‘Utah Curls’ Could Replace Your Beach Wave Obsession

If your TikTok FYP is anything like mine, it’s probably full of beauty-focused posts. Every time I browse the app, I can guarantee that I’ll learn about a new skin care product, a fun nail trend, or an easy haircut (and occasionally a tarot card reader tells me that my ex-boyfriend is thinking in i sprinkled). The app has helped me master how to create the perfect winged eyeliner on droopy eyes, how to get a voluminous ponytail, and how to achieve the ultimate “my lips, but better” makeup combo.

Recently, I’ve seen everyone on the app going crazy over “Utah curls.” At first glance, I didn’t really see what the problem was, but after watching countless videos over the last month and spending a few hours Googling, “what are Utah curls?” It was clear that I needed to try them. The curls are loose, bouncy, and different from run-of-the-mill beach waves.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the hair trend, find out how you can do it at home, and see what my results were after trying it for myself.

What are Utah curls?

So what are Utah Curls? At first glance, they may look like your average beach wave, but they’re actually a little different. One key difference is that Utah curls have straight ends, while beach waves do not. Additionally, beachy waves can usually be achieved using any type of hot tool, such as a wand, curling iron, or even a flat iron, but to get Utah curls properly, you need a clamp-on curling iron.

How to Get Utah Curls

If you are new to using a curling iron, it may take you a little time to master. I’m pretty handy with mine, but it took even me a few tries to get it right. To start, you should have dry hair, preferably straight and blow-dried. Next, I used the Drybar Hot Toddy Heat Protective Mist ($29) all over my head. If you use hot tools, a heat protectant is absolutely necessary. I love this one because you can use it on dry hair without having that wet feeling.

After dividing it into sections, I grabbed the T3 SinglePass 1 Curling Iron ($170) and started curling it. I’ve tried many curling irons over the years, but this is the one I always come back to. It’s the best option for beachy waves, loose waves, and everything in between (and ultimately, I think it’s what made my Utah curls look the best).

If you’re trying to achieve the look at home, your best bet is to find an instructional video. In my opinion, it is much easier to observe and try to replicate the movement than to follow a written tutorial. I started by straightening my hair halfway up and then curling it up, away from my face. However, the key to Utah curls is not how they curl, but how they detangle.

As I unwrapped it, I twisted the curling iron under and behind the strand of hair. When I got to the ends, I dragged down to make sure they were straight. Immediately after each curl, I made sure to let it cool into the shape it was in. Once I finished my entire head, I brushed the ends with a wide tooth comb. The tutorial I saw said to use a light hold hairspray and even a little hair paste, but I opted to forgo additional products entirely.

My Utah Curls Results

Overall, I liked my Utah curls, but they weren’t my favorite hairstyle. I’m much more into a sleek, bouncy blowout achieved with my Dyson Airwrap, but this worked for me, especially for a second-day look. I think this hairstyle looks best on medium to very long hair. I’ve seen it on short hair, but it doesn’t have the same effect in my opinion, especially if the hair has layers.

Renee Rodríguez (she/her) is an editor and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise are in fashion and beauty content, with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. He also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.