Curly hair is one of the trickiest types to highlight at home. The coarse nature of curly strands makes application and placement challenging. But difficult doesn't mean impossible! In fact, it's totally doable, so long as you're armed with the right info. Follow our tips for curly-hair highlighting, and you'll have beautifully colored curls in no time!

Make Braids

Placement is key when highlighting curly hair. You want to add streaks to areas where the sun would naturally lighten your strands, which is tough to determine when your hair is thick and frizzy. It's also important that the highlights are thick, noticeable, and don't get lost in your wavy mane. One great trick for accomplishing this? Making braids!

Section off your dry hair and make four or five medium-sized braids. (The more braids you make, the more highlights you'll have.) Use a conditioning color kit, like L'Oréal Paris Féria, to paint the top of each braid, leaving the undersides alone. You'll end up with chunky streaks of color that are naturally broken up throughout your hair, and land right on the spots that are most exposed to the sun.

Frizz can dull your color. To fight this, apply a glossing treatment, like L'Oréal Paris Colorist Secrets Shine Gloss, right after you finish coloring. This will add shine and seal the hair cuticle, preventing frizz. It will also enhance your highlights and give your curls an allover shimmer.

Curly hair needs serious hydration - especially if it's colored. Shampooing every day strips away moisturizing oils, and can fade your highlights. Limit shampoo sessions to two or three times a week, and use a formula for colored-treated hair (we love Pureology Hydrate Shampoo). Follow with a conditioner and use a deep conditioning treatment at least twice a week.

What are your tricks for highlighting curly hair? Tell us in the comments!

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