Unleash Your Curls at This Amazing Highlights Salon

On 26 July, stylists at HAIRICC a local curly hair highlights salon revealed new methods for painting highlights on textured hair, focusing on reducing damage while adding dimension.

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Recognize the importance of specialized care

Many professionals with curly or coily hair say traditional highlighting methods can disrupt curl patterns if not handled properly. Stylists specializing in curly hair maintain that each coil has unique porosity levels and moisture needs, so applying color demands careful coordination of techniques and products.

Curly hair also presents a more delicate outer layer. According to hair-color specialists, bleach and peroxide can weaken hair bonds. Yet, stylists note that highlights, when done correctly, can illuminate spiral strands without compromising health or bounce.

Explore major highlighting techniques

Expert colorists often choose between two freehand techniques: Pintura and Balayage. Both methods involve hand-painting color onto curls, but they differ in application details and how they reflect light across the hair.

Pintura method

Pintura emerged as a specialized approach pioneered by Denis Da Silva, co-founder of DevaCurl. In this method, a stylist hand-paints color vertically along each curl, following natural S-shaped patterns. Tissues separate each curl grouping instead of foil. Advocates of Pintura say this technique:

• Lets the colorist target individual curls, accentuating natural definition.
• Reduces abrupt lines or demarcation between colored and uncolored sections.
• Minimizes the frequency of touch-ups because it grows out softly over time.

A number of stylists believe Pintura’s vertical painting results in less color overlap, preserving moisture by reducing how often bleach or dye sits under heat. Some professionals also mention that this approach tailors the highlight placement to the curl’s unique shape, leading to more strategic brightening than with standard foil highlights.

Balayage approach

Balayage has become a popular general highlighting technique for both straight and curly hair. Stylists sweep color along each strand’s surface, creating subtle transitions that gradually lighten toward the ends. For curly hair, the freehand strokes enhance the hair’s movement and bounce, so each coil catches the light in a soft, sun-kissed way.

Balayage advocates say the style grows out gracefully since there is no harsh root line. Professionals also recommend this method for those wanting a low-maintenance option. It is common for a stylist at a curly hair specialist salon to modify Balayage slightly, taking into account the denser nature of coils to ensure more even light distribution.

Comparing both techniques

Below is a brief comparison of Pintura and Balayage highlights for curly hair:

Technique	Core Method	Best For	Maintenance Level
Pintura	Paint vertically on curls	Highly defined curls	Infrequent touch-ups
Balayage	Sweep color on surface	Softer, graduated effect	Generally low-maintenance

Stylists note that both methods work well, but the choice depends on personal style, curl pattern, and transformation goals.

Know the potential risks

Coloring curly hair does carry some risks, particularly when lifting hair multiple shades. Bleach can open the hair’s cuticle, which might lead to dryness and compromise elasticity. According to professionals, the key is moderating the developer volume and time spent processing strands.

Hair-care experts caution that:

1. Incorrect technique can cause breakage or frizz if the color is left on for too long or if the developer strength is too high.
2. DIY approaches may lead to uneven color and dryness, especially when hair isn’t sectioned to match curl groupings.
3. Repeated bleaching over already-processed hair can permanently loosen curls in sensitive areas.

Despite potential downsides, stylists emphasize that deliberate steps, such as using bond-building treatments, can help protect and restore the curl structure.

Follow essential aftercare steps

Once highlights are complete, routine maintenance becomes essential in prolonging color vibrancy and curl health. According to experts, hair structure changes slightly during chemical processing, so the aftercare phase helps curls recover and flourish.

• Use clarifying shampoo before coloring. Removing product buildup and hard-water residues ensures color adheres uniformly.
• After coloring, wait a few days before the first shampoo so the color can set.
• Choose color-safe cleansers and conditioners with minimal sulfates or parabens. These ingredients may strip color or leave residue that dulls shine.
• Apply deep-hydration masks on a regular basis. Stylists frequently recommend using products like the DevaCurl CurlBond Mask or Olaplex No. 0 and No. 3 to rebuild bonds.
• Incorporate shampoos and conditioners formulated for curly hair. Some colorists propose pairing Kale Cocktail with a protein-based conditioner to repair dryness, strengthen bonds, and maintain curl shape.
• Avoid heavy styling products that might weigh curls down or cause color transfer. Light sprays designed for curly hair can help retain shape without creating dull buildup.

Consider professional salon options

Many professionals looking for specialized coloring services seek out salons known for highlighting curly hair. Local examples include The Glam House, The Nurtured Curl, and Spiral Evolution. Each has distinct approaches and pricing structures, according to clients who have left curly hair salon reviews.

• The Glam House\
  Located in downtown, The Glam House offers haircuts, curvature-specific color, and extensions. Customers mention the stylists’ attention to detail and note the salon’s higher pricing is worthwhile for dramatic or subtle highlight transformations.

• The Nurtured Curl\
  This salon focuses on maintaining strong, healthy curls, offering color services that prioritize bond protection. According to their clients, staff members explain each step in detail, making sure the final look pairs well with a natural curl pattern.

• Spiral Evolution\
  Known for advanced curly hair training, Spiral Evolution stylists provide carefully painted highlights for tight coils, looser waves, and everything in between. Customers frequently comment on the pleasant atmosphere and thoughtful guidance about aftercare.

For professionals who need a targeted approach to coloring, selecting a top curly hair salon can streamline the process. Stylists with specialized curly education cut hair curl by curl, ensuring an even shape and consistent color application.

Review stylist credentials

Stylists often must complete specific levels of training to color hair unsupervised. According to academic boards, it typically takes two years to earn a Level 2 qualification, which covers major aspects of cutting and coloring. A Level 3 stylist usually has an additional year of schooling plus more in-salon experience. These advanced stylists are often ready to handle complex processes like multi-stage bleaching and intricate highlight placements.

Professionals recommend asking about:

1. Certification levels or continuing-education courses, especially those focused on curly hair.
2. Experience with chemical processing and bond-building treatments.
3. Familiarity with layering techniques for multi-dimensional highlights.

Clients searching for a best curly hair salon frequently compare stylists’ experience, check references, and verify that their prospective colorists work with diverse curl patterns.

Maintain color at home

Regular home care extends the life of highlights. While many stylists encourage returning to a curly hair salon near me for periodic toning or moisture treatments, day-to-day habits between visits also matter.

1. Use color-protecting shampoos. Products that contain bond-building agents help keep processed curls strong, while cleansers that strip natural oils can fade color prematurely.
2. Apply deep-conditioning masks weekly. Formulas that repair damage and replenish lost moisture are ideal. Joico K-PAK Hair Repair System is often praised for monthly treatment sessions.
3. Keep heat styling to a minimum. Excessive heat can deplete moisture and accelerate color fade, particularly in chemically lightened hair.
4. Rely on styling aids tailored for curls. Light, non-sticky products like Dream Coat for Curly Hair can help maintain definition without creating buildup that dulls highlights.

Plan your budget

Financial considerations can vary depending on the salon’s location and the complexity of the hair transformation. Professionals with thicker or denser curls may need more product and possibly multiple sessions. Some stylists also use gentler developers over a longer timeframe, which can add to processing hours.

• Cost structure. Salons often charge in tiers depending on stylist level and any required pre- or post-color treatments.
• Maintenance visits. Touch-ups might happen less frequently with Pintura or Balayage, but hair that is drastically lightened may need toners every six to eight weeks.
• Bond-building add-ons. Treatments like Olaplex or Joico K-PAK typically incur separate fees.

To calculate final expenses, prospective clients can examine curly hair salon prices. According to experienced customers, investing in quality from the outset often reduces the need for corrective color work later.

Investigate DIY considerations

While many professionals opt for trained stylists, some prefer a do-it-yourself route for scheduling flexibility. However, stylists caution that the margin of error can be significant. Color might turn patchy if bleach is not distributed evenly across curls, and at-home attempts can overlook the importance of bond rebuilding.

Those who want to try highlights at home often:

• Detangle carefully pre-lightening. Twists, knots, or shed hairs can lead to uneven color.
• Paint bleach onto each curl by hand to follow the hair’s natural pattern.
• Keep developer levels low. Experts recommend letting color lift gradually rather than using strong formulas that could weaken curl integrity.
• Follow the instructions and timing on any kit carefully.

In general, advanced services like Pintura or color layering are more consistent when performed by professionals at a dedicated curly hair highlights salon (rewording the exact phrase if needed for grammar).

Identify popular highlight shades

Colorists note that highlight choices often depend on skin tone, base hair color, and personal taste. Six frequently requested shades for curly hair include:

1. Honey Blonde: Offers warm undertones and a radiant glow.
2. Vibrant Red: Adds bold contrast against darker roots.
3. Reddish-Brown: Creates subtle dimension, especially for medium-brown hair.
4. Lavender: A playful pop of pastel for those open to creative color.
5. Milk Chocolate Brown: Blends seamlessly with naturally brunette curls.
6. Silver: A statement hue that demands careful upkeep.

Some curly-hair enthusiasts retain darker roots while painting golden or copper accents through mid-lengths. This approach often frames the face with lighter pieces that accentuate the curls.

Consult specialized salons for complex requests

When it comes to high porosity hair or a dramatic shift in color, stylists rely on multiple sessions to preserve curl structure. Experts at curly hair salon treatments often schedule staged bleaching, spaced a few weeks apart. This incremental method can reduce the overall risk of breakage and dryness.

Professional colorists might also incorporate paper wraps instead of foils to reduce heat—helping curls develop color gently without sudden temperature spikes. According to educators at top cosmetology programs, pacing the process in smaller steps allows hair to remain healthy and flexible during repeated lifting.

Embrace bond-building treatments

Salons specializing in curly hair typically recommend bond-building as a standard part of the coloring process. Formulations like Olaplex rebuild disulfide bonds inside the hair shaft, repairing areas damaged by chemicals or excessive heat. Hair-care professionals say this can especially benefit clients aiming to lift multiple levels from a natural base.

Common bond-building treatments:

• Olaplex No. 0: Acts as a primer to amplify the effects of Olaplex No. 3, sealing hair damage before it worsens.
• Olaplex No. 3: Applied at home or in-salon to stabilize compromised bonds and minimize ongoing breakage.
• Joico K-PAK Hair Repair System: Typically used monthly to strengthen hair and prevent dryness after lifting sessions.

Clients who regularly schedule curly hair salon services often find that combining bond-building products with color-friendly cleansers preserves the bounce and shape of spiral strands.

Seek hair-friendly products

Selecting the right products for highlighted curls can reduce frizz, protect the color, and keep ringlets bouncy. In general, stylists suggest:

• Avoiding excessive protein if hair already feels stiff or brittle.
• Choosing silicone-free options for daily styling so each coil can breathe.
• Rotating in a clarifying wash every few weeks to remove any film that might impede color vibrancy.

A curly hair salon products arsenal often includes lightweight leave-ins, protecting sprays, and specially formulated curl creams without harsh additives. Hair experts believe that balancing moisture, protein, and pH levels is key to maximum color longevity.

Assess salon atmosphere

For curly hair specialists, the salon environment sometimes plays as big a role as the technique. Clients appreciate stylists who walk them through each step: offering dryness or damage assessments, performing porosity tests, and recommending realistic color outcomes. According to individuals who left curly hair salon reviews, a supportive atmosphere often includes:

• Open communication about curl history and any previous chemical treatments.
• Clear explanation of fees before starting.
• Instructions for at-home hair care, clarified with printouts or product samples.

Since thicker curls or coils may demand extra application time, professionals looking for clarity and efficiency might confirm the salon’s scheduling policy ahead of time.

Combine color with healthy hair strategies

Securing a show-stopping color transformation doesn’t need to happen at the expense of curl health. Stylists specializing in curly hair highlight the following strategies to blend color with overall hair well-being.

• Space out coloring appointments. Give curls time to recover between chemical processes.
• Incorporate scalp massages during shampoo sessions. Improved blood circulation can support healthy regrowth.
• Test new products carefully. A patch test can reveal potential irritants or dryness issues before widespread application.
• Adjust styling methods based on local climate. Humid weather can cause color to fade more quickly, so extra hydration may be necessary.

Final guidance

Choosing a curly hair highlights salon can be a game-changer for professionals who want to enhance their textured hair without sacrificing health. Specializing in vertical painting or freehand sweeping, these dedicated stylists are trained to preserve elasticity, moisture, and curl definition. Pintura and Balayage each have distinct advantages, but both cater to dimension and gradual grow-out that suit the spiraling nature of curly hair.

Experts emphasize that proper aftercare, including deep conditioning and bond-building, is crucial for color longevity. Budget planning, stylist credentials, and an understanding of each highlight method help reduce surprises, whether one opts for partial highlights or a full-head transformation. By partnering with a salon skilled in curl-specific coloring, professionals can obtain highlights that illuminate their natural texture, maintain a polished look, and keep dryness at bay.

Ultimately, it is the blend of careful technique, healthy hair products, and ongoing maintenance that delivers lasting results for any curly-haired individual seeking vibrant highlights. With thorough research, open communication, and expert guidance, professional clients can enjoy the thrill of bright, eye-catching color while preserving their hair’s intricately coiled structure.