'Utah Curls' Add More Movement to Straight Hair—Here's How to Get the Look

If you have pin-straight hair, you may relate to the “grass is greener” phenomenon, where you wish for curls that will actually stick the whole day. Beach waves became an effortless go-to for anyone with naturally flat hair. And with the right amount of product on a good hair day, vintage finger waves work great on straight hair.

Recently, social media (Utah-based TikTok in particular) invented the phenomenon of Utah curls. If you aren’t familiar, these loose, dynamic curls work on several hair lengths and add tons of volume to thin hair. We asked hair stylists for the best method to achieve this look so you can enjoy movement that will last for days.

What Are Utah Curls and Why Are They Called That?

According to salon owner Nunzio Saviano, Utah curls are loose, beachy waves with straight ends. The exact tightness of the curl can vary, with Saviano’s favorite variation being more of a bend in the middle of the hair, with it falling straight at the bottom. What sets Utah curls apart are the distinctly straight ends. While leaving the ends out of the curling iron can achieve the look, some use a straightener for even more contrast. 

This hairstyle was coined by Utah-based bloggers and influencers, who started sharing it—along with several other beauty and style trends—in recent years. The look isn’t exactly new, but it is extremely specific to the Utah community despite how quickly it went nationwide. “I’m from New Jersey and in the hair industry. New trends [like these] just spread like wildfire!” says stylist Francesca Cusano. “I think my first time hearing of it was through Instagram reels.” 

Short video tutorials usually show the look on longer hair, but Saviano thinks Utah curls work great on hair as short as chin length.

How to Style Utah Curls

Saviano and Cusano have similar methods for achieving voluminous Utah curls at home. You’ll need to use a curling iron, so don’t skip out on heat protectant spray. Also, since hot tools can be harsh on the hair, try to keep the style for a few days between washing if possible.

Step 1: Prep Hair With Heat Protectant

Any heat protectant spray will do, but if you don’t already have one in your stash, pick one that is suitable for your hair type and offers protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply to product to freshly washed, damp hair before blowdrying.

Step 2: Blow Dry or Air Dry Hair as Usual

Whatever method you have for drying your locks, do it. If you like to let your hair mostly air dry while you get ready, that’s OK. Just make sure your hair is completely dry before reaching for the curling iron.

Step 3: Curl Small Sections, Leaving the Ends Out

Cusano prefers using a 1” curing iron (with a clamp!) for initially tighter curls whereas Saviano likes a 1.25” curling iron for this style. Whichever diameter you choose, the technique will be as follows. 

Saviano likes to: 

• Start from the bottom of the hair and work your way up. Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the curling iron, leaving the ends out. Heat the section for 2-3 seconds. 
• Release the section, and let it cool before touching it. Continue from the bottom up. 

Cusano starts in the opposite direction:

• Start at the root with a small section of hair. Slide the iron down a couple of inches, curling up, then let that part go off of the iron, and repeat. 
• Slide down a little, curl up, and let go of the top part.
• Once you get to the bottom few inches of hair, make sure you’re pulling the ends straight. “That’s the most important part of a Utah Curl!” says Cusano.

Step 4: Use a Wide Tooth Comb to Loosen Curls

After the waves are completely dry, run a wide tooth comb through it. Saviano says not to use a brush for a more natural look. To keep the end result light and effortless, you don’t need any heavy products. Use a texture spray to finish and hold the curls. It’s OK if the curls drop more throughout the next few days.