How to color curly hair - Garnier How to color curly hair - Garnier

How to Color Curly Hair in 6 Easy Steps

You’ve got gorgeous curls, and there’s a stunning color calling your name. Go for it! Coloring curly hair any shade is possible, but you need to get those ringlets ready because they demand a little extra TLC. Beyond knowing the essentials of how to dye curly hair, you must use the right products to keep it vibrant and healthy. Good thing Garnier has all the products dyed curls require at every stage of their cleansing and styling routines. Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty!

Why Coloring Curly Hair Is Different

As you probably know, curly hair tends to be drier and more porous than straight hair. Since permanent hair dye is formulated to penetrate into the hair fiber, this dryness and porosity can affect how your curls absorb and react to color. That’s why we created Nutrisse Glossy Curl Color: it keeps your curls healthy while delivering shine and vibrant color.

How Curl Structure Affects Absorption

Every strand of hair is protected by scale-like cuticles that are supposed to lie flat and seal in moisture. But on curl patterns these tiny cuticles are raised and/or spread apart, which makes it harder for the dye to evenly penetrate. To smooth out this microscopic rough terrain before coloring curly hair, quench it well with Curl Nourish conditioner.

How to dye curly hair - Garnier
Hair dye for curly hair - Garnier

Common Challenges When Coloring Curls

To minimize damage like dryness, frizz, and fading, it’s essential to use a specially formulated curly hair dye. In a nutshell, these are nourishing hair colors developed to be safe for all curl patterns and textures.

How to Choose the Best Curly Hair Color for You

Now that you have a few deets on coloring curly hair, you can start looking for curl-loving hair dyes that provide nutrients and moisture. You should also make sure your curls are in the peak of health before coloring and think about their level of porosity. Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to pick a shade that helps define your curls and play up the light. One of the best ways to “try before you dye” is to use our Virtual Try-On Tool so you can see yourself in your favorite colors.
Hair Color Virtual Try-On

Hair Color Virtual Try-On

Virtually try on Garnier hair colors to discover your perfect shade.

TRY ON SHADES

How to Color Curly Hair at Home

Choose an at-home hair color for curly hair like Nutrisse Glossy Curl Color that is non-drying and curl-safe. Pro tip: Treat your curls with caution and care at every step of applying curly hair dye.
Prepping hair color for curly hair - Garnier

Step 1. Prep Your Curls

The best time for coloring curly hair is one to three days after shampooing when natural oils have had a chance to coat every strand. You’ll also want it to be product-free, so don’t add any styling products after the last wash. This planning stage is worth it: the color will spread more evenly and you’ll help prevent breakage.

Step 2. Choose Your Hair Color Kit

A top option for curly hair color is Nutrisse Glossy Curl Color. Not only does it contain curl-safe ingredients, but it really works to enhance shine with a gloss shot in the box.

Hair color kit for curly hair - Garnier
Protecting skin and clothes when dyeing curly hair - Garnier

Step 3. Protect Your Skin and Clothes

When applying hair dye on curly hair, always wear clothes you don’t mind staining or drape an old towel or cape over your shoulders. Protect your hands with the gloves in the box, and apply some petroleum jelly along your hairline to prevent drips.

Step 4. Section Hair

For even application, divide your hair into four to six sections and secure each with a clip or barrette. This is an important step for curls because they tend to bounce around a lot and get in the way.

Section before coloring curly hair - Garnier
Applying hair dye on curly hair tips - Garnier

Step 5. Mix and Apply the Curly Hair Dye

Start by applying the dye to the roots, and then move to the lengths. Be sure to distribute the hair color evenly. As you go, use a gentle touch to maintain the integrity of your curl pattern.

Step 6. Rinse

Heat is a moisture-zapper for all hair, but especially for curls. Use cool or lukewarm water when rinsing out the curly hair dye. Then hydrate deeply with the conditioner provided in the box and don’t wash your hair again for at least 24 hours so the color sets in well. Apply Curl Nourish Conditioner after every wash to maintain moisture between coloring sessions.

Rinsing after coloring curly hair - Garnier

Shade Selector Quiz for Curly Hair

To pinpoint your perfect Nutrisse Glossy Curl Color shade, take the Shade Selector quiz!
Shade Selector Quiz

Shade Selector Quiz

Take our quiz to discover the perfect Garnier hair shades for you!

FIND MY SHADE

Best Products for Coloring Curly Hair

When coloring curly hair, you need to take extra care to protect your curl pattern. Nutrisse Glossy Curl Color is Garnier’s first at-home hair color just for curls in 4 no-ammonia shades that protect, gloss up, and define for less breakage and incredible shine.

Best products for coloring curly hair - Garnier

Curl-Friendly Hair Care Products

Your new curly hair color looks amazing! To keep it vibrant and supple, reach for the Curl Nourish collection of the best after-color care products. They are all sulfate-free and specifically formulated to care for waves, curls, and coils.
Cleansing before applying hair color for curly hair - Garnier

Cleansing: Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair

For the gentle cleansing and hydration your curls need, start your hair care routine by washing and moisturizing with Curl Nourish shampoo and conditioner.

Conditioning: Leave-Ins and Sprays for Curly Hair

Prolong moisture for up to 48 hours and create lasting definition with Curl Nourish Air Dry Curl Cream. Then keep hydration in check and control frizz with no-crunch Curl Refresher Spray.

Conditioning colored curly hair - Garnier
Coloring curly hair tips - Garnier

Styling: Products for Curly Hair

After coloring curly hair, you’ll want to keep refreshing the bounce and softness. Try Flexi Hold Curl Defining & Styling Gel as curl-safe styler.

How to Maintain Curly Hair Color

Once you’ve applied curly hair dye, there are some tried-and-true techniques that help maintain curl health and prevent fading. Following these golden rules are just as essential as the coloring steps!
Wash colored curly hair less often - Garnier

Wash Less Often

Always choose sulfate-free, color-safe cleansing formulas and only wash once or twice a week with Curl Nourish shampoo.

Deep Condition Weekly

Replenish moisture every week with Curl Nourish conditioner or a curl-safe mask like Method for Curls Defining Mask.

Deep conditioning curly hair color - Garnier
Heat protection for curly hair color - Garnier

Protect Curls From Heat and UV Damage

Heat is the enemy of curls. It dries them out and makes them frizzy. Protect your curly hair from heat at all costs, including hot water, blow driers, sun and straighteners. Always use a heat protectant if you do use hot tools and cover your head when outside. Your curls will thank you!

Curly Hair Coloring FAQs

  • You risk causing damage by coloring curly hair improperly, using a standard dye kit, and not caring for your hair post-color. Avoid these pitfalls by coloring with Nutrisse Glossy Curl Color and routinely using conditioning treatments to maintain healthy curls and vibrant color.
  • The safest hair color for curly hair is specifically formulated to give curls the nourishment they need during the process. Color kits like Nutrisse Glossy Curl Color provides everything waves, curls, and coils crave.
  • To lock in moisture after coloring curly hair, apply leave-in conditioners like Curl Nourish Air Dry Curl Cream and rehydrate weekly with Curl Nourish Conditioner.
  • You can usually lighten your curly hair without bleach, but major color changes typically require bleaching before coloring. Consider safer alternatives to bleach like a high-lift color or gloss.
  • You can safely reapply curly hair color every six to eight weeks. But it’s a good idea to do a root touchup or a gloss refresher between all-over color.
  • Straightening before coloring curly hair isn’t recommended because two processes in a row are likely to cause damage. For the most even and accurate results, you should always apply curly hair dye on your natural curl pattern.
  • Dry and/or damaged curls are stressed curls. Make sure you hair is as healthy as possible before coloring it by repairing with deep conditioning masks. The rule of thumb is to only use hair color for curly hair that is hydrated and frizz-free.
  • After coloring curly hair, you can replenish shape and definition with styling products. Check out the Curl Nourish collection to find the best leave-ins, nourishing stylers, and defining sprays.
  • Yes, even coloring curly hair with curl-safe dye can make it more frizzy, especially if you don’t apply products that replenish moisture. The most recommended frizz-preventors are leave-in conditioners and serums that seal in moisture until your next wash. Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum also nourishes and strengthens, and Curl Nourish Air Dry Curl Cream helps detangle.
  • When applying curly hair dye at home, the best way to ensure it goes on evenly is to carefully divide your hair into sections. Make sure every strand is saturated by working section by section from the roots through the lengths.
  • Absolutely, glosses are a great option for refreshing your curly hair color, plus they enhance shine.

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