Utah curls introduce lively movement to straight hair—here’s how you can achieve this trendy, voluminous style.

If you have super-straight hair, you might be familiar with the 'grass is greener' feeling, where you long for curls that stay put all day. Beach waves became an easy go-to for those with naturally flat hair. And with the right products on a good hair day, vintage finger waves can work wonders on straight hair.

Recently, social media, especially Utah-based TikTok, introduced the trend of Utah curls. If you're not yet familiar, these relaxed, bouncy curls suit various hair lengths and provide a volume boost for thinner hair. We consulted hairstylists for the best techniques to create this look so you can enjoy lasting movement for days.

What Are Utah Curls and Why Are They Called That?

Salon owner Nunzio Saviano explains that Utah curls are loose, beachy waves with straight ends. The curl's tightness can vary, with Saviano's favorite being a bend in the middle of the hair, leaving the bottom straight. What makes Utah curls unique is the distinct straightness of the ends. While you can achieve this look by leaving the ends out of the curling iron, some people use a straightener for an even sharper contrast.

This hairstyle was popularized by Utah-based bloggers and influencers, who began sharing it alongside other beauty and fashion trends in recent years. While the look isn’t exactly new, it is closely associated with the Utah community despite its rapid nationwide spread. “I’m from New Jersey and work in the hair industry. New trends [like these] spread like wildfire!” says stylist Francesca Cusano. “I first came across it through Instagram reels.”

Short video tutorials often demonstrate the look on longer hair, but Saviano believes Utah curls also work wonderfully on hair as short as chin-length.

How to Style Utah Curls

Saviano and Cusano share similar techniques for creating voluminous Utah curls at home. You'll need a curling iron, so don't forget to apply heat protectant spray. Since hot tools can be tough on hair, try to extend the style for a few days between washes if you can.

Step 1: Protect Your Hair With Heat Spray

Any heat protectant spray will do, but if you don’t have one, choose one suited to your hair type and capable of withstanding temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply it to freshly washed, damp hair before blow-drying.

Step 2: Dry Your Hair as Usual

Whatever drying method you prefer, just do it. If you let your hair air dry while you get ready, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure your hair is completely dry before using the curling iron.

Step 3: Curl Small Sections, Leaving the Ends Straight

Cusano prefers using a 1” curling iron (with a clamp!) for tighter curls initially, while Saviano opts for a 1.25” curling iron for this style. No matter which size you choose, the technique remains the same.

Saviano’s method includes:

• Begin at the bottom of your hair and work upwards. Take a small section and wrap it around the curling iron, leaving the ends out. Hold for 2-3 seconds.
• Release the curl, let it cool before touching it, and continue working from bottom to top.

Cusano starts from the opposite direction:

• Start at the root with a small section of hair. Slide the iron a few inches down, curl up, then release the section from the iron, and repeat.
• Slide down a bit, curl up, and release the top part.
• As you reach the ends, make sure to pull the ends straight. “That’s the most important part of a Utah Curl!” says Cusano.

Step 4: Detangle Curls with a Wide Tooth Comb

Once your waves are fully dry, gently pass a wide tooth comb through them. According to Saviano, a brush is best avoided for a more natural look. To maintain a light and effortless finish, skip heavy products. Instead, use a texture spray to finish and lock in the curls. It's perfectly fine if the curls soften over the next few days.