Hair Color Tutorials

Your Guide to Curly Hair Balayage At-Home

Introducing the low-maintenance curly hair highlights you’ve been dreaming of for years. Achieve this balayage on your curly hair, easily at home with these tips and tricks.

How to Dye Dark Hair Brown for a Subtle, Stunning Change

Overview

If you want curly hair highlights, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a low-maintenance, easy-to-do hair coloring technique that was practically made for curly hair and we’re going to give you the scoop. Enter: balayage. Curly hair balayage is one of the easiest ways to experiment with hair color. From how to pick your curly highlight color to how to do DIY curly hair balayage, here’s everything you need to know about mastering this hair color technique at-home.

What is balayage?

The name balayage isn’t referring to the hair color itself, but the method in which the hair color is applied. Balayage is actually a French word that means sweeping. In this hair color method, the hair dye is ‘swept’ onto the hair using a specific method that results in a soft, natural-looking graduation of color. So in short, the name balayage is speaking directly to the way that the color is brushed onto the hair.

Does balayage work on curly and kinky hair?

Yes, balayage is a great technique for curly hair highlights. In fact, balayage works on all hair types and is most beneficial for hair that is medium to long in length. When it comes to balayage curly hair, this technique is a great option since it’s easy to maintain and gives the curls and coils more dimension, since the color is strategically painted onto the strands. Consider it a texture enhancer to showcase those gorgeous ringlets.

How to choose the right colors for balayage on curly hair?

There are a variety of colors to choose from for curly hair balayage. From caramel curly hair highlights to honey balayage to fire-engine red curls, the options are endless. Here are some tips for choosing the right balayage color for your curly hair highlights.

If you want to keep it simple…
The basic rule of thumb for choosing a color for your curly hair balayage is to go one shade lighter than your natural hair color. If your hair is black, opt for a deep chocolate brown (get into your expensive brunette era). From those with dark brown hair, choose a hue with caramel tones. For lighter brown hair, stick with a sandy blonde shade. This is a great step if you’re new to hair color or simply wanting a hint of color without going overboard.

If you want to try something new…
The most popular shades with curly hair balayage are caramel and honey shades. This is especially beautiful on naturally dark hair and gives your curls a sunkissed, beachy look with very little upkeep required (more on that below). You can choose to add the lighter strands all-over the hair or keep them around the face to add warmth to your overall look.

If you want to stand out…
Blonde balayage is gorgeous, but if you’re looking for a unique look you’ll want to go in a different direction. From red to auburn to rose gold and more, the choice is truly yours.

How to do balayage on curly hair at-home?

Visiting a professional is always best when working with hair coloring techniques. However, if you’re feeling bold and want to balayage your curly hair at-home, we’re here to help. Here’s a step-by-step guide to DIY balayage for your curly hair highlighting.

Choose your style of hair

While you can balayage your hair from its curly state, some professionals recommend straightening your hair before applying the color. If you have loose-to-wavy hair, are new to at-home hair color or you find that you sport straight hair often, you may want to consider straightening your hair. Here’s why: Straightening your curly hair before applying the hair color can help you paint or sweep the color on your strands easier. Straightening your hair can also help you apply the color more thoroughly, since we aren’t pros here.

Choose your hair color

This might be the hardest step of all because all of the options are gorgeous. For a more subtle hue in the light brown and blonde family, choose the Fade Resist Golden Bronze or the Honey Blonde. For a bold, poppy color, consider the Red Hot Rhythm (copper) or Vivacious Red.

Prepare your hair for dyeing

Whether you’re new at this or you’re a DIY pro, you want to make at-home hair coloring as simple, easy and straightforward as possible — fixing mistakes isn’t so easy when you’re not a licensed stylist. Before you begin applying your color, section your hair. The more sections the better. We suggest four sections with a part down the middle. Keep one section out and clip or tie the other three sections up before you begin.

Mix your hair color

Now it’s science time. Following the instructions, carefully mix the ingredients in your at-home hair color kits. Be sure to use an old bowl or a color-safe bowl that can be easily cleaned afterwards.

Apply your color

Starting with the first section, grab a piece, about a quarter-inch to a half-inch thick, begin applying the color two to three inches below the root of the hair and continue to the end of the strands. Once the color is applied, you may want to massage the product into the hair shaft. This is especially important if you chose not to straighten your hair before coloring.

Continue this method throughout the section wherever you want a pop of brightness. Once you finish one section, secure it and move onto the next section.

Wait for the color to develop

Once your balayage is complete, it’s time to wait. This allows the color to process and develop as the dye sits on the hair. The longer you wait, the lighter the color will be, but don’t go longer than the directions suggest and put a timer on your phone if you think you’ll forget when to stop.

Rinse and tone

Once your time has completed, it’s time to rinse the hair and apply the toning product. The toner helps to balance and neutralize the dye color to be picture-perfect. Do not skip this step.

Wash, condition and style

Once the toner is complete, it’s time to shampoo and condition freshly painted curls. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo that is color-safe to help lock in moisture and strengthen weak curls.

How to maintain curly hair balayage

Thankfully, curly hair balayage requires minimal upkeep to keep your color in tip-top shape. Here are a few tips and tricks to maintaining your highlighted curly hair at-home.

Make sure your products are safe for colored hair

Now that you have curly hair with highlights, it’s important to use products that are color-safe. Opt for a hair care system that helps to strengthen weak, processed strands over time.

Keep moisturizing at the top of your to-do list

Colored hair has a tendency to be super dry. Don’t forget to keep your hair hydrated and moisturized so it looks healthy and strong. Applying a dime-sized amount of hair oil from mid-shaft to ends is a great way to finish off your style with a boost of natural sheen.

Reach for deep treatments

Hair masks are a curly girls best friend and they are even more essential for those with balayage hair highlights. We suggest applying a deep treatment or hair mask once a week for your healthiest curls. Try a formula ideal for natural hair that’s prone to damage and helps to repair hair strength in little time, for those days when you don’t have much of it to spare.

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