Let’s talk about the crowning glory that is dark, curly hair. The way it bounces with every step, the endless volume, the natural glamour – it’s a head-turner for sure.
But, manage it wrong and you could end up with a frizzy mess that nobody signed up for. And if you’ve taken the bold step to add highlights to your luscious locks, it’s a whole new ball game.
Highlights can add depth, dimension, and a touch of charm to your curls, but they also require extra TLC to keep them looking vibrant and healthy. So, let’s dive into the dos and don’ts for dark curly hair with highlights!
Dos for Dark Curly Hair with Highlights
Let’s navigate through some essential ‘dos’ to keep your highlighted curls looking their absolute best.
Do Choose the Right Shade
First things first, choosing the right shade for your highlights is crucial. The aim is to complement your natural hair color and skin tone, not compete with it. For dark hair, opt for hues like caramel, honey, or chestnut. These shades will add warmth and depth to your curls without being too stark or harsh. Remember, the best highlights are the ones that look like they could be natural.
Do Opt for a Professional Application
While DIY hair color kits may seem tempting, professional application is the way to go when it comes to highlights. A skilled stylist will not only ensure an even application but also minimize potential damage. They’ll know how to handle your curly locks and preserve their health while giving you the look you want.
If you’re in New Jersey and looking for a top-notch salon experience, consider visiting Artists and Architects Salon. Our team of experts for curly hair will work with you to create a personalized look that enhances your natural curls.
Do Maintain Moisture
Curly hair tends to be dry, and adding highlights can further strip your hair of its natural oils. That’s why maintaining moisture is crucial. Invest in a good deep conditioner and hydrating products specifically designed for curly and color-treated hair. These products will replenish lost moisture and keep your curls looking lush and vibrant.
Do Use Heat Protectant
If heat styling is a part of your routine, always use a heat protectant. Heat can cause your color to fade and damage your curls. A good heat protectant will shield your hair from heat damage and help maintain the vibrancy of your highlights.
Do Trim Regularly
While it might seem counterintuitive if you’re trying to grow your hair, regular trims are essential. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks helps to keep the ends healthy and prevents split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. It also keeps your curls looking their best and your highlights popping.
Do Protect Your Hair at Night
A good silk pillowcase or a satin bonnet can help reduce friction and prevent breakage while you sleep. This is a game-changer for maintaining healthy curls and prolonging the life of your highlights.
Don’ts for Dark Curly Hair with Highlights
Avoiding these common pitfalls will ensure your curls remain healthy, and your highlights stay vibrant.
Don’t Overprocess
Here’s a word of caution – over-processing is the enemy of healthy hair. Frequent highlighting or using high-lift colors can lead to breakage, dryness, and overall damage. Stick to a highlighting schedule that allows your hair enough time to recover.
Don’t Neglect UV Protection
Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun, too. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to fading and dryness, especially with highlighted hair. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside, use hair products with UV protection or wear a hat. Your hair will thank you for it!
Don’t Use Harsh Shampoos
Sulfates and other harsh ingredients found in many shampoos can strip your hair of its natural oils and color. This can be particularly harmful to highlighted curls. Opt for sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos that will gently cleanse your hair while preserving its moisture and color.
Don’t Overuse Heat Styling
While heat styling tools can give you perfect curls, they can also cause damage and fading, especially in highlighted hair. Limit your use of these tools and opt for air drying or using a diffuser whenever possible. If you must use heat, always remember to use a heat protectant.
Don’t Forget Regular Maintenance
Regular salon visits are a must for maintaining the vibrancy and health of your highlights. These visits will allow your stylist to touch up your color, trim any split ends, and provide professional treatments that will keep your curls in top shape.
Since you mastered the do’s and don’ts when it comes to dark curly with highlights, read up on how to take care of your short hair with highlights in general.
A Pro Tip: Don’t Neglect Scalp Health
Your scalp is the birthplace of your hair, and just like any other part of your skin, it needs attention and care. A healthy scalp promotes healthy hair growth, which in turn helps your highlights look better and last longer. On the other hand, an unhealthy scalp can lead to hair issues like dryness, breakage, and dullness, which can take away from the vibrancy of your highlights.
So, how do you ensure your scalp is healthy? Firstly, keep it clean. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp without stripping it of its natural oils. If you’ve noticed a buildup from hair products, consider incorporating a scalp scrub into your routine every once in a while.
Secondly, keep it moisturized. Just like the rest of your skin, your scalp can get dry too. A dry scalp can lead to flaking and itching, neither of which are good for your hair or your highlights. Use a hydrating scalp treatment or oil to keep your scalp moisturized and happy.
Lastly, don’t forget to massage your scalp. A good scalp massage not only feels great but also stimulates blood flow to your scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, your comprehensive guide to maintaining vibrant, healthy, and fabulous dark curly hair with highlights. Remember, it’s all about balance; the right shade, professional application, moisture, protection, regular trims, and of course, a healthy scalp. Keep these dos and don’ts in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to flaunting your highlighted curls with flair and confidence.
