Best Hair Dye For Curly Hair April 2024

Dyeing curly hair can be a tricky process. The unique structure and texture of curls and coils means hair dye doesn’t always penetrate and deposit color evenly. However, with the right preparations, techniques, and products, those with curly locks can successfully change up their look with rich, vibrant, long-lasting hair color.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about choosing and using hair dye on curly hair. You’ll learn how dye interacts with various curl types, what to look for in hair color formulas, application and processing best practices, color maintenance tips, and solutions for common dyed hair problems. With the information in this guide, you can make informed decisions and get salon-worthy results dyeing your curls at home.

How Hair Dye Works on Curly Hair

To understand the unique considerations for curlies coloring their hair, it helps to first look at how hair dye actually works on the structure of hair.

Most standard permanent and demi-permanent hair dyes work by penetrating into the hair cuticle (the outer protective layer of each strand) and depositing color pigments inside the hair cortex (the inner structure). This is why fully saturating every strand is so important for getting complete, even color from root to tip.

The shape and texture of curly hair impacts how effectively dye can penetrate and adhere. Hair porosity, curl pattern, density, and current color all affect dye uptake.

Hair Porosity

Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Those with high porosity hair have open cuticles that allow dye to penetrate deeply and quickly. Low porosity hair repels moisture and can block color from saturating the strands.

To maximize dye absorption and coverage, curly haired colorists may need to do a porosity-balancing pre-treatment before coloring high or low porosity curls.

Curl Pattern and Texture

The actual thickness and tightness of the curl pattern also affects dye deposit.

• Tighter coils tend to have less dye uptake than looser wave patterns.
• Dense, thick curly hair with many strands bunched together can prevent dye from fully reaching each cuticle.

Taking the time to thoroughly section hair before coloring allows more targeted application and saturation from root to ends.

Current Color and Lightening

If you want to go lighter with hair dye, some level of lightening is required to remove underlying pigment before depositing the new shade.

• Curly hair has less cuticle layers so lighteners can penetrate quickly and over-process.
• The extra openness after lightening also allows darker tones to grab onto hair more intensely than intended.

Using lower developer with lighteners and doing strand tests helps curly haired colorists achieve gradual, damage-free lightening with predictable color results.

Being aware of these dynamics helps avoid common problems like splotchy coverage, damaged frizzy texture, and unwanted tones.

Choosing a Hair Dye Formula

With so many products on the market, it can be overwhelming to pick the right hair dye for your curly hair goals and needs. Here are the key considerations when selecting a formula and type of color.

Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent vs. Temporary Dye

Permanent dyes use peroxide developers to open the cuticle and create lasting color change within the hair shaft. This yields longer-lasting color but requires more precision and can cause damage if over-processed.

Semi-permanent dyes deposit pigment without peroxide so don’t lighten hair. The color fades out over 4-6 weeks. Less commitment but still vibrant results.

Temporary dyes only coat the outer hair strand so wash out in 1-2 shampoos. Fun for short-term colors without lightening.

For curly hair, permanent dye is best for major color changes while semi-permanent offers flexibility for less drastic looks. Temporary dyes help limit drying and damage from repeat processing.

Formula Ingredients

Pay attention to the active ingredients in hair dye:

• Ammonia swells the cuticle for more color penetration but can be irritating and drying. Opt for ammonia-free.
• Developer volume (10, 20, 30, 40) indicates the concentration of oxidizing peroxide. For curly hair, always stay on the lower end.
• Conditioning additives like oils, humectants, and proteins counteract drying effects of dye. Seek out these extras.

Color Depositing vs. Lifting

Some dyes only deposit color without lifting or lightening natural pigment. However, many permanent dye kits contain lighteners like peroxide, persulfates, or alcohol to remove color for brighter results.

For curly hair, deposit-only semi-permanent dyes are gentler. If using permanent lightening dyes, do so cautiously and gradually to prevent damage.

The takeaway? Read all ingredients and descriptions closely to choose developer strengths and formulas aligned with your goals.

Professional Dye vs. Box Dye

Because curly hair is more delicate and challenging to color evenly, professional salon dye is optimal whenever possible. With an expert stylist, you get:

• A personalized consultation
• Carefully customized formula
• Strand tests for color and lightening
• Professional techniques for application

However, at-home box dyes from trusted brands like L’Oreal and Clairol can also work well for basic curly hair coloring if you follow directions closely. Just be conservative with lightening, prep hair properly, and expect the need for multiple applications to cover every curl.

Application and Processing

Once you’ve selected the right hair dye formula and shade, proper application and processing is crucial for ensuring even, predictable results on curly hair.

Sectioning and Saturation

The number one rule is thorough saturation from roots to ends. This prevents splotches and patches.

• Work in 1-2 inch sections to keep hair detangled
• Use clips, ties, and gloved hands to expose each section
• Apply dye directly and liberally on the scalp first before working from roots to tips
• Leave dye on 5 minutes longer than minimum time indicated

DIY Tips and Tools

To distribute dye smoothly onto every curl:

• Use a tint or bottle brush to deposit color directly onto hair, avoiding hands
• Try squirt color applicator bottles for targeted precision
• Comb through each section after applying dye to spread it evenly
• Keep saturated sections detangled with clips during processing

Follow all timing directions precisely. Leaving dye on too long leads to damage while rinsing too soon results in faded color.

Rinsing

Rinsing properly prevents dye from lingering on strands and causing discoloration:

• Rinse hair in tepid water until it runs clear
• Finish with a cool water rinse to seal cuticles
• Avoid rubbing, combing, or tangling hair while rinsing
• Shampoo only after water runs clean to avoid uneven dye removal

Once you’ve fully rinsed, proceed with deep conditioning and protective styling.

Caring for Dyed Curly Hair

The drying effects of hair dye don’t stop once you’ve rinsed it out. Maintaining moisture and preventing fading requires adjustments to your curly hair regimen.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

Weekly reparative masks and leave-in conditioners keeps dyed curls strong and helps seal in color. Focus on moisture, not protein, to avoid brittleness.

Sulfate-Free Shampoos

Sulfates strip color faster. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to retain vibrancy. Only lather roots to avoid drying out ends.

Heat Protection

Limit heat styling with flat irons or blow dryers which causes rapid fading. Let curly hair air dry to lock in dye.

Protective Hairstyles

Braids, buns, headwraps and satin pillowcases prevent color-abrading friction.

With some TLC between dye jobs, curly colorists can protect their locks and maintain rich, shiny hues.

Colors for Different Curl Types

Not every hair color works equally well on all curl patterns and textures. Here’s how to pick shades tailored to your specific curly hair type.

Fine Curly Hair

Those with fine, wispy curls can go bold. Intense fashion shades like neon hues, pastels, and vivid violets show up clearly and amplify volume. Avoid ashy tones.

Medium Textured Curls

Medium density curls have lots of flexibility–from warm coppers and caramels to cooler platinums and rosegolds. Focus on choosing colors harmonious with skin tone.

Thick Coily Hair

Dense, coiled hair can handle rich chocolate browns, bright cherry reds, or inky jet blacks without the colors getting lost. Neutral earthy tones also suit thick curls.

Highlights for Curly Hair

Full head bleach tends to damage curls. But carefully done highlights threaded throughout coils adds dimension. Quick techniques like balayage minimize lightening time.

Regardless of texture, always match cool and warm shades to natural undertones. And when unsure, do strand tests!

Troubleshooting Common Dye Problems

Even when using the right dye formula and techniques, curly hair color doesn’t always go as planned. Here are some solutions to the most frequent issues.

Uneven Coverage and Splotches

If some strands end up darker than others, reapply dye only to light areas instead of the whole head. Be sure to thoroughly detangle and saturate each curl.

Unwanted Brassy, Ashy or Muddy Tones

Neutralize brassiness with blue toning shampoo. Cancel out ashiness with an orange conditioning mask. And to combat muddiness, do a clarifying wash then re-dye in your desired shade.

Over-processed, Dry, Damaged Hair

Overlapping lightener with dye or leaving in too long creates frizz and dryness. Combat this with Olaplex treatments, moisture masks, Oils, and holding off from re-coloring for 6-8 weeks.

Fading and Color Loss

To make the vibrancy last longer, avoid sulfate shampoos, heat styling, chlorine, and sun exposure. When it’s time to refresh your color, do root touch ups instead of re-dyeing all hair.

With some trial and error, curly colorists can troubleshoot issues and achieve longer-lasting, salon-quality dye jobs unique to their texture.

FAQ About At Home Dyeing for Curly Hair

If you’re new to changing up your curls with color, chances are you have lots of questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked topics.

Can I successfully dye my curly hair at home?

Yes! With the right tools, preparation, patience, and realistic expectations, you can absolutely achieve beautiful color results at home. Follow instructions closely, do strand tests, and start gradually.

How often can I re-dye my curly hair?

Aim for 6-8 weeks between colouring. Too frequently leads to fading, damage and buildup. Use semi-permanent or temporary colors between permanent dye if you want to change it up more often.

What if the color turns out darker, brassier or more uneven than I wanted?

Don’t panic! Overlapping with a corrective toner, doing clarifying washes, or consulting a stylist can help get the color back on track. Strand tests minimize risk of undesirable shades.

Will the curls in my hair loosen or tighten after dyeing?

Texture change depends on your curl type, dye choice and prep. Permanent dyes may loosen some coils, especially if lightening is involved. Proper deep conditioning prevents drying and tightening.

Can I still dye my hair if I have grays, highlights, relaxers, etc?

You can, but extra caution and strand tests are key. Consult a stylist first about how current color and chemical services impact what dye to use. Expect to spend more time at the bowl.

Don’t be intimidated to try out new colors on your curly mane. With the right tools and techniques, you can get vibrant, glossy, healthy hair color at home tailored to your unique texture.

Conclusion

Dyeing curly hair comes with unique considerations compared to straight locks. But when armed with the right knowledge about formulas, application techniques, maintenance, and troubleshooting, curly haired colorists can successfully achieve beautiful, vivid, salon-worthy results at home.

The key takeaways for coloring curls:

• Use professional or ammonia-free semi-permanent dye for less damage
• Thoroughly saturate each section, leaving dye on longer
• Correct porosity and do strand tests before coloring
• Rinse carefully, deep condition, and limit heat for care
• Match shades to your individual hair texture and tones

Finally, be patient with the process and consult a stylist if you have any concerns about how your hair will take to color. With the comprehensive tips in this guide, you can make informed decisions for dyeing your curly locks and end up with eye-catching hues that enhance your beautiful texture.