Hair Crimper Fall 2026 Trends: Autumn Style Guide

Hair Crimper Fall 2026 Trends: Autumn Style Guide
In This Guide
- 3 Fall 2026 Crimped Hair Trends
- 5-Step Fall Crimping Routine
- Temperature Guide for Fall
- 5 Seasonal Pro Tips
- FAQs
3 Fall 2026 Crimped Hair Trends to Try Now
Fall 2026 is shaping up to be the season of texture. Crimped hair is back, but the 2026 take is more wearable than the 80s version — looser, more dimensional, and styled to complement the warm copper and auburn hair colors trending this autumn.
Trend 1: Pumpkin-Spice Waves (Loose 1.5-inch crimps)
The biggest fall 2026 crimp trend is what stylists are calling "pumpkin-spice waves" — loose, beachy crimps that mimic the look of a sweater-weather blowout. The crimp pattern is wider (1.5 inches) and the volume is concentrated at the mid-lengths, not the roots. This look pairs especially well with the copper and auburn hair colors trending for fall. The FIFN L01 Hair Crimper at $39.99 has the wider 25mm plates perfect for this look.
Trend 2: Chunky 80s Revival (Tight 0.5-inch crimps)
The 80s are officially back for fall 2026, but with a modern twist — the crimps are tight (0.5-inch sections) and concentrated at the crown, fading out into a smoother finish through the lengths. This is the high-volume look for people who want drama without committing to a full head of crimps. Use a 9mm plate tool for the tightest crimp definition.
Trend 3: Copper-Toned Texture (Medium crimps for color dimension)
Fall's biggest color trend is copper and auburn, and crimping is the best way to show off the dimension. Medium crimps (1-inch sections) catch the light differently across each ridge, making the color look multi-dimensional. The FIFN M01 Hair Straightener at $36.99 doubles as a crimper when used at the root for subtle volume that highlights copper tones.

FIFN L01 Hair Crimper — 25mm wide plates, 25W power, perfect for loose 1.5-inch fall waves. $39.99.

FIFN M01 Hair Straightener — 25mm ceramic plates, 25W, doubles as a crimper for root volume. $36.99.

FIFN L05 Mini Hair Crimper — 9mm plates for tight crimps, edge control, and travel. $29.99.
Fall Crimping Routine: 5 Steps in 12 Minutes
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wash hair the night before, sleep on silk pillowcase | 0 min |
| 2 | Apply heat protectant and detangle | 1 min |
| 3 | Heat crimper to 350°F (175°C) for medium hair | 2 min |
| 4 | Crimp 1-inch sections, 5 sec hold each | 8 min |
| 5 | Shake out and set with flexible-hold hairspray | 1 min |
Total time: 12 minutes from dry hair to finished fall look. Crimping second-day hair (rather than freshly washed) gives better hold because the natural oils help the crimp pattern set.
Fall Temperature Guide
| Hair Type | Temp (°F) | Temp (°C) | Hold Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | 280–320°F | 138–160°C | 3 sec |
| Medium | 330–375°F | 165–190°C | 5 sec |
| Thick | 375–410°F | 190–210°C | 7 sec |
| Color-treated | 300–340°F | 149–170°C | 4 sec |
Fall indoor heating dries hair out faster than summer humidity, so the rule for autumn is to drop your crimping temperature by 20°F compared to summer. Lower heat + slightly longer hold time gives the same crimp definition with less damage.
Key Facts to Know
25mm plates are the fall 2026 standard for the looser pumpkin-spice wave look. Anything tighter reads as 80s costume rather than modern fall texture. The L01's 25mm plates are dialed into this exact trend.
Copper and auburn hair color is trending for fall 2026 across all major stylists, and crimping is the best way to show off the multi-tonal dimension. Crimps catch light at different angles, making a single-process copper color look like it has highlights.
9mm plates work for edges and face-framing pieces but are too narrow for full-head crimping. The L05 Mini is the right tool for tight accent crimps at the hairline or for crimping baby hairs.
Do's and Don'ts for Fall Crimping
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don't |
|---|---|
| Crimp second-day hair, not freshly washed | Crimp wet or damp hair |
| Use a heat protectant with argan oil | Skip heat protectant in cool weather |
| Drop temperature 20°F in fall | Use summer's high heat settings |
| Section hair into 1-inch parts | Crimp random thick sections |
| Finish with flexible-hold hairspray | Use stiff-hold hairspray that crunches |
5 Fall Pro Tips
- Match crimp width to your color: Loose 1.5-inch crimps look best on solid copper or auburn, while tight 0.5-inch crimps show off balayage and dimension. Pick your crimp size based on whether you want a uniform or multi-tonal effect.
- Crimp before bed for second-day volume: Crimping in the evening and sleeping on a silk pillowcase gives you effortless second-day volume that is the hallmark of the pumpkin-spice wave trend.
- Use the L05 for face-framing pieces: The 9mm plates of the L05 are perfect for crimping the small sections around your face, creating the soft halo effect that defines fall 2026's romantic looks. See the L05 product page for details.
- Pair crimping with a hydrating mask: Fall indoor heat is brutal on crimped hair. Use a deep conditioning mask once a week to keep the crimps bouncy rather than brittle.
- Try root crimping for subtle volume: Crimping just the roots with the M01 (used as a crimper at the scalp) gives 30% more volume without committing to full-head crimps — perfect for office-friendly fall looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are crimped hairstyles still in style for fall 2026?
Answer: Yes, crimped hair is one of the top fall 2026 hair trends. The 2026 take is looser and more wearable than the 80s version — think pumpkin-spice waves rather than zigzag crimps. Major stylists are reporting crimped texture on copper and auburn hair colors as the defining fall look. The look is especially popular for people who want volume without committing to a full perm or extensions.
Q2: What's the best crimper for loose fall waves?
Answer: The FIFN L01 Hair Crimper with 25mm plates is the best tool for loose fall waves. The wider plate size creates the 1.5-inch crimp pattern that defines fall 2026 trends. Narrower 9mm crimpers create the tight 80s zigzag look, which reads as costume rather than modern. The L01's ceramic plates distribute heat evenly for consistent crimp definition across all sections.
Q3: How do I keep crimped hair from frizzing in fall humidity?
Answer: Fall brings both dry indoor air and humid outdoor air, both of which cause frizz on crimped hair. The fix is anti-frizz serum applied to mid-lengths and ends after crimping — about a pea-sized amount worked through the hair. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray that contains humidity blockers. Avoid touching the crimps once they are set, as the natural oils from your hands break down the hold.
Q4: Can I crimp color-treated or highlighted hair in fall?
Answer: Yes, but drop the temperature by 20°F compared to unprocessed hair. Color-treated hair is more porous, so it crimps faster but also damages faster. Use 300-340°F (149-170°C) for color-treated hair and reduce hold time to 4 seconds per section. Always apply a heat protectant with UV filters, since fall sun is still strong enough to fade copper and auburn tones.
Q5: How long does a crimped fall style last?
Answer: A properly crimped fall style lasts 2-3 days with minimal touch-up. The key is to crimp second-day hair (not freshly washed) and finish with flexible-hold hairspray. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve the crimp pattern overnight. To refresh on day 3, scrunch the roots with dry shampoo and re-crimp just the face-framing pieces with the L05 mini crimper — full re-crimping is rarely needed.
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