When the beach wave gets an update, you know we’re listening. This iconic style of loose curls is a hallmark of beachy hair everywhere. So, seeing a new take is a pretty big deal. Utah curls are making the rounds online as the light and free curl style of the season. And we’re on board!
@lilymorley Love it or hate it but its my favorite way to style my hair! #utahcurls #hairtok #hairtutorial ♬ original sound – Lily Morley
Utah Curls Explained
According to Goldwell stylist Steven Picciano, the key difference is how the ends of the hair are treated. “Utah curls are the viral trend of soft waves with straight ends, styled with texture spray for a softer, matte effect,” he explains.
Waves and loose curls that end straight might sound a little odd, but it’s the backbone of the entire look. The finished style looks like you naturally air-dried your hair on the beach, intentionally textured and still relaxed. The impact is waves instead of structured curls.
“The execution is a little different [from beach waves],” explains Picciano. “The iron is pulled down while curling to create tighter spirals. But, you smooth the ends straight for an undone, easy feel.”
And right now, the look is exploding across web searches and trending data.
“Social media and TV have made these curls very popular,” notes Picciano. Utah curls have been a staple on shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. “Also, the rise of hand-tied extensions as this is the ‘ideal’ way to style that look.”
How to Get the Look
You will spend time with your curling iron to create Utah curls, so you need to start with the basics. “Start with a thermal spray or heat protection,” Picciano explains. “Once you’ve prepped our hair, it’s time for the curling iron. For this style, you need to use an iron that has a clamp.” Note that you don’t want your curls too big for this style.
“My favorite curling iron size for this is 1 1/4-inch,” Picciano says. “This size will give great movement but keep [the hair] from getting too curly or big when we rake through [curls] at the end. Take sections of hair curling away from the face starting at the top, working down the hair and twisting with tension. For the ends, keep the iron closed and slide the hair through almost like you’re flat ironing your ends with the curling iron. Leave the sections to cool completely before finishing the style.”
“Once you’ve finished, you’re going to take a wide tooth comb and comb your hair from scalp to ends in a downward motion,” Picciano explains. “After this step, finish your Utah curls with either Goldwell StyleSign Dry Texture Spray ($25) or scrunch in a little bit of the StyleSign Mattifying Paste ($25). This will add some hold and a beautiful soft texture that will give your Utah curls all day hold and a great finish that won’t look too shiny.”
Products to Nail Your Utah Curls
