19 Brushed-Out Crimp Wave Hairstyles
Soft, fluffy, and full of movement, these brushed-out crimp wave hairstyles turn defined texture into an airy finish with plenty of personality.
Brushed-out crimp waves offer a softer alternative to sharply defined crimped hair. Instead of keeping every ridge crisp, the texture is gently separated and expanded to create fuller, more touchable movement. Depending on how much the hair is brushed, the result can range from subtle ripples to dramatic cloud-like volume.
The best version depends on your length, density, desired polish, and styling time. Longer hair can showcase flowing texture, while bobs and shoulder-length cuts create a compact, modern silhouette. Parts, bangs, ponytails, layers, and accessories can also completely change the mood of the finished look.
Quick List
- Soft Brushed Out Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Deep Side Part Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Center Part Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Voluminous Long Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Shoulder Length Brushed Crimp Hairstyle
- Short Bob Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Half Up Crown Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- High Ponytail Brushed Crimp Hairstyle
- Low Ponytail Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Face Framing Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Root Lifted Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Wispy Fringe Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Curtain Bangs Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Layered Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Glamorous Brushed Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Loose Boho Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Sleek Root Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Clipped Back Crimp Wave Hairstyle
- Messy Textured Crimp Wave Hairstyle
1. Soft Brushed Out Crimp Wave Hairstyle
The Soft Brushed-Out Crimp Wave Hairstyle keeps the signature rippled texture visible while taking away the sharp, structured feel of traditional crimping. After the hair is crimped, gentle brushing separates the pattern into fluffy bends with a light, airy finish. It works especially well when you want noticeable texture without making the style look overly sculpted. Medium to long hair gives the waves plenty of room to open up, although the same technique can create attractive fullness on shorter lengths. Keep the ends slightly relaxed rather than perfectly uniform so the finished shape feels natural. A light touch while brushing helps preserve definition instead of turning the texture into uncontrolled frizz.
Styling Notes
Work through small sections while crimping, then allow the hair to cool before brushing. A wide-tooth comb or soft brush gives more control over how much the pattern expands.
2. Deep Side Part Crimp Wave Hairstyle
A Deep Side-Part Crimp Wave Hairstyle combines fluffy crimped texture with an asymmetrical shape that instantly gives the hair more visual movement. Shifting most of the volume to one side creates a sweeping silhouette, while the brushed-out waves keep the finish soft rather than rigid. This approach is particularly effective on medium or long hair because the heavier side can fall across the shoulder in a full cascade. You can keep the roots relatively smooth for contrast or add a little lift for a more dramatic result. Avoid over-brushing the smaller side, since retaining some definition there helps balance the expanded volume on the opposite side and keeps the overall style intentional.
Why It Works
The deep part changes how the volume is distributed, making the crimp texture look more dimensional. It is an easy way to refresh brushed waves without adding accessories or complicated pinning.
3. Center Part Crimp Wave Hairstyle
The Center-Part Crimp Wave Hairstyle creates a balanced, symmetrical take on brushed-out texture. With the hair divided evenly through the middle, the soft waves fall on both sides of the face and make the crimp pattern feel clean and modern. This version works beautifully when you want the texture itself to be the main feature rather than relying on dramatic parting or accessories. Keeping the first inch or two near the roots slightly smoother can prevent excess width around the crown, especially on dense hair. For a softer finish, brush through the mid-lengths and ends more thoroughly while leaving a little definition near the top. The result feels full, relaxed, and easy to adapt for casual or dressier styling.
Best For
This balanced shape suits medium to long hair especially well and is useful when you want even volume on both sides rather than a heavily swept silhouette.
4. Voluminous Long Crimp Wave Hairstyle
Long hair makes an ideal canvas for the Voluminous Long Crimp Wave Hairstyle because the extra length shows how brushed crimps can expand into layers of soft, continuous texture. The key is creating enough definition first so the pattern remains visible after brushing. Once the sections cool, gently separating them produces a fuller silhouette without erasing every ripple. The length can carry significant volume, so it helps to keep the crown controlled and concentrate the fluffier texture through the mid-lengths and ends. This look is especially striking on dense hair, but finer hair can also achieve the effect with smaller crimped sections and careful brushing. A natural-looking finish should still show individual strands rather than one solid mass of texture.
Wear & Maintenance
Long crimp waves can gradually loosen during the day. Limit unnecessary brushing after the final shape is created, and use light hold rather than heavy products that flatten the texture.
5. Shoulder Length Brushed Crimp Hairstyle
The Shoulder-Length Brushed Crimp Hairstyle gives crimped texture a compact, lively silhouette. Because the hair ends around the shoulders, the expanded waves create noticeable body without the weight that can pull longer styles downward. The result can look slightly tousled, polished, or retro-inspired depending on how thoroughly the crimp pattern is brushed. Concentrating texture through the middle and lower sections keeps the shape from becoming too wide at the roots. This length is also practical for anyone who likes wearing their hair down but still wants enough length for small clips or partial updos. Leaving the ends softly textured rather than tightly crimped can make the finished shape feel lighter and more wearable.
Hair Type & Length
This approach is especially effective on medium-length cuts with enough density to hold visible texture. Fine hair may benefit from slightly smaller crimp sections to create a fuller appearance.
6. Short Bob Crimp Wave Hairstyle
A Short Bob Crimp Wave Hairstyle turns a simple bob into a noticeably more textured shape without requiring extra length. On shorter hair, even a small amount of brushed-out crimping can create significant width and movement, so controlled placement matters. Keeping the roots smoother and adding most of the texture from around eye or cheek level downward helps preserve the bob’s recognizable outline. The crimped sections can then be lightly brushed until the ridges soften into small, fluffy waves. This style works especially well on blunt or lightly layered bobs because the textured ends give the cut extra dimension. Avoid excessive brushing, which can make short hair expand quickly and hide the clean shape of the haircut.
Pro Tip
Start with less brushing than you think you need. Shorter sections open up quickly, and you can always soften the texture further once you see the overall silhouette.
7. Half Up Crown Crimp Wave Hairstyle
The Half-Up Crown Crimp Wave Hairstyle combines loose, brushed-out texture with a gently lifted upper section. Pulling back the hair around the temples exposes the face while leaving plenty of crimped volume through the lengths. The crown can be secured with a small elastic, barrette, or discreet pins depending on how decorative you want the finish to feel. This structure is useful when fully loose crimp waves seem too wide around the face, because the half-up section immediately gives the silhouette more control. Leave a few soft pieces near the temples if you prefer a relaxed look. The remaining hair should still show visible ripples and airy separation rather than being brushed into completely indistinct fluff.
Styling Notes
Secure the half-up section after creating the crimp texture so you can control the final volume. Pulling too tightly can flatten the crown and create an abrupt contrast with the loose waves.
8. High Ponytail Brushed Crimp Hairstyle
A High Ponytail Brushed Crimp Hairstyle puts the airy texture into motion by lifting the hair away from the neck and letting the crimped lengths fan out behind the head. The ponytail works best when the base is secure but the textured tail remains soft and flexible. You can smooth the front for a clean contrast or keep a little texture around the hairline for a more relaxed finish. Once the ponytail is tied, lightly separate the waves through the tail rather than aggressively brushing them, since too much expansion can make the shape difficult to control. This style is particularly effective on medium to long hair, where the textured ponytail has enough length to show both movement and definition.
Wear & Maintenance
Choose a secure tie that does not require excessive tension. If the ponytail starts losing volume, gently separate the lower sections with your fingers instead of repeatedly brushing the entire tail.
9. Low Ponytail Crimp Wave Hairstyle
The Low Ponytail Crimp Wave Hairstyle offers a softer, more understated way to wear brushed-out crimp texture. Gathering the hair near the nape keeps the overall shape controlled while the ponytail itself provides the visual interest. A center part can make the look feel sleek and balanced, while a side part creates a looser, more romantic effect. For the best contrast, keep the top smooth or only lightly textured, then allow the crimp pattern to become more visible through the ponytail. A few face-framing pieces can soften the front without competing with the texture at the back. This is also a useful option when you want textured hair to feel polished enough for a dinner, event, or dressed-up daytime look.
Best For
This style is a practical choice for medium to long hair when you want to show the crimp texture but prefer less overall volume around the shoulders and face.
10. Face Framing Crimp Wave Hairstyle
A Face-Framing Crimp Wave Hairstyle uses shorter front pieces or carefully positioned sections to bring the texture toward the face without overwhelming it. Instead of treating every strand exactly the same, the front pieces can be brushed more softly so they curve and blend into the longer crimped lengths. This gives the style a layered appearance even when the haircut itself is relatively simple. The look works particularly well with medium or long hair, where the front sections can transition naturally into fuller waves below the shoulders. Keep the crimping slightly farther from the scalp around the face if you want a softer outline. This prevents unnecessary bulk near the temples while still keeping the rippled texture clearly visible.
Why It Works
Strategic front sections break up a large mass of texture and give the hairstyle a more intentional outline. They can also help connect bangs or shorter layers to the rest of the waves.
11. Root Lifted Crimp Wave Hairstyle
The Root-Lifted Crimp Wave Hairstyle focuses on height as well as texture, creating a fuller silhouette from the crown through the lengths. Unlike versions that keep the roots smooth, this look allows controlled volume to begin closer to the scalp. The effect can be dramatic, especially on medium to long hair, so it is best to build lift gradually rather than crimping every root section identically. Brushing the lower lengths more than the crown helps maintain structure at the top while creating softness below. This style can be particularly useful when you want a bold, editorial-inspired finish, but it still looks wearable when the root volume remains proportionate. The goal is lifted texture, not an overly teased or stiff crown.
Styling Notes
Alternate slightly larger and smaller sections near the crown for a less uniform finish. Keep heavy creams away from the roots, since they can reduce the lifted shape quickly.
12. Wispy Fringe Crimp Wave Hairstyle
The Wispy Fringe Crimp Wave Hairstyle pairs airy crimped lengths with a lighter, softer fringe around the forehead. Instead of crimping the bangs as strongly as the rest of the hair, keep them smooth or add only a subtle bend so they remain easy to position. This contrast prevents the front from becoming overly bulky while letting the textured lengths provide most of the drama. The combination works nicely on shoulder-length and longer cuts, especially when the fringe already has a feathered or piecey finish. Brushing the waves around the temples can help blend the bangs into the main hairstyle. Keep the fringe flexible and separated rather than heavily sprayed, which maintains the softer character of the overall look.
Hair Type & Length
A lighter fringe works particularly well with medium-density hair and layered cuts. Very short bangs can still be paired with crimps, but keeping their texture subtle usually creates the cleanest balance.
13. Curtain Bangs Crimp Wave Hairstyle
Curtain bangs bring an easy sense of shape to the Curtain Bangs Crimp Wave Hairstyle by creating a smooth opening around the center of the face. The longer fringe pieces can be curved outward while the rest of the hair carries the brushed-out crimp texture, giving the style two different but complementary forms of movement. Keeping the bangs relatively smooth also provides visual relief from the fuller texture through the lengths. This version is especially flattering on medium and long layered hair because the curtain pieces can blend gradually into the crimped sections. Avoid creating extremely tight crimps directly through the bangs unless you intentionally want a more dramatic finish. A gentle transition usually makes the style easier to wear and restyle.
Pro Tip
Style the curtain bangs separately before finishing the crimped lengths. This makes it easier to control their direction without accidentally flattening the surrounding textured sections.
14. Layered Crimp Wave Hairstyle
A Layered Crimp Wave Hairstyle highlights the movement already built into a layered haircut. Different lengths catch the brushed-out texture at slightly different points, giving the style depth instead of creating one uniform curtain of waves. Longer layers can carry fuller crimps through the bottom, while shorter pieces around the crown and face may need less brushing to avoid excessive expansion. This approach works particularly well when the goal is soft, dimensional volume rather than a perfectly consistent crimp pattern. Because layers naturally separate, the finished hair often appears lighter and more mobile than a one-length cut with the same technique. Keep the ends defined enough to show the shape of the haircut instead of brushing until all the layers blend together.
Why It Works
Layering naturally breaks up the crimp pattern and distributes volume across several levels. That can make a highly textured finish feel more balanced and less blocky.
15. Glamorous Brushed Crimp Wave Hairstyle
The Glamorous Brushed Crimp Wave Hairstyle takes the fluffy texture in a more polished direction by combining even waves, controlled shine, and a carefully shaped silhouette. The crimps are still softened with brushing, but the goal is smooth expansion rather than a deliberately messy finish. A side part, softly lifted crown, or one tucked side can add structure without distracting from the textured lengths. This version is especially effective on longer hair because the waves can fall in full sections around the shoulders. Keep flyaways natural but restrained, and avoid coating the hair in heavy shine products that can separate or flatten the texture. The finished style should look soft and dimensional while retaining enough control for a dressier setting.
Wear & Maintenance
Use light hold in thin layers rather than one heavy application. If the waves begin to merge, gently lift and separate individual sections with your fingers instead of brushing the entire style again.
16. Loose Boho Crimp Wave Hairstyle
The Loose Boho Crimp Wave Hairstyle embraces unevenness, softness, and natural-looking movement. Instead of creating identical crimps from roots to ends, vary the starting points and lightly brush different sections to different degrees. Some pieces can retain clearer ripples while others become fluffy and barely defined, creating a relaxed texture that feels intentionally imperfect. A center or slightly off-center part works well, and small braids or discreet clips can be added without overpowering the waves. Medium and long hair provide enough length for the mixed texture to look effortless rather than unfinished. Keep the ends soft and flexible, and resist the urge to make both sides perfectly symmetrical. The slight irregularity is what gives this version its easygoing character.
Styling Notes
Change section sizes as you crimp and use your fingers on a few pieces instead of brushing everything. That variation prevents the finished texture from looking stamped or overly uniform.
17. Sleek Root Crimp Wave Hairstyle
A Sleek-Root Crimp Wave Hairstyle creates deliberate contrast between a polished upper section and airy texture through the lower lengths. The roots remain smooth for several inches before the crimp pattern begins, which keeps the crown compact while allowing the mid-lengths and ends to expand. This approach is especially useful on thick or dense hair because it prevents the entire style from becoming too wide. A clean center part emphasizes the contrast, although a side part can make the transition feel softer. Brush the crimped sections gradually until they become fluffy while preserving enough ridge detail to show the technique. The smooth-to-textured transition should look blended rather than abrupt, so avoid starting every crimp at exactly the same horizontal point.
Best For
This controlled silhouette is a strong option for anyone who likes crimped texture but wants less volume around the crown, temples, or upper sides of the head.
18. Clipped Back Crimp Wave Hairstyle
The Clipped-Back Crimp Wave Hairstyle uses a small accessory to control the front while leaving the main texture loose. Pinning one or both sides behind the ears can immediately make full brushed crimps feel more structured, especially when the hair has significant volume. A minimal barrette, metallic clip, or neutral pin works well because the crimped texture already provides plenty of visual detail. For a balanced finish, leave some lift at the crown instead of pulling the front sections completely flat. The loose lengths can remain fluffy and dimensional, with slightly different wave sizes for a natural effect. This style suits medium to long hair and can easily shift from casual to dressed-up simply by changing the accessory and level of polish.
Pro Tip
Position the clip only after the texture is finished. This lets you judge how much hair needs to be pulled back without flattening more of the crimp pattern than necessary.
19. Messy Textured Crimp Wave Hairstyle
The Messy Textured Crimp Wave Hairstyle is the most deliberately undone version of the look, combining visible crimps with separated, tousled volume. The texture should feel irregular without appearing tangled, so controlled brushing is still important. Work through selected sections rather than brushing everything evenly, allowing some stronger crimp ridges to remain among softer, fluffier pieces. A slightly imperfect part and loose face-framing strands reinforce the casual finish. This approach works especially well on layered medium or long hair, where different lengths naturally help create separation and movement. Keep the roots comfortable and avoid excessive teasing, since the brushed texture already supplies plenty of volume. The finished effect should look relaxed and touchable rather than stiff, matted, or overly styled.
Wear & Maintenance
Finger-separate any sections that compress during the day. Avoid constant brushing, which can gradually remove too much definition and turn intentional texture into excessive frizz.
How to Choose the Right Look
Start with your hair length and the amount of volume you actually want. Long hair can handle expansive styles such as the Voluminous Long Crimp Wave Hairstyle or Glamorous Brushed Crimp Wave Hairstyle, while shorter cuts may look more balanced with controlled options such as the Short Bob Crimp Wave Hairstyle.
Hair density also affects the result. Dense hair can become very wide once the crimps are brushed, so sleek roots, partial pinning, or ponytails can help control the silhouette. Finer hair may benefit from smaller crimped sections and gentler brushing to preserve fullness.
Consider styling time as well. Loose boho and messy textured versions allow more irregularity, while glamorous, center-parted, or sleek-root finishes usually require more precise sectioning. If comfort matters, half-up styles and low ponytails can keep textured hair away from the face without hiding the crimp effect.
Finally, decide whether you want the finish to look polished, romantic, relaxed, or dramatic. The underlying crimp technique may be similar, but parting, brushing, root volume, bangs, and accessories can completely change the mood.
Final Thoughts
Brushed-out crimp waves can range from soft and understated to dramatically voluminous, making the technique surprisingly adaptable. The most wearable version is usually the one that respects your hair’s length and density while controlling where the fullness sits.
Start with a clear crimp pattern, let the hair cool, and soften it gradually. You can always brush more, but preserving a little definition makes it easier to maintain the dimensional texture that gives these hairstyles their character.
FAQs
1. What are brushed-out crimp waves?
Brushed-out crimp waves begin with defined crimped sections that are gently brushed or combed after cooling. This softens the ridges and expands them into fluffier, more blended waves.
2. Should I brush crimped hair immediately after using the tool?
It is generally easier to preserve the pattern if each section cools before you brush or separate it. Brushing warm hair can cause the definition to loosen more quickly.
3. Can brushed-out crimps work on short hair?
Yes. Bobs and other short cuts can carry brushed crimps well, but a lighter touch is useful because shorter hair can gain width very quickly once the texture is expanded.
4. How can I keep brushed-out crimp waves from becoming too frizzy?
Brush gradually rather than repeatedly, and stop once you reach the volume you want. Using your fingers on selected sections can soften the pattern without separating every strand.
5. Do I need to crimp my entire head for this look?
No. You can concentrate the texture through the mid-lengths and ends, leave the roots sleek, crimp only a ponytail, or combine textured lengths with smoother bangs and face-framing sections.
Save your favorite brushed-out crimp wave hairstyles for your next styling day, and share the ideas with anyone looking for fresh textured-hair inspiration.
