Utah curls

I've always been captivated by those effortlessly bouncy, natural-looking waves often referred to as 'Utah curls' or that distinct 'Gabbity Free' aesthetic. For ages, I honestly struggled to achieve that perfect 'open curly hair style' that looked truly natural and not overly done. My hair would either fall flat, become frizzy, or just wouldn't hold the shape. But after a lot of trial and error, I'm thrilled to share that I've finally figured out a routine that works wonders for me, giving me those dreamy, voluminous curls every time! So, what exactly are Utah curls? Think soft, voluminous, and often looser curls or waves that frame the face beautifully. They aren't tight ringlets but rather a more relaxed, undone yet polished look that exudes a carefree elegance. The key characteristics are usually volume at the roots and a natural, airy bounce through the lengths, giving that sought-after 'open' and lived-in feel. It's about enhancing your natural texture rather than trying to force a shape. Here’s my step-by-step guide to achieving this gorgeous, open curly hairstyle: 1. Prep is Key: Start with Clean, Damp Hair I always begin with freshly washed hair that’s towel-dried until it’s damp, not soaking wet. This is the ideal canvas. Before anything else, I apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or a lightweight curl cream. This helps with detangling, adds moisture, and preps the hair for styling. 2. Don't Skip Heat Protection! This is a non-negotiable step for me, especially since I use heat tools. Before reaching for my curling iron or wand, I never skip my heat protectant. A good one, like the HA RITAGE play it cool HEAT PROTECTANT I’ve been using, is absolutely essential. It shields your strands from damage, helps maintain hair health, and ensures your curls look shiny and vibrant, not fried. 3. Sectioning Your Hair For even curls, I divide my hair into manageable sections. I usually start with the bottom layers and work my way up. Clipping away the top sections makes the process much smoother and ensures no strand is left behind. 4. The Curling Technique for Open Curls I typically use a 1 to 1.5-inch curling iron or wand for this look. The trick for an 'open' curl style is to wrap sections of hair away from your face. Instead of wrapping the entire strand, I often leave the last inch or two of my ends out of the clamp or off the wand. This creates a softer, more natural wave at the bottom instead of a perfect spiral. I hold each section for only a few seconds – just enough to heat the hair and set the curl, but not so long that it becomes stiff. 5. Cool Down and Set Once a section is curled, I gently release it and let it cool completely before touching it. This is crucial for the curls to set and last longer. Sometimes, I even lightly pin up the fresh curls after removing them from the iron to help them hold their shape as they cool. 6. Break Apart and Fluff for Volume Once all my hair is curled and has cooled down, I gently break apart the curls. I avoid brushing; instead, I use my fingers to softly separate the waves and scrunch them upwards to add volume at the roots and through the lengths. If I want a slightly softer, more blended wave, I might use a wide-tooth comb to very lightly comb through, but usually my fingers do the trick for that natural 'Gabbity Free' vibe. 7. Finishing Touch To ensure my Utah curls last all day, I finish with a light-hold hairspray or a texturizing spray. This adds a bit more grip and enhances the natural texture without weighing my hair down. And there you have it – my go-to routine for those beautiful, effortless 'open curly hair styles' that always turn heads. It took some practice, but now it's my favorite way to wear my hair!