The trend of highlights has been around for decades, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Whether it’s a subtle touch of brightness or a bold statement, highlights can add dimension and texture to any hairstyle. But for curly-haired individuals, the question arises – do highlights look good on curly hair?
Curly hair is a unique texture that requires special care and attention. The spiral strands give natural volume and movement to the hair, but they also make it more prone to dryness and frizz. However, with the right approach, highlights can be a great addition to curly hairstyles, complementing their natural beauty. In this article, we will explore the world of highlights on curly hair and share some tips for achieving the best results.
Understanding the Different Types of Highlights for Curly Hair
Curly hair is a gorgeous, natural asset to have, but it can be challenging to highlight due to its unique properties. However, with the right approach, highlights can enhance curly hair and bring it to life. There are different types of highlights that can work well with curly hair, and it’s essential to understand them to achieve the best results.
One of the most popular types is balayage, which involves strategically painting color onto specific sections of hair. Balayage is perfect for curly hair because it creates a natural, sun-kissed look that adds dimension. Another type of highlight that works well with curly hair is foils. Foils are perfect for creating bold, defined highlights that stand out against darker hair and can be placed precisely where needed. It’s important to work with a stylist who understands curly hair and can recommend the best type of highlights to flatter your natural curls.
Pros and Cons of Getting Highlights on Curly Hair
Getting highlights on curly hair is an excellent way to add some dimension and depth to your locks. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before taking the plunge.
For starters, the biggest pro of getting highlights on curly hair is that it can enhance the natural texture of your locks. It can help bring out the curls and waves and create a sun-kissed look. Additionally, highlights can also add more volume and definition to your hair. However, there are also some cons to consider, such as the potential damage that can come with processing. It’s important to have a consultation with a professional stylist to determine the right method for highlighting your curly hair and to ensure that the health of your hair isn’t compromised. Ultimately, whether highlights work on curly hair depends on various factors, such as hair type, color preference, and maintenance routine.
Choosing the Right Colors for Highlighting Curly Hair
Choosing the right colors for highlighting curly hair can make all the difference. When considering highlights for curly hair, it’s important to take into account the individual’s skin tone and natural hair color. Choosing colors that complement and enhance your natural features can make the highlights appear more natural and less harsh.
For those with warm-toned skin and dark hair, opt for warmer highlights such as honey or caramel. Cooler skin tones and lighter hair can benefit from cooler highlights like ash blonde or platinum. However, it’s important to avoid highlights that are too light or too dramatic as they can detract from the natural beauty of curly hair. Working with a professional stylist who specializes in highlighting curly hair can help in choosing the right hues and tones to achieve a flattering and natural-looking result.
Maintaining Healthy Curls After Highlighting
Highlighting curly hair can be a tricky process, but the real challenge lies in maintaining healthy curls after the highlighting process. One of the most significant concerns for curlies is that highlighting can strip the hair of its moisture, leading to dryness and frizz. To combat this issue, it is vital to invest in a quality deep conditioner or hair mask to restore the natural moisture of the hair.
Another essential factor to consider is the type of products used in the maintenance of highlighted curly hair. It’s essential to avoid sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and make it brittle. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, followed by a leave-in conditioner and a light oil, can help to maintain the health of highlighted curls. It is also crucial to avoid the use of heat styling tools, as they can dry out the hair further, leading to breakage and damage. With the right care and attention, highlighting curly hair can be a fun and exciting way to experiment with new styles while keeping those curls healthy and beautiful.
Dos and Don’ts for Highlighting Curly Hair
Highlighting curly hair can be a bit tricky, but there are some dos and don’ts that can help you achieve a flawless and stunning look. Firstly, it’s essential to choose the right color for your highlights that complements your skin tone and hair color. Warmer, golden tones typically look great on darker skin and hair, while cooler tones work well on lighter hair and skin.
When getting highlights, it’s important to avoid using bleach excessively, especially on delicate curls. Bleaching can damage curls, make hair brittle, and cause breakage. Consider getting highlights that are two shades lighter than your natural hair color. Also, avoid over-processing curls, be gentle while applying color, and always use a sulfate-free, curly hair-friendly shampoo and conditioner. Lastly, make sure to visit a professional stylist who specializes in curly hair to achieve a flawless highlight job.
What to Expect During a Curly Hair Highlighting Session
When it comes to highlighting curly hair, it’s important to work with a professional stylist who understands the unique texture and needs of curly locks. During a curly hair highlighting session, your stylist will start by sectioning your hair and applying the chosen lightener to selected strands or sections.
The stylist will carefully monitor the lightening process and determine when to rinse the lightener out based on the desired level of lift. After rinsing, they will apply a toner or gloss to enhance the overall color and ensure a seamless blend. Throughout the process, they will also use techniques such as balayage or foiling to create natural-looking highlights that complement your curls. Overall, a curl-friendly highlighting session can be a great way to add depth, dimension, and brightness to your curly locks while keeping them healthy and strong.
Alternatives to Traditional Highlights for Curly Hair.
When it comes to curly hair, traditional highlights can sometimes create a harsh contrast that doesn’t flatter the natural texture and shape of the curls. However, there are several alternatives to traditional highlights that can enhance curly hair and make it look even more beautiful.
One alternative to traditional highlights is balayage, a technique that involves painting highlights onto the hair in a natural, graduated way. Another option is babylights, which are tiny highlights that mimic a child’s natural highlights and provide a subtler look. Finally, you can opt for lowlights, which add depth and dimension to hair without compromising its natural texture. By choosing these alternative highlighting techniques, you can add some extra flair to your curly hair without sacrificing its unique beauty.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to get highlights on curly hair ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired outcome. While highlights can add depth and dimension to curly hair, they may also require more maintenance and care.
It’s important to consult with a stylist who specializes in coloring curly hair before making a decision. They can provide insight on the best highlighting techniques and products for your unique hair type. With proper care and maintenance, highlights can complement and enhance the beauty of curly hair.