There are many different ways to make your hair look crimped. A crimping iron will give you the '80s version of the hairstyle, with small, defined, and angular 'Z' waves. For a more modern 'mermaid crimp' look, use a three-barrel waver or curling iron. Another option is to tightly braid your hair in tiny plaits, then flat-iron each section. Once you unbraid, your hair will hold the wavy pattern, creating a crimped effect. If your hair is naturally curly, skip the flat-iron step and leave the plaits in overnight.