to cover three hair types
If your hair is fine at the front and coarse at the nape, which is very common, a fixed-plate crimper makes you choose. Swapping to the narrow plate for the top sections and the wider one underneath gives you two textures in one style, and the narrow plate is the one that lets you work close to the root without burning.
It also means one tool covers crimping, tighter crimping and a straightening plate, so it replaces more than a single-purpose iron.
Where it falls short
Reviewers note that the plate changing mechanism takes practice and feels stiff at first. Do it over a counter rather than over your hair while you are half dressed, because a dropped plate at the wrong moment is a burn risk.
It costs more than a basic crimper, and if you only ever need one plate width the interchangeable system is paying for versatility you will not use.
7. SHEGLAM Beach Babe Hair Waver – Best for Frizz Control
SHEGLAM Hair Beach Babe Hair Waver 2 Barrel Crimper 1 Inch with Smart Timer & Adjustable Temps Dual Voltage, Anti-Scald, Easy to Use
- Two barrels create voluminous beach waves
- Smart timer alerts at seven seconds
- Negative ions cut frizz and static
- Full-wrap anti-scald insulation
- Dual voltage
- Five temperature settings
- Not suited to short hair
- Newer release with fewer long-term reviews
- Timer can annoy experienced users
Frizz is what kills most volume styles, and this tool attacks it directly. Fifty million negative ions come out of the barrel as you work, which is what keeps a waved section smooth instead of poofy at the root.
The 1.25-inch barrels are on the wider side for a waver, and that width is where the volume comes from. A wide barrel bends more hair per pass and gives you a fuller section when it releases.
The S-shaped curve is claimed to improve heat distribution, and the GLOSS PRO ceramic coating is the surface that makes the shine visible. Five adjustable temperature settings cover the range from fine to medium hair.
The smart timer beeps at seven seconds, which is a genuinely useful guard for anyone nervous about heat damage. Full-wrap anti-scald insulation protects the parts of your hand that come closest to the barrels.
Where the two-barrel design helps with volume
Two barrels sit on either side of a section and work on both sides at once, so a full head takes fewer passes than a single barrel tool. Fewer passes is less cumulative heat, and less heat is the whole argument for fine hair.
Because the barrel is wide, the wave it leaves is loose rather than tight. Loose wave on the underside layer gives grip without a visible crimp line once the top layer is smoothed over it.
Where it falls short
It is not a short-hair tool. Reviewers are clear that the barrel width cannot work on pixie cuts or short bobs, so if your hair will not fit around the barrel, skip it.
This is a recent release, so there is less long-term durability data than on the older tools here. Experienced users also find the seven second timer annoying because they already know how long to hold.
8. Pulla 4-in-1 Ceramic Crimper – Best for Root Lift Plates
Pulla Hair Crimper for Women 4-in-1 Ceramic Crimper Tool Crimping Flat Iron
- Eight-tooth plate designed for hidden root lift
- Wider plate included for defined crinkles
- Tourmaline ceramic spreads heat evenly
- Negative ions cut static
- Heat resistant glove included
- Dual voltage and swivel cord
- Plate mechanism feels stiff
- Older design
- Some users report plates shift during use
The eight-tooth plate is the reason to buy this crimper. Teeth are the crimping element, and more teeth across a given width means a finer, denser pattern that holds the root section up without leaving an obvious zigzag.
That is the opposite of a coarse wide plate, which produces fewer larger bends that are visible when brushed out. Fine teeth give you texture you can hide.
The wider plates in the set give you a defined crinkle for retro styles, so one tool covers both the invisible volume look and the visible texture look. That is why this lands in a volume roundup despite being a conventional crimper rather than a dedicated volumizer.
Tourmaline ceramic plates distribute heat evenly and negative ion technology reduces static by a claimed half, which matters at the crown where static lifts flyaway hairs instead of laying them down into your style.
Why tooth count changes the volume result
Crimping physics is straightforward. The plates bend the section, and when it cools in the bent shape it holds that shape. Finer teeth bend it in more places, which distributes the bend across more of the section and lets it spring back fuller.
The eight-tooth plate is also narrow enough to work close to the root on fine sections. That is the second reason it suits fine hair, and it is the detail the product page does not lead with.
Where it falls short
The plate mechanism feels stiff when you are new to it, and some users report plates shifting during use. Check that a plate is seated properly before you clamp near your scalp.
It is an older design, so it lacks the modern safety additions some newer tools have, such as a styling timer. The included heat-resistant glove is worth using every time, since you will be working close to the root.
9. Wavytalk Power Wave Hair Crimper – Best for Temperature Control
Wavytalk Power Wave Hair Crimper, Ionic Hair Waver for Less Heat Damage
- Eight separate temperature settings
- Four to ten second styling timer
- Dual channel negative ion vents cut frizz
- Advanced ventilation disperses heat
- One pound body
- Anti-scald protection
- New release with limited long term data
- Compact size suits shorter hair
- Premium price for the category
Eight temperature settings is the most granular control in this lineup, and for anyone switching between fine and thick sections in one style it is the feature that matters most. You can move 20F at a time instead of jumping 60F between detents.
The 35mm deep V-shaped plates are designed for defined waves. A V shape grips the section more securely than a flat plate, which means less slipping and a more consistent bend on the second and third passes.
It is marketed specifically for reducing heat damage, and two features do the work. Dual channel negative ion vents reduce frizz, and advanced ventilation disperses heat through the tool so the working surface stays more even.
The styling timer runs from four to ten seconds, which lets you set the hold time once and stop counting. That is the difference between a tool you use correctly on fine hair and one where you guess.
Why a one pound body changes a long session
Crimping means raising your arm and holding it near the crown through section after section. At one pound this is one of the lighter tools here, and on a full head that difference is the difference between finishing and abandoning the style halfway.
The anti-scald protection and the compact format make it a sensible choice for short and medium hair. On very long or very thick hair reviewers note the compact size means more passes are needed.
Where it falls short
This is a recent release, so there is less long-term durability data than the older tools in this roundup. That is not a dealbreaker for most people, but if you want a tool with a decade of field reports, this is not it.
It also costs more than comparable tools with fewer features. You are paying for the temperature granularity and the timer, and if you will only ever use one setting on one hair type, that is money you do not need to spend.
10. SAOSA Ceramic Crimping Iron – Best Budget Pick
- Five heat settings up to 440F
- Thirty second heat-up
- Sixty minute auto shut-off
- Styling glove and heat resistant tip included
- Dual voltage
- Twelve month warranty
- Single fixed plate design
- Temperature steps are wide apart for fine hair
- Some 1-star reviews report plates not closing evenly
This is the tool to buy if you want to find out whether crimping suits you before spending properly. The 1.57-inch ceramic plates crimp a decent section width and the five heat settings cover everything from cautious to firm.
It includes a heat-resistant styling glove and a heat-resistant tip, which is more than plenty of tools at this level include. Working near the root means your fingers come close to hot metal, and the glove matters more than people expect.
Heat-up takes about thirty seconds and there is a 60-minute auto shut-off. Dual voltage means it works in and out of the US, and there is a twelve month manufacturer warranty behind it.
As a root volume tool it does the fundamentals: it takes a section, it bends the hair, it releases a section that holds a little more body than before. That is exactly what the underside layering technique needs.
What a budget crimper can and cannot do
It can produce volume. The mechanism is the same as a tool costing several times more, and on medium hair the result is genuinely comparable once you have the technique right. The plates are ceramic, they heat evenly enough, and the settings reach 440F.
What you give up is control granularity and plate variety. There is one fixed plate, so no narrow option for the fine sections around your face, and the temperature steps between settings are wide, which makes fine-hair precision harder.
Where it falls short
It carries a 4.2 rating with a higher share of 1-star reviews than the tools above it, and the recurring theme is plates that do not close perfectly evenly. If the plates are uneven, your crimp pattern varies across the section and the volume comes out patchy.
Check the plate closure on a section of hair off your head before you commit to a style. If it sits level, this is a perfectly good first crimper.
11. Sixriver 4-in-1 Ceramic Crimper – Best Accessories Included
Hair Crimper for Women, 4-in-1 Ceramic Crimper Tool Flat Crimping Iron
- Four plates including a straightening plate
- Double sided lacquered ceramic resists scratches
- Keratin and argan oil infused
- Glove clips and plate bag included
- Eight replacement plates supplied
- Heavier at 1.64 pounds
- Lowest rating in this lineup
- Plate mechanism may be less secure
- Temperature steps too wide for fine hair
Three wave plates in different sizes plus a straightening plate makes this the most complete styling set here. It replaces a crimper, a waver and a flat iron in one body, which is genuinely useful if your bag is already full.
The plates are double sided with a lacquered ceramic finish, which is a scratch resistance claim rather than a performance one. Scratches on a plate catch hair and cause the pulling that leads to breakage, so it is a claim worth having.
Negative ion emission smooths as it styles, and keratin and argan oil infused replacement plates keep the surface conditioning. Four temperature choices run from 320F to 430F.
The accessory list is the real story: a glove, two clips, a plate storage bag and eight replacement plates. For someone who styles often and loses gloves constantly, that is worth more than another temperature setting.
When a four-in-one earns its bulk
If you crimp for volume and also straighten or wave, the straightening plate in this set means one tool covers three jobs. The widened plates handle more hair per pass, which is useful on thick hair at the back of the head.
The 360-degree swivel cord and dual voltage make it workable for travel, and the plate bag keeps the extra plates from rattling around in a drawer.
Where it falls short
This has the lowest rating in the roundup at 4.1, with a higher proportion of 1-star reviews than the tools above it. Durability is the recurring theme in those reviews, and reviewers report that the plate mechanism does not feel as secure as the tool’s specification suggests.
It is also the heaviest tool here at 1.64 pounds, which you will feel over a full head. And the lowest temperature setting is 320F, with wide steps between options, so it is not the right choice for fine hair that needs to work cool.
12. Dmriektu Volumizing Crimper Iron – Best for Fast Heat-Up
- Five heat settings topping out at 450F
- PTC heater holds a consistent temperature
- Thirty second heat-up
- Heat resistant glove included
- Dual voltage and six foot swivel cord
- Smallest review count in this lineup
- Single fixed plate design
- Buttons sit where they can be pressed by accident
This is the fastest-warming plate crimper here and it also reaches the same 450F ceiling as the Gold N Hot, which is unusual at the budget end of the category. If your mornings are tight, the thirty second warm-up is the feature you will notice.
The PTC heater is the reason it is worth mentioning separately from other budget crimpers. A PTC element corrects for temperature drops as hair passes over the plates, so section ten is heated the same as section one.
Five settings run from 290F to 450F, and the bottom of that range is genuinely low. That makes this more usable on fine hair than the budget crimpers that start at 300F or 320F, even though it has only one fixed plate.
There is a 60-minute auto shut-off, a six foot 360-degree swivel cord, dual voltage and a heat-resistant glove in the box. That is a complete safety and travel package for a tool at this level.
Why fast heat-up matters on fine hair
A tool that is ready in thirty seconds changes behaviour. Most people abandon a style halfway when the tool is still warming, and abandoning a crimped style halfway means the underside layers you did not finish are the ones you can see.
Consistent temperature also means your second section gets the same treatment as your first. On fine hair that matters, because the difference between 380F and 430F is the difference between lift and breakage.
Where it falls short
It has the smallest review count in this lineup, so there is less long-term feedback about how it holds up over years of use. The rating of 4.2 with a higher share of 2-star and 1-star reviews than the top picks is consistent with a tool that works but is not refined.
The most common usability complaint is button placement, where the controls sit where a grip change can press them and drop the setting mid-pass. And with one fixed plate, you are limited to the width it offers.
How to Crimp Hair for Volume Step by Step
Crimping produces texture, and texture only becomes volume when it is buried under a smooth layer. That single idea is why some people try a crimper, brush it out, and conclude that crimping does not work for volume.
Step one: start on clean, dry hair with a heat protectant applied. Section off the top half of your hair and clip it out of the way. You are going to work on the underside, and everything you do now is invisible later.
Step two: take a section about the width of two fingers. Hold the crimper almost vertical, tip down, rather than clamping it horizontally across your head. Vertical placement puts the teeth across the section instead of pulling it straight, and the bend you get is a lift rather than a crease.
Step three: close the plates and hold. Three to five seconds per pass is standard for most plate widths. On a micro or narrow plate, drop to one or two seconds. On fine or thinning hair, two seconds at a low setting is plenty.
Step four: work from the back of your head forward and from the nape upward. Move the tool slightly away from the scalp as you go so you set the bend in the mid-length of the section, not at the root itself. Crimping right at the scalp is the fastest route to a burnt scalp and broken hair.
Step five: let each section cool completely before you touch it. A crimp that is still warm will spring back flat when you brush it, which is the second most common reason crimped volume disappears within the hour.
Step six: brush out from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb or a soft brush. Work in small pieces and brush upward rather than down, which is what lifts the section instead of flattening it. Finish with a light texture or anti-frizz spray and release the top layer over the top.
Crimper vs Waver vs Flat Iron vs Curling Iron
If you only want volume and not waves, this is the decision that matters. The four tools overlap heavily and produce visibly different results.
A crimper uses two patterned plates and produces a tight zigzag texture. That texture is the best raw material for volume because it grips and holds a bent shape, and it disappears almost completely when brushed out. A waver uses three smooth barrels and produces a broader S-shaped wave, which looks good on its own but gives you grip that is softer than a crimp.
A flat iron clamps the hair completely flat, which removes volume rather than adding it, though a very slight bend on the underside of a section does add a small amount of lift. A curling iron wraps hair around a single barrel, which gives defined curls at the ends and almost nothing at the root.
The practical rule: crimper for hidden root volume, waver for beach waves with some body, flat iron for smoothing over a crimped layer, curling iron for ends. The crimp-then-flat combination is why the top layer of a volume style always looks sleek while the underside does the lifting.
Heat Damage and Safety for Fine and Thinning Hair
Fine and thinning hair is the group most at risk from any hot tool, and it is the group most likely to buy a crimper. Heat breaks the hydrogen bonds inside the strand, and fine strands have less internal structure to rebound, so the damage shows up as breakage at the crown where you hold the tool closest.
Use the lowest temperature setting that sets a crimp. If the section does not hold its bend after cooling, go up one setting rather than holding the tool longer. Longer holds cause more damage than higher temperatures on fine hair.
Keep sections thin. A thin section sets in the same time as a thick one and gives you far more control over where the bend sits.
Do not crimp right at the scalp. Leave a couple of centimetres of distance. The volume comes from the texture in the mid-section holding the root section away from the head, not from heat applied to the root itself.
Use the heat-resistant glove where one is included, and never crimp wet or damp hair. Water turns to steam inside the strand and causes breakage that no temperature setting will explain.
Watch the signs. If your hair feels brittle, snaps when you brush it, or develops a burnt smell, stop and let it recover. Also stop if the plates drag instead of gliding; a dragging plate is catching and pulling.
Why Crimping Sometimes Fails
Almost every complaint about crimpers that I found in the forums comes down to one of five things, and all five are fixable.
Visible zigzags mean you crimped the top layer instead of the underside. Section the top half away and work underneath, then smooth the top over the top with a flat iron or brush.
Volume that dies within an hour means you brushed too early or brushed downward. Let the section cool fully, then brush from ends upward with a wide-tooth comb.
Crimping at the roots burns the scalp and weakens the hair. Set the bend in the mid-length and keep the tool a couple of centimetres off the head.
Plate width confusion is the big one. A tool sold for volume with a wide plate cannot get close enough to the root on a fine section, which is exactly the complaint that appears repeatedly on r/finehair. If your sections are fine, you need a narrow plate.
A crimper that snags or a section that will not hold usually means the plates need cleaning. Hair product residue and loose hair on a zigzag plate both stop it gripping properly, and both are fixable with a cool plate and a soft cloth.
How to Choose a Hair Crimper for Volume
Plate width is the decision that determines whether the tool works for your hair, and it is the one people get wrong most often. Get it right and everything else is a preference.
Under one inch, or micro plates, give you the finest pattern and the closest access to the root. These are the right choice for fine hair, short hair and any section taken around the face. They need shorter holds because more heat concentrates in a small area.
Around one inch is the all-rounder. It handles medium sections, gives you control near the root and still covers enough hair to finish a style in a reasonable time.
One-and-a-quarter inch and wider crimp faster and give a shallower, broader bend that disappears more easily on the brush-out. Choose these for thick coarse hair and long layered styles. They cannot work on short hair.
Plate material decides how the tool feels in your hair. Ceramic spreads heat evenly and adds shine. Tourmaline ceramic combines even heat with lower static. Ionic coatings reduce frizz. Bare metal runs hot and is the option most likely to damage fine hair, so skip it.
Heat range decides whether you have control. A single fixed temperature is a problem on anything but one hair type. Look for at least four settings and check that the lowest setting is low, ideally under 320F, because fine hair needs a genuinely cool option.
Safety features are cheap to add and worth having: automatic shut-off, a heat-resistant tip, and a plate-locking switch for travel. The lock matters more than it sounds, because a tool left unlocked in a bag can scorch its own case.
Weight matters more than most spec sheets suggest. A full head of small sections with your arm raised will make a two-pound tool feel like four. Below a pound and you will not notice the tool in your hand at all.
Travel features, if you need them: dual voltage is near universal in this category, and a swivel cord prevents the cable from dragging your section sideways as you work behind your head.
Match the tool to your hair. Fine or thinning hair wants a narrow plate, low heat settings, short holds and a light body. Thick coarse hair wants a wide plate, a high ceiling and a tool that covers hair per pass quickly. Short hair wants the narrowest plate available. Long layered hair wants width and a deep bend, and it benefits most from the underside layering method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between a crimper and a waver?
A crimper uses two zigzag plates and creates a tight crimp texture, which is better for hidden root volume because it holds grip when brushed out. A waver uses three smooth barrels and creates broader S-shaped beach waves. If you want volume rather than waves, choose a crimper or a volumizing iron.
How do I make my hair look like it has more volume?
Crimp the underside of your hair in thin sections, holding the tool vertically and 2 to 3 cm away from the scalp for 3 to 5 seconds. Let each section cool, brush it out from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, then smooth the top layer over the top. The crimped texture underneath is what creates the lift.
What is the best crimper brand?
It depends on your hair type rather than the brand. For overall volume the Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver is the most proven. For dedicated root lift the VOLOOM Classic 1.5 inch iron uses checkerboard plates built only for volume. For fine hair the MBHAIR ceramic crimper gives you five heat settings at a light weight.
How long should you hold a crimper in your hair?
Hold for 3 to 5 seconds per pass on standard plates. On micro or narrow plates, and on fine or thinning hair, drop to 1 to 2 seconds. Let the section cool completely before brushing, because a crimp that is still warm will spring back flat.
How to use a crimper on fine hair?
Use the lowest heat setting available, take sections no wider than two fingers, and hold the plates for 1 to 2 seconds. Work only on the underside layer, keep the tool 2 to 3 cm away from the scalp, and apply a heat protectant first. Fine hair has less internal structure, so less heat exposure is the whole game.
Do hair crimpers damage hair?
Any hot styling tool can damage hair, and heat breaks the bonds inside the strand. Crimping damages more than a flat iron because the plates press rather than glide. Lower temperature, thinner sections, shorter holds and a heat protectant all reduce damage. Never crimp wet hair, and stop if the plates start to drag or your hair feels brittle.
What is the best hair crimper for adding volume?
The Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver is the best all-round choice, with tourmaline ceramic, multiple heat settings and dual voltage. The VOLOOM Classic 1.5 inch iron is the most dedicated volume tool because its checkerboard plates create lift rather than texture. For fine hair the MBHAIR ceramic crimper is the lightest and most controllable.
Conclusion
The best hair crimpers for volume are not the ones with the most features, they are the ones whose plate width matches your hair and whose heat range gives you a genuinely cool setting. Start with the Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver if you want one tool that does everything well, or the MBHAIR ceramic crimper if your hair is fine and you want the lightest, most controllable option.
For dedicated root volume that survives a brush-out, the VOLOOM Classic checkerboard iron is in a category of its own, and the Pulla 8-tooth plate gets you most of the way there for less. Whatever you pick, crimp the underside, keep it away from the scalp, and let it cool before you brush. That technique does more for your volume than any setting on the dial.
For more ways to get lift and hold, see our guides to the best hair dryers for fine hair and the best hair dryers for curly hair, plus our picks for hair straighteners for curly hair and hair steamers.