Curly hair is a beautiful and versatile hair type, but sometimes it can feel like it needs a little something extra to truly shine. Highlights are a popular choice for adding dimension and vibrancy to hair, but do they actually make curls look better? The answer, like with most things concerning curls, is nuanced and depends on various factors. Let’s dive deep into the world of highlights and curls to uncover the secrets to achieving stunning, highlighted curly hair.
Understanding the Curly Hair Landscape
Before we explore highlights, it’s crucial to understand the unique characteristics of curly hair. Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the natural oils produced by the scalp have difficulty traveling down the hair shaft’s curves. This dryness makes curly hair more prone to frizz, breakage, and damage. The porosity, density, and curl pattern all play a significant role in how highlights will affect the overall look and health of your curls.
Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Low porosity hair has tightly bound cuticles, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. High porosity hair, on the other hand, has raised cuticles and readily absorbs moisture but also loses it quickly.
Density refers to the amount of hair strands on your head. High-density hair is thick and voluminous, while low-density hair is thinner.
Curl pattern ranges from loose waves (2A-2C) to tight coils (4A-4C). Each curl pattern has its own unique needs and reacts differently to highlighting.
Understanding these aspects of your own hair will help you make informed decisions about whether highlights are right for you and what techniques will work best.
The Allure of Highlights for Curly Hair
Highlights can add depth, dimension, and brightness to curly hair, enhancing its natural beauty. Well-placed highlights can accentuate the curl pattern, creating a more defined and textured look. They can also brighten the face and add a youthful glow.
Highlights can create the illusion of movement and volume, especially in denser curl patterns. They can also be used to camouflage gray hairs or blend in regrowth between color treatments. The strategic placement of highlights can draw attention to certain features, such as your eyes or cheekbones.
However, it’s important to remember that highlights involve bleaching, which can be damaging to curly hair if not done correctly.
Potential Downsides of Highlights on Curls
The biggest concern with highlighting curly hair is the potential for damage. Bleach, the key ingredient in most highlighting processes, lifts the hair’s cuticle to remove pigment. This process can weaken the hair shaft, leading to breakage, dryness, and frizz.
Curly hair is already prone to dryness, so adding bleach can exacerbate this issue. Over-processed curls can lose their elasticity and definition, resulting in limp, lifeless hair. Uneven bleaching can also lead to patchy color and an inconsistent curl pattern.
Furthermore, the maintenance of highlighted curly hair can be time-consuming and expensive. Regular touch-ups are necessary to maintain the desired color, and deep conditioning treatments are essential to combat dryness and damage.
Choosing the Right Highlighting Technique
If you decide to highlight your curly hair, choosing the right technique is crucial to minimize damage and achieve the desired results. Several highlighting methods are suitable for curly hair, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Balayage
Balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates soft, natural-looking highlights. This method is ideal for curly hair because it allows the stylist to place the highlights strategically to enhance the curl pattern.
Balayage minimizes harsh lines and creates a seamless blend of color, reducing the risk of noticeable regrowth. It also requires less frequent touch-ups compared to traditional highlighting methods.
Foil Highlighting
Foil highlighting involves separating strands of hair and wrapping them in foil to isolate them during the bleaching process. This technique allows for precise color placement and can create a more dramatic effect.
However, foil highlighting can be more damaging to curly hair than balayage because it typically involves more heat and chemicals. It also requires more frequent touch-ups to maintain the color.
Lowlighting
Lowlighting involves adding darker shades to the hair to create depth and dimension. This technique can be a great option for curly hair because it doesn’t require bleaching, which can minimize damage.
Lowlights can also enhance the natural curl pattern and create a more voluminous look. They can be used to blend in gray hairs or add richness to the hair color.
Babylights
Babylights are very fine, delicate highlights that mimic the natural sun-kissed look of children’s hair. This technique is subtle and less damaging than traditional highlighting methods.
Babylights can add a subtle brightness and dimension to curly hair without significantly altering the overall color. They are a good option for those who want a low-maintenance and natural-looking highlight.
Protecting Your Curls During and After Highlighting
Regardless of the highlighting technique you choose, protecting your curls during and after the process is essential to maintaining their health and integrity.
Pre-Highlighting Preparation
Before getting highlights, it’s important to prepare your hair with a deep conditioning treatment. This will help to hydrate and strengthen the hair, making it less susceptible to damage from the bleach.
Avoid washing your hair for a few days before your appointment. The natural oils will act as a protective barrier against the bleach.
During the Highlighting Process
Communicate openly with your stylist about your concerns and expectations. Make sure they understand the specific needs of curly hair and are experienced in highlighting curls.
Ask your stylist to use a low-volume developer to minimize damage. Consider using bond-building treatments like Olaplex or similar products to protect and strengthen the hair during the bleaching process.
Post-Highlighting Care
After getting highlights, it’s crucial to replenish the moisture that was lost during the bleaching process. Use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week to hydrate and nourish your curls.
Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. Heat can further damage and dry out highlighted curly hair. Use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to help define your curls and protect them from frizz.
Choosing the Right Products
Choosing the right products is crucial for maintaining the health and vibrancy of highlighted curly hair. Look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for curly hair.
Use a protein treatment periodically to strengthen the hair and prevent breakage. Avoid products that contain alcohol, as these can dry out the hair.
Finding the Right Stylist
Finding a stylist who is experienced in highlighting curly hair is essential for achieving the best possible results. Look for a stylist who specializes in curly hair or has extensive experience working with curls.
Ask for recommendations from other curly-haired people. Check online reviews and look for stylists who have positive feedback about their work with curly hair.
Schedule a consultation with the stylist before your appointment to discuss your goals and concerns. Ask them about their experience with highlighting curly hair and their approach to minimizing damage.
Highlighting Curly Hair: The Verdict
Ultimately, whether highlights make curls look better is a personal decision. Highlights can enhance the natural beauty of curly hair, adding depth, dimension, and brightness. However, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks of damage.
If you decide to highlight your curly hair, choose the right technique, protect your curls during and after the process, and find a stylist who is experienced in working with curls. With proper care and attention, you can achieve stunning, highlighted curly hair that looks and feels healthy.
By understanding your hair’s unique needs and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the beauty of highlights without sacrificing the health and integrity of your curls.
Remember, healthy curls are beautiful curls, and prioritizing the health of your hair should always be the top priority.
FAQ 1: Will highlights damage my curly hair?
Highlights, especially when using bleaching agents, can potentially damage curly hair. The process of lightening hair can disrupt the hair’s cuticle, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz, which are all concerns for those with naturally curly hair. It’s crucial to choose a stylist experienced in working with curly hair and using gentle highlighting techniques like balayage or low-ammonia products.
To minimize damage, prioritize deep conditioning treatments before and after highlighting. Incorporate protein treatments into your hair care routine to strengthen the hair shaft. Furthermore, consider opting for partial highlights or lower volume developers to reduce the overall impact on your curls’ health and integrity.
FAQ 2: What highlighting techniques are best for curly hair?
Balayage is often recommended for curly hair because it involves hand-painting highlights, allowing for a more natural and blended look. This technique minimizes harsh lines and allows the stylist to strategically place highlights to enhance your curls’ natural texture and movement. Foiling can also be used, but it requires careful placement and monitoring to avoid over-processing.
Chunky highlights are generally not advised for curly hair, as they can disrupt the curl pattern and appear unnatural. Instead, opt for babylights or fine highlights to create a subtle and dimensional effect. Discuss with your stylist the best approach based on your desired look and curl type.
FAQ 3: How can I maintain highlighted curly hair?
Maintaining highlighted curly hair requires a dedicated routine to replenish moisture and protect against damage. Use sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Regular deep conditioning treatments are essential to combat dryness and maintain curl definition.
Additionally, incorporate leave-in conditioners and curl creams to hydrate and define your curls. Limit heat styling and use heat protectant sprays when necessary. Consider using a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and breakage while you sleep.
FAQ 4: What color highlights work best on curly hair?
The best highlight color depends on your base hair color and skin tone. For brunettes, caramel, honey, and auburn highlights can add warmth and dimension. Blondes can opt for lighter blonde shades or subtle shades of rose gold for a trendy touch. It’s essential to consider your skin’s undertones (warm, cool, or neutral) when choosing a highlight color.
Consult with a stylist to determine the most flattering shades for your complexion and hair color. They can help you choose colors that complement your natural features and enhance your overall look. Remember that subtle highlights are often more flattering on curly hair than drastic color changes.
FAQ 5: How often should I get my highlights touched up?
The frequency of highlight touch-ups depends on the highlighting technique used and your desired look. Balayage highlights, which grow out more naturally, may only require touch-ups every three to four months. Foil highlights, on the other hand, may need to be touched up every six to eight weeks to maintain a consistent color.
Consider your hair growth rate and how quickly your roots become visible when deciding on a touch-up schedule. Regularly using root touch-up sprays or powders can help extend the time between appointments. Avoid over-processing your hair by waiting as long as possible between highlighting sessions.
FAQ 6: Can highlights make my curly hair look frizzy?
If not properly cared for, highlights can indeed contribute to frizz in curly hair. The highlighting process can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and a raised cuticle, which results in frizz. Using harsh products or over-processing the hair during highlighting can exacerbate the problem.
To combat frizz, focus on hydration and moisture retention. Use moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in products. Avoid products containing sulfates and alcohol, as these can dry out the hair. Regularly deep condition your hair to replenish moisture and seal the cuticle.
FAQ 7: Are there alternatives to traditional highlights that are less damaging for curly hair?
Yes, several alternatives to traditional highlights are gentler on curly hair. Hair glosses can add shine and dimension without significantly altering the hair’s color. Lowlights, which are darker shades than your natural hair color, can also add depth and dimension without the harshness of bleach.
Vegetable-based hair dyes and henna are also options for adding subtle color without damaging the hair as much as traditional bleach. Consult with a stylist to explore these alternatives and determine which one is best suited for your hair type and desired outcome. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your hair’s health and condition.