Utah Curls: The TikTok Trend Turning Traditional Waves Upside Down
Explore the viral Utah Curls trend from TikTok, dissect its step-by-step technique, its cultural roots, and expert tips for nailing the voluminous waves at home.
If you’ve been binge-watching The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives or scrolling beauty TikTok, you’ve likely seen a new hair trend making waves—literally. Utah Curls are the latest sensation, known for their signature soft, uniform waves that start right at the root and flow through the lengths with a polished finish. But what sets these curls apart from the classic beachy wave, and why are they blowing up now? Let’s dive into what makes Utah Curls unique, how to create them, and the surprising cultural context fueling their popularity.
What Are Utah Curls?
The name “Utah Curls” might sound odd, but this look is instantly recognizable: cascading S-shaped waves with sleek, straightened ends, usually worn incredibly long—often with hair extensions. Unlike the tousled, undone beachy wave, Utah Curls are uniformly glossy and voluminous, giving an almost perfected, aspirational appearance. At the core, they are all about consistency, conformity, and a high-glam finish.
- Wave Pattern: Soft, uniform S-waves that start at the roots and extend through the mid-lengths.
- Length: Typically worn long, often mid-back or longer, with extensions being common.
- Ends: Not curled under or up—the last inch or more stays mostly straight for a modern, sleek effect.
- Finish: Shiny, smooth, and highly polished. Frizz and chaos need not apply.
The Rise of Utah Curls: Where Did This Trend Begin?
The trend’s name is a direct nod to styles favored by Utah-based Mormon women influencers, many of whom dominate TikTok’s beauty sphere. Shows like Disney+’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives pushed the style into the mainstream, as viewers noticed most cast members—often dubbed #MomTok influencers—rocked variations of this same, lengthy wave. The look spread rapidly on social media, both as an authentic style tutorial and as playful parody.
According to former BYU student and ex-Mormon Alyssa Grenfell, this look isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about fitting in with a local, collective mold. “It’s a really specific and homogenous look. Everybody is aspiring to the same version of face, hair, and makeup,” she notes. Many TikTok users, even outside Utah, now see the style as emblematic of the state’s beauty culture and its underpinnings of conformity, aspiration, and subtle status signaling.
The Utah Curls Technique: A Step-by-Step Guide
The method behind Utah Curls is simple, yet distinct from standard curling routines. Here’s what you need and how to do it:
- Tools: A high-quality curling iron with a clamp (not just a wand), heat-protectant spray, and finishing serum or oil.
- Extensions (Optional): For those without ultra-long hair, clip-in or tape-in extensions help achieve the iconic length.
Step 1: Prep the Hair
Ensure hair is completely dry. Apply a heat-protectant spray from roots to ends. If using extensions, clip them in before you start styling.
Step 2: Section Hair
Divide hair into manageable sections. Typically, separating the top from the bottom and the front from the back is efficient. The thinner the section, the more defined the wave.
Step 3: Create the Wave
- Clamp and Curl: Working from the root downward, gently clamp a section of hair into the curling iron. Instead of only wrapping the hair around a wand, use the clamp to smooth while curling.
- Technique: Curl the hair away from the face for a cohesive, open look. Hold each section in the clamp for 5–8 seconds depending on thickness.
- Straighten Ends: Release the curl gently, then run the iron through just the ends with the clamp to straighten them out. This detail is crucial—messy or curled-under tips break the effect.
Step 4: Style and Finish
- Once all sections are curled, run your fingers (never a brush) through the waves to separate gently and maintain the glossy uniformity.
- Finish with a lightweight shine serum or hair oil for a polished, frizz-free look.
Utah Curls vs. Beachy Waves: Key Differences
| Feature | Utah Curls | Beachy Waves |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Uniform, smooth S-waves | Loose, textured with deliberate messiness |
| Ends | Straightened, not curled under | Ends often left tousled or curled randomly |
| Process | Curling iron with clamp used for both curling and smoothing | Usually wand-wrapped for more random, irregular texture |
| Length | Very long, often with extensions | Varies, but not tied to extra-long hair |
| Inspiration | Utah/Mormon influencer culture | Surf culture, boho influences |
The Cultural Context: Why Utah?
To understand why Utah Curls resonate, you need to understand a bit about the region. Utah, and in particular its large population of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS, or Mormon), has fostered a beauty ideal rooted in aspiration, conformity, and subtle status demonstration. Bright, healthy, extra-long hair signifies both youth and affluent femininity—qualities traditionally prized in LDS circles and heavily showcased by Utah-based social media influencers.
Toronto stylist Kristjan Hayden highlights how the style is different from the free-spirited, tousled beachy look: “The key difference … is that beachy waves would be achieved by wrapping hair around the curling iron, which gives it a messier, more textured finish. With this, you use the clip on the iron as well to smooth out the hair as you’re curling it, and then drag the curling iron through at the end so it gives that really polished look.”
As a result, the Utah Curl isn’t just a style; it’s a marker of fitting in. “It’s a copycat culture,” says Hayden. The ubiquity is such that former insiders often comment on the instant recognizability of the look, and, for some, the sense of reassurance or social standing it imparts.
Utah Curls on TikTok: Tutorials, Parodies, and Virality
TikTok is filled with both serious how-to tutorials from Utah hairstylists and tongue-in-cheek parodies referencing the trend’s association with Mormon influencer culture. Some users document their attempts with captions like, “Me after watching Secret Lives of Mormon Wives all week,” while others, like former locals, recount adopting or leaving behind the style after moving away.
- Many of the most-shared Utah Curls videos focus on the transformation: the shift from unstyled or just-blow-dried hair to high-glam, lengthy waves.
- Both Utah-based stylists and everyday users share tips for getting the signature finish. Common recommendations include always using the clamp, smoothing as you curl, and not neglecting the crucial step of flattening the ends for that signature modern touch.
Tips from the Pros: Getting Flawless Utah Curls at Home
- Always use a heat-protectant spray to safeguard lengths—especially when working with extensions.
- Don’t skip the straightened ends. After curling each section, run the iron through the tips to flatten them for the unmistakable Utah effect.
- Work in smaller sections for crisper, longer-lasting waves.
- Finish with a shine serum or light oil to reduce frizz and maximize gloss.
- “Less is more” with brushing post-curl: only finger-comb to avoid frizz and preserve definition.
Utah Curls for Different Hair Types
- Straight Hair: Holds the curl best; prep with a volumizing mousse for more root lift.
- Wavy Hair: Ideal for a Utah Curl foundation—use the clamp technique for uniformity.
- Curly Hair: Blow-dry straight before curling for a smoother base and more controlled waves.
- Fine Hair: Dry texture spray can help add grit so curls last longer; extensions help with both thickness and length.
Why Are Utah Curls So Popular?
Influencer culture is central. Dazzling, flawless hair looks consistently aspirational and camera-ready, making it perfect for the carefully curated imagery of Mormon “momfluencers.” The look taps deeply into traditional standards of feminine glamour but updates them for a modern, high-shine social media moment.
- It’s approachable—most people can try it at home with a curling iron and some patience.
- The style’s uniformity and polish allow it to pair well with both casual and formal looks, from oversized sweats to event-ready dresses.
- The trend’s visibility in viral content and reality TV has propelled its appeal far beyond Utah, turning a regional beauty marker into a wider pop culture phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do you need super long hair to achieve Utah curls?
A: Not necessarily, but the style is defined by longer lengths. For a truly Utah look, many people use hair extensions to add both length and thickness.
Q: Is the clamp really necessary, or can I use a curling wand?
A: The clamp is a central part of the technique. It allows you to smooth the hair as you curl and is essential for straightening the ends—something a wand can’t do as effectively.
Q: How do you maintain Utah curls all day?
A: Use a heat-protectant and a setting spray for hold. Avoid heavy brushing after curling; finger-comb to keep the waves intact while eliminating frizz. A light mist of shine spray can help lock in the style.
Q: Will this technique work on shorter hair?
A: Yes, but the effect will be more subtle and the instantly recognizable, “Utah” look may be less apparent. Consider extensions or focusing on perfecting the uniform S-wave and smooth ends regardless of length.
Q: What makes this trend so closely connected with Mormon/Utah culture?
A: The look reflects local beauty ideals prioritizing uniformity, aspiration, and classically feminine aesthetics, frequently showcased by prominent Utah-based Mormon influencers. It’s as much about fitting in as it is about standing out.
Final Thoughts: Will Utah Curls Last?
The Utah Curl trend’s blend of traditional glamour, regional subculture, and viral accessibility almost guarantees its place in the ever-evolving beauty lexicon. Whether you see it as the ultimate “influencer hair,” a peek into Utah’s hyper-curated beauty culture, or just a new way to change up your waves, there’s no denying the style’s impact—and staying power—on the digital beauty landscape.
