Cloud Curls Are the Anti-Crunchy Curl Trend We’ve Been Waiting For

What Are Cloud Curls?

“Cloud curl” really rolls off the tongue, and the style itself is just as effortless (well, it at least appears effortless). “Cloud curls are soft, airy, voluminous curls that have a light, floating appearance rather than a tight or structured shape,” explains Hingorani. “The goal of cloud curls is fullness, movement, and touchable texture. They sit somewhere between a wave and a curl, creating a rounded, cloud-like silhouette with body through the mid lengths and ends while remaining soft and effortless,” she says.

The key difference between cloud curls and traditional curls is their natural appearance. “Unlike traditional curls that look defined and uniform, cloud curls are intentionally relaxed, blended, and slightly undone,” says Hingorani. “They move naturally and look luxurious without appearing stiff or overly styled.”

It’s no coincidence that rising stars like Olivia Dean (seen above!) have embraced the look. Her signature cloud curls perfectly capture the trend’s ethos: effortless, expressive, and beautifully undone.

Why Cloud Curls Are Trending

Hair trends come and go, but the cloud curls trend is inspired by a shift to natural, undone-looking hairstyles. Although makeup might be experiencing a shift in a more maximalist direction, hair is going in the opposite direction.

“They align perfectly with the shift toward natural-looking, lived-in hair that still feels elevated,” says Hingorani. “They photograph beautifully, creating movement and volume that looks effortless on camera and in real life.”

Plus, she says, “the style enhances fullness, which makes it ideal for fine hair, extensions, and hair loss solutions. They also work across many lengths and textures and can be worn casually or styled for events.” Hingorani says she’s noticed that clients want hair that feels healthy, bouncy, and natural without obvious styling. 

How to Prep Your Hair for Cloud Curls

Want to try cloud curls for yourself? First, get to prepping. Hingorani says to start with clean hair by using a shampoo and conditioner that will add moisture to the hair without over-softening it. Look for a balancing shampoo, like the R+CO Crystal Halo Balancing Scalp Scrub + Shampoo. 

From there, Hingorani says that air-drying is best so you can retain some of your hair’s natural texture, whether you have curly, wavy, or more straight-leaning hair. Once hair is dry, apply a heat protectant to strands, a step Hingorani calls a “non-negotiable” that also “helps curls form more smoothly.” We love the FOXYBAE HAIR Cool AF Heat Protectant + Biotin that protects hair from up to 450-degree temperatures. 

Then, reach for a lightweight styling product that will help hold the structure of the curl. A curl cream, light mousse, or blow-dry cream will all work for this. “Focus application from mid lengths to ends and comb through evenly,” says Hingorani. “If the hair tends to frizz or feels dry at the ends, apply a very small amount of lightweight serum or oil only to the ends.” We love styling with the SACHAJUAN Ocean Mist Texturizing Hair Cream. Now you’re ready to actually bring your curls to life. 

How to Get Cloud Curls Without the Crunch

1. Choose Your Curling Iron: “A curling iron or wand between 1.25 inch and 1.5 inch is ideal for cloud curls,” says Hingorani. “This size creates loose volume rather than tight spirals.” You may use a flat iron to create soft bends and waves if that’s all that you have; just make sure to alternate directions with the tool. “You can also use a beach waver and intertwine between natural curl, curling iron, and the beach waver,” Hingorani adds.

2. Set Your Temperature: According to Hingorani, you should never have your tool set above 450℉, since most heat protectants don’t protect over that range (even the best ones!), and it’s really just not necessary. “Always adjust lower for fine, lightened, or chemically treated hair,” she says. “Cloud curls do not require extreme heat when hair is properly prepped.”

3. Section Hair: Take sections that are 1 to 1.5 inches wide. “Section the hair vertically, starting at the nape and working around to the top,” says Hingorani. “Clean sectioning helps curls form evenly and prevent flat areas.”

4. Pay Attention to Your Curl Technique: Here’s where it’s time to get a little creative. “Wrap the hair around the barrel or place it between flat iron plates, keeping the tension smooth but not tight,” says Hingorani. “Leave the last inch or two of hair out of the tool [to create] a modern, relaxed finish and prevent a tight ringlet look.” Make sure you are alternating the curl direction throughout the head to avoid a uniform “perfect” look. “On both sides of the face, curling away from the face creates the most flattering shape,” she adds.

5. Mind the Curl Timing: Hingorani recommends holding the hair on the tool for eight to 12 seconds, depending on hair thickness and density. “Release gently and allow the curl to cool before touching it,” she says. “Cooling is what helps set the curl while maintaining softness.”

6. Set and Seal: “Once all curls are cool, gently finger-comb or softly brush through to blend and expand the shape,” says Hingorani. “Finish with a light mist of flexible hold hairspray. Avoid heavy sprays that stiffen or collapse the curl.”

Cloud Curls on Different Curl Types

Cloud curls will look slightly different on each hair type, but in general, here’s what you can expect. 

• Wavy Hair: loose cloud curls

• Curly Hair: bouncy, defined

• Coily Hair: airy twist-outs

Wavy: If you have wavy hair, it will naturally adapt well to cloud curls, says Hingorani. “The goal is to enhance the existing wave into a fuller, more defined shape,” she says. Try using minimal heat and lightweight products to avoid weighing the hair down. Then, “focus curling from the mid-shaft to the ends to maintain movement at the root,” she adds.

Curly: If you already have curly hair, Hingorani says you can transform your curls into a cloud curl vibe by “softening and elongating the natural curl pattern.” To do this, “blow-dry or stretch the hair first to reduce shrinkage,” she says. Then, “apply smoothing and heat protection products to control frizz. Curl in slightly larger sections to maintain softness and volume.”

Coily: “Coily hair creates beautiful cloud curls when stretched and shaped correctly,” she explains. “Begin with a blow-dry or stretch method to elongate the hair, [then] work in smaller sections to ensure even heat distribution. Use consistent tension and allow curls to cool fully before releasing for the best shape and longevity.”

Cloud Curl Maintenance & Day-Two Curl Tips

One of the best ways to extend the life of your cloud curls into the next day is by sleeping in a satin bonnet or cap, says Hingorani. This will help prevent additional frizz and breakage as you sleep. 

To do this, loosely gather hair on the top of your head, and secure into the cap or bonnet. “On day two, lightly mist hair with water or a curl refreshing spray and gently scrunch to reactivate movement,” she says. We love the CURL KEEPER® Original Liquid Styler for this.

Always make sure to avoid heavy creams or oils. “Touch up only the pieces that need it using low heat and short hold times,” Hingorani says.

If you’re noticing frizz, use a lightweight serum only where the frizz is occurring, rather than on all the curls. We love the IGK HAIR Crybaby Smoothing and Finishing Serum for quick touchups. “To restore volume, gently shake the roots with fingers rather than brushing through the curls,” says Hingorani. “Finish with a light flexible hold spray if additional hold is needed.”

4 Cloud Curl Looks We Love

1. Updo in the Clouds

An easy way to style day-two or -three hair is by throwing it up in an effortless updo. Pull some curl tendrils forward and gather hair at the crown of your head before securing with clips and bobby pins. Using an elastic might take out too much of the shape.

2. Above the Shoulders Cut

Curly hair looks so chic when it’s cut into a short bob above the shoulders. Make sure to alternate the direction of your curl as you go, especially when it comes to styling the bangs. Bangs that look too uniform will throw off the whole look.

3. Rockstar Girlfriend Cloud Curls

This look works best if you have straight or wavy hair, since the curls will appear a bit more relaxed. The key to adding even more volume? Work your hair into a side part. That way, the bounce of your cloud curls will waterfall over to one side of your head and you can add volume easily to the gaps. 

4. Hydrated Curl Queen

The key to locking in cloud curls on already-curly hair is definitely hydration. You don’t want frizz or dehydrated strands ruining your look. Add moisture with a curl cream or curl reviving spray throughout the day as needed, and utilize Hingorani’s tip of sleeping with a satin bonnet to preserve curls as you sleep. 

Final Thoughts

Cloud curls are a fun and easy way to get an undone-done curly look. The biggest thing to keep in mind when recreating this look is to keep your curl directions changing at all times. This will not only help the curl style look more natural, but it’ll also help add volume throughout the process. Prepping hair before styling is key, so make sure to take advantage of Hingorani’s styling tips listed above before you get started, and check out the IPSY Shop to pick up all your styling products like curl creams, anti-frizz oils, and more.