Curly girls know their hair requires a little extra TLC, like making sure it has enough moisture without getting heavy or applying the right products to get the perfect balance of volume and definition. When it comes to dyeing curly hair at home, there are even more factors to take into consideration. Luckily, we have some tips for achieving the color of your dreams, no matter your texture.
How to Dye Curly Hair at Home
1. Understand Your Curl Pattern
Knowing whether you have tight or loose curls can help determine how to dye your hair. If you have a tight curl pattern, dyeing can also temporarily loosen the structure, so be prepared for a slight change. Additionally, if you’re planning to bleach your hair before dyeing it, then you will need to take it slow.
Use a less concentrated bleach to lift the color fewer levels per application, and give your hair time to heal between lightening treatments. Overdoing lightening or bleaching treatments can permanently damage your curl pattern and the hair follicle itself.
2. Prep Your Curls
Ensuring that your hair is healthy before dyeing it is the key to success. Deep conditioning a week or more beforehand will help your hair retain moisture. Additionally, avoid washing your hair for at least 2 – 3 days before dyeing it. While it may seem counterintuitive to apply color to dirty hair, your hair will actually have more moisture locked in, and your scalp will be well-protected by its natural oils.
3. Choose the Right Product
Rich, creamy formulas tend to work better on curls than foam dyes because they do a better job penetrating the coarser, thicker strands. You should also reach for a semi-permanent dye to get color without ammonia or added peroxide, which can dehydrate your hair. Our semi-permanent Unicorn Hair Full-Coverage dyes and pastel Unicorn Hair Tints are formulated to condition hair as they color for soft, healthy locks and head-turning hues.
4. Follow the Product’s Directions Carefully
Most dyes will have very specific directions, and they should be followed precisely for the best results. If you have questions about applying our Unicorn Hair Dye, we broke down each step to make it fun and easy to spice up your ‘do at home.
5. Protect and Treat Your Hair After
Curly hair always needs more moisture than straight hair—and dyed hair needs it even more. Always use nourishing products to wash and treat your hair. Our Unicorn Hair color shampoo was made for dyed manes with your choice of pigments to help your color last longer. The formula is sulfate-free, so it won’t strip the dye prematurely. Pair it with a matching Unicorn Hair color conditioner for even more vibrant results and extra moisture.
Between washes, our Hydrating Hair Mask and Revitalizing Hair Oil will bring back your softness and shine. Both products contain powerful botanical ingredients for happier, healthier hair.
Feeling your new look? Show it off on Instagram, and check us out on TikTok for even more color inspiration!
