Find the most flattering color technique for your bouncy curls!
If you have naturally curly locks, you know there’s no “one-style-fits-all” option when it comes to hair coloring. The chosen technique and placement matter just as much as the hair shade. And the same coloring method can look different on tight coils and loose waves.
So, your hair texture and density are two main things to consider before booking your next salon appointment. This time, we’ve found four must-try curly hair color ideas that will make your tresses look polished and healthy, all while bringing that unique personal touch to your hairstyle!
One way to subtly brighten your locks without activating a full curly blonde mode is to get soft highlights in a warm shade. The technique involves a random selection of thin strands and freehand coloring on dry hair to avoid shrinkage and patchiness.
Gentle highlighting adds softness without harsh lines and enhances the overall definition of your tresses while keeping the glam natural and subtle. The hairstyle works great for looser curl types, from 2C type to 3B curls, and tighter coils. It’s extremely low-maintenance, which makes it a perfect choice for beginners.
If you want a lived-in style that grows out seamlessly and doesn’t require much upkeep, here’s an option for you. Balayage is the go-to technique for curly hair, as it works with your curl pattern and brightens your locks without losing the curl’s structure.
The trick is to use the open-air balayage technique and apply the lightener on the ends while smudging it up towards the roots for a blended effect. As a result, the color will sit around the top layers in such a manner that it will catch the light, creating a signature “sun-kissed look.”
Who says curly girls can’t rock vivid hair shades? This purple-and-green hair color combo is a great example of how strategically placed coloring can enhance your curls. The deep purple base is highlighted with contrasting, forest-green strands peeking from underneath the top layer.
The natural lift and springiness of the curls allow for that playful color reveal in the most flattering way. It’s bold and subtle at the same time, as you can hide those bright accents with just a swish.
If you’re not ready to get the all-over color just yet, an ombre look is your way to go. This technique complements your curls by accentuating their rounded shape and volume with a gradual color shift. It’s especially stunning on longer curly styles (shoulder-length and lower), where the transition has some space to develop.
In this transformation, the colorist uses the Pintura method, highlighting the strands where light would naturally hit to create extra depth and movement. The result is a beautiful melt of honey caramel shades that turn from dark to light thanks to the color placement and soft layering.
Curly locks are great for styling experimentation, especially when you know how to make things work for your natural texture. Can’t figure out which hair tone is right for your ringlets? Try our free Hair Color Changer to choose between 27 trendy shades and visualize yourself with a new hairstyle before fully committing to the look.
