Crimped Hair Was Everywhere At New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion is rarely more evident than in the resurgence of crimped hair, a trend that dominated New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027. Seeing it reappear across collections from Christian Siriano to Anna Sui confirms what many in the industry already suspected: nostalgia, particularly for the late 80s and early 90s, continues to exert a powerful influence. This isn’t entirely surprising, especially when considering the broader trends we’ve observed; Zendaya’s ‘Dune: Part Three’ outfits could be from NYFW’s Spring 2027 Runways [Zendaya’s 'Dune: Part Three' Outfits Could Be From NYFW’s Spring 2027 Runways] and the overall embrace of maximalism and playful experimentation seen throughout the season. The ten-year cycle referenced in the Wikipedia entry for "hair crimping" – a surprisingly comprehensive resource, it seems – suggests a predictable ebb and flow, but the speed with which trends now return is accelerated by social media and the constant re-evaluation of past aesthetics. Even as we’re digesting the key trends from this season, as outlined in "9 New York Fashion Week Trends the Chicest Dressers Will Wear in 2027" [9 New York Fashion Week Trends the Chicest Dressers Will Wear in 2027], we’re already seeing echoes of decades past.
What’s particularly compelling about this crimped hair revival isn’t just its presence, but *how* it’s being presented. It’s not the over-the-top, aggressively textured crimping of the 80s. Instead, we’re seeing a more refined, modern interpretation – softer waves, perhaps achieved with a more nuanced styling technique, and integrated into looks that prioritize a sense of understated elegance. The visual at NYFW showed a controlled, almost sculptural crimp, suggesting a move away from the haphazard, voluminous styles of the past. This aligns with the larger aesthetic shift we’ve been witnessing towards quiet luxury and a more intentional approach to personal style. The trend is being presented not as a statement in itself, but as a textural element that adds depth and visual interest to an otherwise polished look. It speaks to a desire for individuality, but one expressed within a framework of sophisticated restraint – a core tenet of the current fashion landscape.
The broader significance of this return lies in its reflection of a larger cultural mood. The late 80s and early 90s were periods of significant change and, for many, a sense of optimism and rebellion. Reaching back to that era allows for a reinterpretation of those sentiments through a contemporary lens. The crimped hair itself becomes a symbol of reclaiming a past aesthetic, but doing so in a way that feels fresh and relevant. It's a subtle nod to a specific moment in time, rather than a wholesale imitation. Moreover, the styling choices surrounding the crimped hair—the makeup, the clothing—demonstrate a conscious effort to contextualize the trend within a modern, elevated framework. This isn't about recreating the 80s; it's about drawing inspiration from it while maintaining a sense of contemporary sophistication, proving that even seemingly dated trends can be reimagined and integrated into a refined personal style.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to observe how this crimped hair trend evolves beyond the runways. Will it become a mainstream phenomenon, embraced by a wider audience, or will it remain a niche styling choice for those seeking a touch of vintage-inspired flair? The success of this trend, and others like it, will likely depend on how effectively stylists and influencers can demonstrate its versatility and adaptability. The key will be to showcase how crimped hair can be integrated into a variety of looks, from casual everyday ensembles to more formal occasions, without sacrificing the overall sense of effortless elegance that defines the current aesthetic. Ultimately, the question is: can this playful texture be successfully woven into the fabric of modern femininity, or will it fade back into the annals of fashion history?
The Wikipedia entry for “hair crimping” (and yes, “hair crimping” has its own dedicated Wikipedia page) closes with a line attributed to a hairdressing textbook: “Crimping's popularity has a tendency to return in ten-year cycles.” Perhaps the textbook’s authors are the Cassandras of cosmetology, or perhaps trend cycles really are that, well, cyclical; either way, nearly 20 years after Karl Lagerfeld sent defined, zig-zaggy waves down the Chanel runway — and 40 years after its 1980s heyday — crimped hair has made its triumphant return. And this time, its resurrection came from across the pond: Crimped hair was the raddest beauty trend to emerge from New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027.
At Christian Siriano, models walked the runway with shiny, nearly lacquered locks dotted with sections of super-defined crimps, the vision of key hairstylist Lacy Redway. During Anna Sui’s runway show, louche, ‘70s-inspired ensembles that’d be right at home on the glam rock Sunset Strip were complemented by equally Bohemian hairstyles that featured blended textures. Christian Cowan’s slinky sheaths and red carpet-ready gowns were modeled with crimped hairstyles knotted at the neck and crown. At Caroline Zimbalist’s presentation, bright, wearable pieces inspired by nature were paired with Y2K-worthy hair and makeup, including crimped strands.
Scroll on to learn more about NYFW’s raddest hair trend.
Christian Siriano
Redway, working with TRESemmé, looked to “folklore and modern fairytales” for inspiration. “Smooth hair is interrupted by delicate ridges and finished with a glossy, almost leather-like sheen, creating a look that feels both ethereal and fashion-forward,” she said in a statement from the brand. The reflective finish came courtesy of the brand’s A-List Collection Bonding Oil and Lacquer Shine Spray.
Anna Sui
At Anna Sui, Garren, co-founder of R+Co and R+Co BLEU, took texture to the next level. Models were styled in rockstar shags, curls that would be right at home in an Art Nouveau painting, and, of course, glossy, oversized crimps. After using a three-barrel waving iron to crimp the hair in sections, stylists locked everything in with the brand’s Cult Classic Flexible Hairspray.
Christian Cowan
Dubbed “the siren slipknot” and “mermaid messy knot,” the buns at Christian Cowan — located at the nape of the neck and the crown, respectively — featured a blend of loose texture and defined crimps. Hairstylist Justine Marjan, using TRESemmé products, sought to balance vintage glamour and modern edge: “soft bends, subtle crimps, and an imperfect low knot create a finish that feels both nostalgic and rebellious,” she said of the “siren slipknot” in a statement from the brand.
Caroline Zimblast
For glam that could have come out of an early-aughts rom-com, Caroline Zimblast paired long, straight strands with crimped sections (the work of Aveda hairstylist Alaina Kathleen) with pastel lids and glossy lips (via Michelle Webb, founder of Burn Beauty).
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience