In my experience, Salt Lake City is one of the hardest places to figure out what hairstyle to do because of the weather. What you choose will likely not last because of the humidity which makes it difficult to style. Static can make hair stick up everywhere. Because of this, I advise against doing a razor cut if your hair is dry and brittle. Other cuts will help your hair hold the shape if they are blunt or if the stylist does a dry cut. Especially for those with rapid volume loss, longer and more blunt cuts are preferable over long layers here.
Not long ago, a client told me she has been through three stylists since moving to Portland and they all gave her the same kind of cut that looks good for four days then it just… deflates. The air pulls moisture from your hair quickly which makes the nice bouncy blowout flat and full of static. I’ve done this long enough to know you can plan for it. You have to think of what a cut will look like on day three or five and not just how it may look leaving the salon. I enjoy working on cuts that get better as they settle and those that have a natural texture and don’t require to be styled every day with hot tools.
For those who are newly arrived in the area or are seeking something different, I would like to suggest some styles that I think work here. These are cuts and colors that harmonize with the Utah climate, instead of ignoring the obvious.
#1: Platinum with a Grown-Out Root That Actually Looks Intentional
This is my favorite because I see a lot of my clients schedule appointments to get their roots done. But for a look like this, it’s super planned out. The platinum is bright and really clean, The shadow of the natural root adds some weight, so it doesn’t look too ‘costume-y’. The length of the cut here is medium, and falls straight. It is very dense, a bit like a curtain, which is what you want from a look this sleek. I recommend a good smoothing treatment, because it can be some work to keep that finish glassy in dry air. But with this color strategy, you won’t be stuck going to the salon every six weeks for root touch ups, and that is worth a lot.
#2: Dark Base with a Purple Streak That Actually Works
I have to be honest. The requests I get for full-head vivid coloring make me anxious. Yes, it can look really fun, but people forget about upkeep when they consider vivid colors. Fades look bad after two weeks, and look worse if you wait longer to come in. This is way smarter. You keep that deep dark base doing all of the heavy lifting, then you let one stunning electric purple section do all of the talking. Just like that, you get personality without the full commitment. The waves here are long and thick, which gives that purple piece movement so it catches the light differently depending on how she styles it. The upkeep on just one accent section is way more manageable than having a full vivid color, although you will still need to come in when it starts to fade because muddy purple is not the vibe.
#3: That Textured Lob Length That Basically Styles Itself
This cut is a great option for a lot of customers. This cut has nice weight to it and feels fresh and easy. It falls to the length where it is above the shoulders. Any soft wave would look good with this length and make it look like you put in effort. If you have fine hair this cut will be your best friend! This cut will give the volume you need to make the hair appear fuller. I think it looks nice when the roots are left darker and as you go through the mid to ends it lightens. As the hair grows it will look intentional and you won’t see a harsh line. It will be easier to manage a look like this with a shorter length as styles tend to go more shapeless as they grow out. With the right amount of maintenance, you shouldn’t have to deal with a lot of effort to keep the shape.
#4: Magenta and Plum That Bleed Into Each Other Beautifully
I’m so excited for this color on my daring clients! there are so many options for a smooth berry wash effect and blended plum and magenta are gorgeous without any harsh lines. With lob length, there will be so many options to wear it up for work or style it straight. And the waves will create so much more dimension to the color than straight hair will. I hate to say it, but vivid colors will always fade and these will fade way sooner than you expect. That being said, unless you’re up for coming in every few weeks for a touch up or are okay to use a color-depositing shampoo, you might be disappointed. But while it’s fresh, the color is everything!
#5: Feathered Layers with That Perfect Fringe Placement
I spend a lot more time on a cut like this than people probably realize because of how extremely important the fringe placement is, as we want it to fall where it is supposed to, not just sit there like an afterthought. The rest of the cut has soft feathery layers that create tons of movement especially if you’ve got medium to thick hair that sometimes feels like it’s just sitting there doing nothing. What I like about this version, is that the feathering at the ends keeps everything looking light and airy so we don’t get that heavy triangular thing as it grows out. If your hair is very fine, a little volumizing mousse is recommended to keep the body throughout the day, but honestly the cut does most of the work.
#6: Blonde Waves with Layers You Can’t Even See, Which Is the Point
Great layering is supposed to be subtle and this cut shows that with layers that blend beautifully and have amazing movement. The warm soft blonde highlights are not brassy and they catch the hair in a way that it looks almost backlit, which is a lovely effect in person. The curtain fringe is great as it helps to soften the look around the face without having to get bangs, so without the growing-out drama you get all the flattering effects. This is a haircut which will look great in the weeks to come as it has that effortless look and even with a little added texture it still looks really good. This is what I think we all need.
#7: Chestnut Balayage with Bright Pieces Around the Face
This balayage is amazing! I appreciate how thorough the colorist was. She thought about the placement of each tone and how each tone would catch the light and reflect. I love how warm the middle chestnut base color is. The lighter shades near the face are beautiful and bright and really lighten and enliven the look. I also appreciate the color placement that creates the effect of a lot of dimension and texture in the hair. I also appreciate that the grow out will look good on this. I know that means a lot to my clients but they often don’t want to admit it. The color will look nice and soft with the length due to the medium density.
#8: Warm Golden Color That Looks Like It Happened Naturally Over a Long Summer
This warm golden shade looks amazing on everyone. It definitely gives the impression of a real sun-kissed glow instead of a salon burn. The long layers create a seamless movement. This is what you want with thick hair because otherwise the layers can separate and look straggly. To maintain this look, I won’t lie to you, it will take effort. A good sulphate free shampoo will be required as well as a gloss refresh every couple months. Despite the upkeep, the result is stunning and effortless; therefore, the maintenance is justified.
#9: Copper Balayage That Warms Everything Up
I feel that the color **copper** is **gorgeous**, and too often people overlook how stunning it is, especially when it comes to how it complements all skin tones. I’ve seen other shades of copper, but this one really stood out to me because it is not a typical flat color, it is a **balayage** where she has **thin, soft** layers of warm tones and deeper tones mixed, and the soft waves just enhance it. The mid-length cut here is smart because it offers versatility, you can wear it wavy like this or smooth it out and it looks totally different. I promise it stays looking nice for a long time before you **eventually** need a touch up, and it doesn’t fade away in a horrible way. The color will actually just **soften** and warm up over time. Trust me, the fading process is so much better than most other fashion colors.
#10: Golden Blonde Layers That Just Barely Skim the Collarbone
This length is always very flattering as it hits right at the collarbone so the hair moves as you move. The golden blonde colour is really pretty, not too bright and not too ashy, just warm enough to make the skin look healthy and awake. The subtle layers fall around the face and help contour it without being too obvious, which is a sign of a really good cut. If you want to keep that volume and bounce between washes, you will need a round brush and some patience on blowout day, but the payoff is worth it because this is the type of cut people compliment without being able to say why.
#11: Burgundy at Shoulder Length with Those Feathered Ends I Love
I love that color! Burgundy is one of those colors that can look very cheap, but this one definitely looks more expensive! I think it really goes with your warm skin tone, and I really like the polished look of the shoulder length cut. It looks like a great length to stay professional to leave down, but to pull up into a ponytail for a workout too. The feathered ends will give a lot of movement which will be great. Instead of the cut just looking blunt, it will look a lot softer and more tapered and feathered. Honestly though, burgundy is a really high maintenance color. It will fade and shift so you would probably be back in my chair a lot more than you would with a natural color like light brunette. If you like the maintenance a lot, I will suggest this color because it would definitely require more touch ups than a light brown.
#12: Platinum Pixie with Just Enough Texture to Keep It Interesting
I understand that some clients may be hesitant to go for a pixie cut considering how dramatic the hairstyle is and how visible each layer will be. I like to remind them that this is one of the most enjoyable styles to do because the structure of every single cut adds so much versatility to the hair. Focus layers are designed to add some excitement to the hair, and paired with the bright platinum color, a good contrast will be achieved to the skin for a lovely finish. This will most likely make the jewelry worn around the neck less noticeable. The little temple undercut adds a bit of modern edge which, in my opinion, is just the right amount for most people’s comfort zone. The platinum will probably require some tonal upkeep to prevent the color from becoming too brassy. I love that you clearly have a commitment to the cut because it will require salon visits, particularly with the length you are.
#13: A Blonde Bob with Wispy Ends and a Secret Undercut
This bob has a nice shape at the back. The little undercut that takes some bulk out helps the ends soften and move more. The shoulder length makes it easier to wear and manage. Some very light layering towards the ends is great because it prevents fine hair from just hanging and looking limp. The blonde is pretty, and the sun-bleached vibe is adorable. We will have to monitor the light blonde as it will most likely need some purple shampoo. Because the water is hard and climate brings in some brassiness, so that will definitely need to be considered. This is a really nice style if you have a rounder face because the ends soften the look of your jawline which is a nice feature.
#14: Black to Crimson Ombre with an Asymmetrical Edge
The crimson-black combo does take a degree of self-assurance. It will be a statement. The sleeve offers contemporary design. The longer side has enough length to offer several styling possibilities. I still hold that it is ideal for medium to thick hair because the volume is needed to carry the asymmetrical design. Without that volume, anything below shoulder length will look lifeless. Maintenance is to be expected for the red as like all other bright colors, it fades extremely fast. I would recommend that this cut is not for you if you like cuts that are symmetrical, as it is quite an edgy and asymmetrical cut.
#15: Icy Ash Blonde with Layers That Add Dimension
The beauty of this look lies in the ability to show how classy and expensive ash blonde hair can look without being too gimmicky. The color is very elegant and the warm silvery shade is even more beautiful. The layers combined with the shadow and highlight effect create the illusion of much more density and volume. They very effectively give the flatter hair more movement. The way the face framing layers fit is very flattering for round and oval face shapes. It looks absolutely stunning. It is not too obvious and does not look like a face contour at all. The only downside to this look is that ash tones require a lot of maintenance. If you do not get your hair done often then the hair will not look very toned. It will look very brassy. This look is definitely worth the maintenance because the end result is absolutely stunning. You will not get bored of this look.
#16: Tangerine Bowl Cut That I Can’t Stop Thinking About
I don’t get asked to do this kind of style often, which is what makes it more interesting. The tangerine color is a nice pop to compliment the updated bowl shape. The tiny micro bangs are very editorial and finish the look to perfection. This style really matches the individual’s personality. It’s a wonderful cut for thick hair. The shape is spot on and the short length really brings out the bone structure in a way that longer styles aren’t able to. I would do a lot of thinking for the color, especially vivid oranges as these can fade a lot. So if you don’t get regular touch ups, the color could go to an undesirable direction. Also think about how the color pairs with your clothes because the color you wear most days will affect how the hair looks a lot.
#17: Deep Chocolate Curls with That Kind of Richness You Can’t Fake
I loved this particular hair because the coloring is rich and deep. This is something typically seen in naturally dark and curly hair. I find this example even more charming since the hair is not overly processed and the color seems to have some nice tonal work beneath. There is enough range in the chocolate tones to create depth and dimension, and the curls take light on so fuller and look luxurious rather than overdone. This is the type of cut that will really make you love your waves and curls again because it is designed to work with what you have. Just make sure to keep your curls well hydrated and use a deep conditioner once a week, along with regular trims to maintain the shape. This look will carry you through beautifully.
#18: Blonde Bob with Pink Streaks That Feel Fun Without Being Reckless
This color is so fun because it’s a “gateway” color! You can have bold colors without a full commitment. It’s pigmented enough to be a statement but soft enough to be versatile. I especially love the contrast of the pink with the blonde base! It reminds me of a pink flower sitting in a wheat field. For the hair, I have a medium-length bob with slight asymmetry. It does great things for oval and heart-shaped faces because it emphasizes the cheekbones while downplaying the chin. Also, it works best on fine to medium hair because you get texture and body from the cut without needing a lot of extra help. I’ll be honest, the pink is going to fade first and will need to be refreshed more often than the blonde base. Also, the first appointment to get this will be a long one, so come prepared!
#19: Golden Curls with Layers You Can Feel But Can’t See
The after photo perfectly displays what trained professionals should be able to achieve with a curly haircut. The warm golden tones in the hair beautifully capture each spiral. The highlights look incredible. Some of the internal layers are visible which allows the curls to spring and bounce creating the curtain effect. Regular maintenance of curly hair is extremely important. This means using a decent curl defining cream and a microfiber towel. If you are not willing to dedicate this level of effort, you will not achieve the incredible results but if you are the hair will speak for itself.’
#20: Short Textured Pixie That’s All About the Movement
Not all pixie cuts are the same, and I find this one particularly enjoyable to do because of all the interesting texturization and all the elements are intentional. When done correctly, the cut looks completely effortless, which is ironic since it’s short hair. I added a lot of volume to the top, and that little swirl at the crown really adds to the charm. It’s like the hair has an opinion about which way it wants to go. It’s designed for thick hair, and the layers are what manage all that density and control it into something dynamic instead of puffy. This is particularly flattering for oval and square face shapes as it opens up the face without adding bulk to your features. You will be back for trims more often than you think. Ideally, it’s every four to five weeks. Still, the daily styling time is practically zero so it balances out.
#21: Natural Curls at Chin Length, Just Left Alone to Do Their Thing
There is an underlying philosophy that I appreciate about this hairstyle. It’s about getting out of the way and letting the hair do its thing. The chin-length layers on top create shape and movement while the rest layers just fall. This cut is about as low-maintenance as you can get while looking intentional and for those with medium-density natural curls, it’s almost perfection. Some defining curl product will be needed, but it shouldn’t require much more than that. Some of the greatest hair days come from the least effort, and that may seem counterintuitive but it’s true. The cut does all the work. Curl hydration is key, especially in dry climates where curly hair can get thirsty quickly, but this is a cut that rewards you for the fuss and I think that is beautiful.
#22: Chestnut Waves with Highlights That Don’t Scream “I Got Highlights”
My favorite aspect of this color is how subtle it is. The highlights add a lot of fullness and dimension to the waves without being too showy. I also enjoy the base color, chestnut. It has a rich and warm color. Although it’s great that it photographs well, it’s more important that it reflects light naturally, especially in the areas where you spend most of your time. The style is medium length, layered, and cut, and gives you a lot of freedom. You can wear it down and wavy like it is now, pull it back, or straighten it, and all of those options will work perfectly, which is what you hope to get from an everyday look. All in all, this is an extremely flattering and sensible style! To keep the highlights from growing out too much, and to prevent the warm colors from changing, the color will need to be refreshed. For the layers to look good, regular trims are also necessary.
#23: Sleek Chestnut That Proves Simple Can Be Perfect
This proves that haircuts don’t need to be fancy to stand out. The work speaks for itself. The chestnut color is great. It adds warmth and is the right color. Not too light or dark, it’s close to the desired natural tone. The layering is subtle and keeps it lightweight and avoids the blocky look. Light movement is added to the ends. It makes the style look interesting. This style is perfect for medium to thick straight hair. The density allows the cut to fall perfectly. The best part is that this cut saves time in the morning. The only time consuming part will be the flat ironing. This cut is low maintenance. You will need regular trims since straight cuts show the ends quite a bit.
#24: Caramel Face-Framing on Long Layers That Just Flow
Caramel highlights brighten sections, draw attention to the face, and create an upward illusion. With thick straight hair, long layers that hold well allow the entire hair to flow like water when turned. I appreciate this hair placement for women in their late twenties and thirties as it gives dimension and warmth without adding age. The hair is long and highlighted, so it requires commitment and is dry. To avoid a brassy look, you’ll have to do regular trims, conditioning treatments, plus salon visits. It also offers so many styling options to oval and round face shapes as it is elongating.
#25: Wavy Bob with Curtain Bangs, the Cut I Never Get Tired Of
I can’t even remember how many times I have done this style, and I still love it! What’s great about it is that curtain bangs frame the face softly, and I honestly feel like this style looks good on almost everyone. The waves are what add personality to the hair, and are great on mid to thick hair because that’s what really holds the bounce! Also, a bob cut makes the hair easier to manage so you do not have to spend all morning doing your hair. You just need a bit of texturizing spray and you’re good to go – I love that for a styling routine! The curtain bangs though need some maintenance because they grow out faster than you think. When they hit your eyes, it totally changes the look so try to schedule some bang trims with your appointments and you will be good to go!
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.