How to Color Curly Hair Like a Pro:

Tips, Tricks, and Stunning Transformations

Curly hair is its own kind of magic—full of life, texture, and personality. But when it comes to coloring those gorgeous curls, coils, kinks, and spirals, it’s not as simple as grabbing a brush and going for it. Coloring curly hair requires creativity, precision, and an understanding of how to work with its unique texture. Whether you’re looking to create bold copper coils or soft, dimensional highlights, this guide from The Hair Society will help you master the art of coloring curls while keeping them healthy and vibrant.

Step 1: Bring the Pop—Enhancing Curl Definition

Curls thrive on definition, and the right color can make them pop like never before. To achieve this, start by focusing on the hair’s natural beauty:

Highlights: Use a gentle lightener with a low-volume developer to avoid over-processing those delicate curls. This ensures the hair remains strong and elastic.
Lowlights: Add depth with neutral or soft earthy tones that complement the curl’s natural flow.
Application Tip: Always use small sections and saturate the hair evenly to maintain consistent results.

This method doesn’t just enhance the color—it brings every twist and turn of those curls to life.

Step 2: Bold and Beautiful—Creating Copper Coils

For clients who love a vibrant, head-turning look, copper curls are the way to go! This process is all about precision and placement:

Highlights First: Use a clay-based lightener to achieve clean, controlled highlights that maintain the integrity of the curl structure.
Tone with Care: Apply a rich copper toner to achieve that warm, fiery glow.
Placement Matters: Highlight areas where light naturally hits the curls, like around the face or crown, for a natural yet striking effect.

Not only does this technique enhance the natural curl pattern, but it also leaves a stunning, cohesive finish.

Step 3: Modern Meets Texture—Defining Strong Lines

For a fresh, bold look, pairing strong lines with structured curls creates a show-stopping result. Here’s how to pull it off:

Start with Babylights and Foilyage: Create soft, blended highlights with a gentle lightener to add depth and movement.
Shadow Root Magic: Use a gloss or toner to shadow the root, blending into the highlights for a seamless, dimensional effect.
Textured Cut Bonus: Combine this coloring technique with a defined cut—think center parts and raised corners—for a modern, polished look.

This approach adds an editorial edge while letting the curls shine.

Secrets of Coloring Curly Hair

Curly hair plays by its own rules, and that’s why it’s so fun to work with. Here’s what you need to know:

Light Reflection: Curls naturally reflect light differently due to their shape, so strategic placement of highlights is key.
Texture & Porosity: Always assess the hair’s porosity before coloring. Porous curls will soak up color more quickly, while less porous hair may need a pre-treatment for even results.
Moisture is Everything: Hydration isn’t just for styling—it’s essential during coloring. Use conditioning color formulas to keep those curls bouncy and healthy.

Pro Tip: Make Every Curl Shine

Before coloring curly hair, test its porosity by spraying a small section with water. If the water beads up, it’s low-porosity hair, which might need extra prep (like clarifying or a pre-color treatment) for the color to take evenly. For high-porosity hair, be sure to use hydrating, bond-repairing treatments post-color to lock in moisture and vibrancy.

Coloring curly hair is an art form that celebrates the unique beauty of every client. By understanding how curls behave, choosing the right techniques, and using thoughtful application methods, you can create stunning, personalized transformations that your clients will love. Embrace the fun, challenge, and creativity of working with curls—and let those colors shine!

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