Crimped Hair Was Everywhere at the 2025 VMAs

Social media influencer Haley Kalil embraced full '90s nostalgia with tightly pressed crimps and a sharp zigzag part. The defined ridges and playful parting gave her hair a bold, retro finish, making her look one of the most true-to-era takes on the crimping revival. Use a tighter crimping iron like the Hot Tool Pro Artist 24K Gold Crimping Iron ($39) or the Gold N Hot Professional Ceramic Crimper ($32) to get that throwback look with tight ridges. Be sure to prep your hair with a heat protectant, like the Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray ($46) or the Amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum ($32).