In case you haven’t noticed, texture is trending. That’s right, springy curl, loose wave and volume-amping crimp are on scene and are not apologetic about taking over center stage. It’s evident on the runways and in the media, and is now spilling over into the mainstream. To create some of these tactile finishes, stylists and session artists are looking to a new generation of wave and crimp irons to produce a variety of looks for the catwalk and beyond.
When asked about this new generation of hair appliances, Co-Founder of Sam Villa and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken 5th Avenue Sam Villa stated, “A crimping iron is becoming a staple now in a hairdresser’s kit. Today’s crimping iron is smaller and is used in a creative way to enhance volume. For example, if volume is desired at the crown (top of the head), then simply compress at the base (the root) of a section to create volume that will hold. Also, a great tool to enhance curl, crimp every other section and then curl over the entire head for volume and hold.”
According to Robert Sapienza Riley, head of professional sales and education for Cortex USA, “While using a crimping iron, always think about your end look. Do you want maximum wave and body or minimal? This will determine the size of crimping iron one should choose.”
Riley continues, “Plate depth and barrel size all determine the amount of body you will get with your curler. The larger the plate or barrel, the softer the curl will be. I always recommend to use a medium size waver iron so that you can achieve a great look that will last even on the longest and (most) grueling of days.”
A session hairdresser balancing her time between New York and Los Angeles, Annah Anders chimes in, “There is a wide variety of irons and even wider range of pricing for tools, so a buyer does need to be aware. When looking to purchase any appliance, it’s important to weight out the quality of the tool with the frequency of use. With curl, wave and newer crimp iron designs I would suggest investing well in some of the more standard sizes, as they will be versatile workhorses for you. On the other hand, if the tool is a novelty, and not likely to be used more than on very rare occasions, weigh things out and spend accordingly.”
This professional digital triple barrel waver features an ions generator, ceramic coated plates for an even heat distribution, PTC heat system for fast heat up and constant temperature, fine electronic temperature regulation in 8 steps and a temperature lock function for ultimate safety when styling. There's even an auto shut-off after 60 minutes and a soft-touch surface with cool tips.
Create beautiful finger waves, mermaid waves, big barrel curls, as well as numerous other styles - even use it just to create volume. This dual styler is a curler and waver in one appliance. It features an easy release 2.5-inch barrel, Thermolon plate and barrel, digital temperature control and an 11-foot heat resistant textile power cord. Also included is a handy heat protective glove and cleaning towel.
Sam Villa Signature Series Textur Professional Texturizing Iron
This dual voltage 1-inch texturizing iron increases the volume and texture in hair, which is perfect for creating updos, wedding hairstyles, thicker braids, and more. Titanium coated plates are durable, evenly conduct heat and make cleaning the plates easy. Targeted temperature technology ensures consistent temperature and if left on over 60 minutes, the auto shut-off feature kicks in. In addition, the ergonomic handle fits all hand sizes and the slightly longer body offers controlled compression and less wrist fatigue.
CHI Onyx Euroshine 1-inch Crimping Iron
Ceramic micro-ridged crimping plates provide volume and texture, and produce noticeably shinier results. Preset temperature settings offer easily recognizable and customizable temperature selection per hair type. This texture adding iron heats up in 30 seconds and has a maximum temperature of up to 425°F.
Valera Silhouette Hair Crimper
Provides a fine and continuous electronic temperature regulation and floating plates system for uniform contact on the hair. The large 6-wave plates are coated with ceramic tourmaline, a natural source of negative ions for an anti-static finish. This iron also features a maximum temperature of 210°C / 410˚F, cool tips and a 3-meter / 9.8-inch swivel cord for ease of use.
Hot Tools Ceramic Tourmaline Deep Waver
Senses heat loss and begins restoring it immediately so the iron stays hot. Ceramic Tourmaline produces far-infrared heat, which is gentle to hair. When heated, it is a natural source of ions, helps seal the hair cuticle and eliminates frizz leaving hair soft, and shiny. Titanium provides excellent durability under high heat. It also provides lightweight strength, corrosion resistance to styling products, and even heat distribution.
Bed Head Wave Artist Ceramic Deep Waver
This waver is equipped with Tourmaline ceramic technology to provide soft, shiny results, as fast high heat lets you finish styling quickly. Unique deep barrels offer sculpted beach waves while multiple heat settings up to 400° F offer instant heat recovery for consistent results. There’s even a tangle-free 6-foot swivel cord for easier use.
BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium C Styler
Lift for volume, bend or flip at different angles to create desired styles or wrap hair around the housing to creative curves or large waves. The extra-long 5-inch titanium plates offer instant heat-up and recovery up to 450°F. With 50 heat settings, create smooth curls, waves and flips for most any length or type of hair. The stay-cool Ryton housing and slim design provide versatile, comfortable styling.
This lightweight tool is designed with a ¾-inch deep groove barrel for perfectly crafted waves. The Tourmaline ceramic coating helps eliminate frizz and locks in shine while the 430°F high heat setting helps to quickly set waves in place. Multiple heat settings are available for all hair types and the high heat, constant heat monitors styling temperature to deliver consistent results. A handy cool tip, locking switch and tangle-free cord all add the user experience.
Exclusive Edition Professional Straightener with Interchangeable Plates
This styler provides ultimate control by tackling the most challenging, unruly hair with ease. The 1.5-inch iron has three easy glide Thermolon plates: one straight and two size crimpers. Plates quickly and easily slide on and off to go from straight to wavy in seconds. With a digital LCD temperature control, this dual voltage appliance features temperatures from 160 – 450°F and also has an auto shut off function. An 11-foot heat resistant textile power cord swivels 360 degrees and the ergonomic design allows for comfortable and easy styling.
