Curls and highlights together create a multidimensional, eye-catching look that makes each twist and turn of your hair pop with personality. But beyond just looks, highlights bring out the depth in curls, making them appear fuller and adding a radiant glow.
Now, if you’re worried about potential damage or whether highlights are “safe” for curls, you’re not alone. Many with curly hair hesitate, fearing the effects of bleach or color on texture and health. However, by using the correct techniques, products, and maintenance practices, highlights can actually enhance curls without causing harm. So, if you’ve been curious but cautious, it might be time to go for it. You’ll be amazed at how the right highlights can make your curls look more vibrant and beautifully defined.
The Most Important Step: Find Your Curl Pattern
To successfully pull out highlights on curly hair, this is basically the most important step. Whether you have loose, wavy curls or tightly coiled ringlets, understanding your curl type is essential for choosing highlights that truly complement your unique hair.
- Why It Matters: Different curl patterns respond differently to color. For example, highlights on loose waves may appear more subtle, while tight coils tend to make colors pop more dramatically. Different types of curly hair also require different highlight techniques. But as long as your hairstylist is an expert, you don’t have to worry about this.
- Customization for Different Curls: Highlighting curly hair isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, tight curls may benefit from strategic, diffused highlights to avoid an overly chunky look. On the other hand, looser curls can carry a mix of bold and fine highlights for a more layered effect. Your curl type will guide where and how much color is applied to avoid any uneven or harsh contrasts.
So, first things first: identify your curl pattern, and embrace and consider if the highlights that you envision are actually going to elevate your natural hair. If you need assistance with this, visit our hair salon in Ridgewood to get expert insights and custom-tailored advice.
Types of Curly Hair: A Quick Guide
1. Wavy Hair (Type 2)
Wavy hair typically forms an “S” shape and falls somewhere between straight and curly. It has a gentle wave without a full curl, which can vary from loose and barely-there (Type 2A) to more defined and bouncy waves (Type 2C).
2. Curly Hair (Type 3)
Curly hair forms loops or spirals and has more volume and body. This type can range from loose ringlets (Type 3A) to tighter, corkscrew curls (Type 3C). Curly hair is often thicker and can be prone to frizz.
3. Coily or Kinky Hair (Type 4)
Coily or kinky hair has the tightest curl pattern, forming small coils or zigzag shapes. It ranges from soft coils (Type 4A) to densely packed, springy curls (Type 4C). This hair type is highly textured and prone to dryness.
Choosing the Right Highlight Shade
You want a color that not only complements your curls but also harmonizes with your skin tone and natural hair color. Here’s how to approach it:
- Consider Your Skin Tone and Base Color: Warm skin tones tend to shine with golden, caramel, or honey highlights, while cooler tones suit ash, mocha, or soft champagne shades. Your natural hair color also plays a role. Brunettes might want to explore toasty hues like chestnut or copper, while darker shades can create a striking contrast with golden or reddish tones.
- Trending Highlight Colors for Curly Hair: The latest trends are all about warmth and earthiness. Think of caramel, honey, auburn, and chocolate. Caramel highlights, for example, add a soft warmth, while auburn and copper bring a spicy vibrancy that pops against darker hair. For a subtler look, chocolate lowlights can add depth without going too bold.
Ultimately, the goal is to pick a shade that amplifies your natural beauty while giving your curls a little extra glow. Highlights are like jewelry for your curls. They should reflect your personality and enhance your unique style.
Highlighting Techniques that Flatter Curly Hair
Here are a few methods that work particularly well for curly hair:
- Balayage: This freehand technique is a top choice for curly hair. With balayage, color is painted onto the hair in a way that creates a soft, natural gradient from roots to tips. For curls, this approach is ideal because it lets highlights blend seamlessly, mimicking the way natural light hits curls for a sun-kissed effect.
- Babylights: For those wanting a hint of color without a drastic change, babylights are tiny, delicate highlights that add a touch of brightness without overpowering. This is a fantastic option for anyone looking to add subtle dimension, especially for finer curls or wavy textures.
- Ombre and Lowlights: Ombre creates a gradient from darker roots to lighter ends, which can add depth without affecting the entire strand. Lowlights, on the other hand, introduce slightly darker shades, giving a fuller look to curls while maintaining a natural vibe. Both options work well for creating an illusion of volume and depth.
- Placement Tips: With curls, highlight placement matters just as much as color. Strategically placing highlights around the face can frame it beautifully, while scattering a few highlights throughout creates a balanced, volumized look. This keeps the highlights from looking too “streaky” or concentrated, which is key for curly hair.
Maintaining Highlighted Curly Hair
Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, and color treatments can amplify this, so maintenance is key. Here are some tips to keep your highlighted curls fresh and healthy:
- Hydration is Non-Negotiable: Moisture is everything for highlighted curls. Use a deep-conditioning treatment weekly to keep curls hydrated and bouncy. Look for products that contain nourishing oils, like argan or coconut, to keep both color and curls in top shape.
- Choose Color-Safe Products: Opt for shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair, as they help to maintain the vibrancy of your highlights. Sulfate-free products are ideal, as they won’t strip the natural oils or fade your color as quickly.
- Gentle Styling Products for Curls: Lightweight styling creams, leave-in conditioners, and curl-enhancing gels that won’t weigh down your curls are best. Avoid heavy oils or products with too much alcohol, as these can cause color-treated curls to dry out faster.
Final Thoughts
A final tip: don’t hesitate to experiment a little and consult with experts who understand curly hair. Highlighting is an art, and when done right, it can be transformative. Whether you go for soft, subtle highlights or bold, bright hues, embrace the process and enjoy the journey of discovering a new side to your curls.
