Are you a curly-haired beauty looking to add some dimension and vibrancy to your locks with highlights? If so, you’re in the right place. Preparing your curly hair for highlights requires some extra TLC to ensure the best results. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your curly hair for highlights, so you can achieve the stunning, sun-kissed look you desire.
Understanding Your Curly Hair
Before we dive into the preparation process, it’s essential to understand your curly hair. Curly hair is more prone to dryness, breakage, and frizz due to its unique structure. The curls’ shape and pattern can also affect how the highlights take to your hair. To prepare your curly hair for highlights, you need to consider the following factors:
- Hair porosity: Curly hair tends to have lower porosity, making it more challenging for the hair to absorb the color.
- Hair elasticity: Curly hair is more prone to breakage due to its lower elasticity.
- Curl pattern: The shape and pattern of your curls can affect how the highlights are applied and how they look after the process.
Pre-Highlight Prep: 4-6 Weeks Before
To ensure the best results, start preparing your curly hair 4-6 weeks before your highlight appointment. Here’s what you can do:
- Get a trim: A trim will help remove split ends and prevent breakage during the highlighting process.
- Use a pre-color treatment: A pre-color treatment can help open up your hair cuticles, allowing the color to penetrate more evenly.
- Start using a sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on curly hair and can help maintain moisture levels.
- Use a hydrating mask: A hydrating mask can help lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
Choosing the Right Products
When it comes to preparing your curly hair for highlights, using the right products is crucial. Look for products that are:
- Sulfate-free: Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.
- Moisturizing: Moisturizing products can help lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
- pH balanced: pH balanced products can help maintain the natural pH of your hair, reducing damage and breakage.
Some great product options for curly hair include:
- DevaCurl Low-Poo Delight Shampoo
- Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
The Highlighting Process
Now that you’ve prepared your curly hair, it’s time to talk about the highlighting process. When it comes to highlighting curly hair, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose the right technique: There are several highlighting techniques to choose from, including foils, balayage, and babylights. Foils are a great option for curly hair, as they allow for more control and precision.
- Select the right color: When choosing a color, consider your natural hair color, skin tone, and personal preferences. It’s also essential to consider the condition of your hair and how it will affect the color.
- Use a conditioning treatment: A conditioning treatment can help lock in moisture and reduce frizz during the highlighting process.
Post-Highlight Care
After the highlighting process, it’s essential to take good care of your curly hair to maintain the color and moisture levels. Here are some tips:
- Use a color-protecting shampoo: A color-protecting shampoo can help maintain the color and vibrancy of your highlights.
- Use a hydrating mask: A hydrating mask can help lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
- Avoid using heat styling tools: Heat styling tools can damage your hair and cause the color to fade faster.
- Use a wide-tooth comb: A wide-tooth comb is gentler on curly hair and can help reduce breakage.
Product Recommendations for Post-Highlight Care
Here are some product recommendations for post-highlight care:
- Redken Color Extend Magnetic Shampoo
- Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Mask
- Ouidad Wave & Shine Styling Gel
Conclusion
Preparing your curly hair for highlights requires some extra TLC, but with the right products and techniques, you can achieve stunning, sun-kissed locks. By understanding your curly hair, preparing it 4-6 weeks before, and using the right products, you can ensure the best results. Remember to choose the right highlighting technique, select the right color, and use a conditioning treatment during the process. After the highlighting process, take good care of your curly hair by using a color-protecting shampoo, a hydrating mask, and avoiding heat styling tools. With these tips and product recommendations, you’ll be on your way to achieving the curly, highlighted hair of your dreams.
| Product | Benefits |
|---|---|
| DevaCurl Low-Poo Delight Shampoo | Sulfate-free, moisturizing, and pH balanced |
| Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner | Hydrating, moisturizing, and helps reduce frizz |
| SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie | Moisturizing, hydrating, and helps define curls |
By following these tips and using the right products, you can achieve the curly, highlighted hair of your dreams. Remember to always consult with a professional stylist before making any major changes to your hair.
What is the best way to prepare my curly hair for highlights?
To prepare your curly hair for highlights, start by getting a trim to remove any split ends and prevent further damage. This will also help your stylist to work more efficiently and achieve the best results. Additionally, consider getting a pre-color treatment to open up your hair cuticles and allow the color to penetrate more evenly.
It’s also essential to communicate with your stylist about your hair concerns, desired results, and any previous color treatments you’ve had. This will help them to choose the right products and techniques for your hair type and achieve the look you want. Be sure to ask questions and express any concerns you may have before the highlighting process begins.
How do I choose the right highlights for my curly hair?
Choosing the right highlights for your curly hair depends on several factors, including your natural hair color, skin tone, and personal preferences. If you have cool skin tone, look for highlights with blue or purple undertones to enhance your natural color. For warm skin tone, opt for highlights with golden or honey undertones.
Consider your natural hair texture and curl pattern when choosing highlights. If you have tight curls, you may want to opt for subtle, natural-looking highlights that won’t damage your hair. For looser curls, you can opt for more dramatic highlights that will add dimension and texture to your hair. Consult with a professional stylist to determine the best highlights for your curly hair.
Can I get highlights if I have damaged or over-processed curly hair?
While it’s possible to get highlights on damaged or over-processed curly hair, it’s essential to take extra precautions to prevent further damage. Consider getting a hair treatment before the highlighting process to repair and nourish your hair. Your stylist may also recommend using gentler products or techniques to minimize damage.
If your hair is severely damaged, your stylist may advise against getting highlights or recommend a different coloring technique that’s less damaging. Be honest with your stylist about your hair’s condition, and they will work with you to find the best solution. In some cases, it may be necessary to delay the highlighting process until your hair is in better condition.
How do I care for my curly hair after getting highlights?
After getting highlights, it’s essential to care for your curly hair to maintain the color and prevent damage. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for curly hair, and avoid using hot water, which can strip the color from your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up.
To keep your highlights looking vibrant, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, and consider getting a color-depositing treatment every 4-6 weeks. Avoid using heat styling tools or harsh chemicals, which can damage your hair and cause the color to fade faster. With proper care, your highlights can last longer and look healthier.
Can I get highlights if I have curly hair with a lot of frizz?
Yes, you can get highlights even if you have curly hair with a lot of frizz. However, it’s essential to choose a highlighting technique that won’t exacerbate the frizz. Consider getting a balayage or babylights treatment, which involves painting the highlights onto your hair in a sweeping motion. This technique can help to reduce frizz and add dimension to your hair.
To minimize frizz after getting highlights, use a hydrating mask once a week to keep your hair moisturized. Avoid using heavy styling products, which can weigh your hair down and exacerbate frizz. Instead, use a lightweight curl activator or curl enhancer to define your curls and reduce frizz.
How long do highlights last on curly hair?
The longevity of highlights on curly hair depends on several factors, including the type of highlights, your hair’s porosity, and how well you care for your hair. On average, highlights can last anywhere from 4-12 weeks on curly hair. To extend the life of your highlights, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using hot water or heat styling tools.
Regular trims can also help to maintain the health and appearance of your highlights. Consider getting a trim every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends and breakage. With proper care and maintenance, your highlights can last longer and look healthier.
Can I get highlights at home, or do I need to go to a salon?
While it’s possible to get highlights at home, it’s generally recommended to go to a salon, especially if you have curly hair. A professional stylist has the training and experience to choose the right products and techniques for your hair type and achieve the desired results.
At-home highlighting kits can be unpredictable and may not produce the desired results, especially on curly hair. Additionally, at-home highlighting can be damaging if not done correctly, and may require costly corrections. A salon stylist can help you achieve the look you want while minimizing damage and ensuring the best possible results.