Let’s be real: Curly hair is already a masterpiece—but a little color? That’s like adding glitter to a fireworks show.
Whether you’re a coil queen, a wave warrior, or somewhere in between, the right hue can make your curls pop, add dimension, and even boost that “I woke up like this” confidence.
But with so many options (and so many Instagram filters), choosing a color can feel overwhelming.
Good news: You don’t have to play it safe with a single shade. From sun-kissed balayage to bold gemstone tones, we’re breaking down 16 hair color trends that celebrate curls in all their glory.
No more guessing games—just inspiration, pro tips, and a whole lot of hair envy. Let’s dive in!
1. Sunlit Caramel Balayage
Why it works: Balayage’s hand-painted technique adds depth without harsh lines, mimicking natural sunlight on your curls.
Caramel tones warm up dark bases and blend seamlessly with natural brown or black hair.
Pro tip: Ask for “root smudging” to soften regrowth—perfect for low-maintenance babes.Best for: Loose waves or spirals craving a beachy vibe.
2. Ginger Spice Melt
Why it works: Redheads, rejoice! Ginger blends copper and golden undertones to make curls look like they’re glowing from within. It’s fiery but approachable, especially on medium to tight curls.
Pro tip: Use a color-depositing conditioner (try orange or copper) to keep the hue vibrant between salon visits.Best for: Warm skin tones and bold personalities.
3. Mocha Latte Highlights
Why it works: Subtle, creamy brown highlights on a dark base create a “latte art” effect. It’s rich, delicious, and adds movement without screaming “I just left the salon.”Pro tip: Focus highlights around your face to brighten your complexion.Best for: Naturalistas who want dimension without drama.
4. Midnight Sapphire
Why it works: Deep blue-black hair with sapphire undertones is like a night sky for your curls. It adds cool-toned shine and makes coils look denser.Pro tip: Swap traditional black dye for a blue-base formula to avoid flatness.Best for: High-density curls and cool skin undertones.
5. Rose Gold Ringlets
Why it works: This pink-meets-peach hue softens tight curls and adds a romantic, ethereal touch. It’s bold but still office-friendly (trust us).Pro tip: Start with a strawberry blonde base if you’re dark-haired—no bleach overload needed.Best for: Romantic shags or shoulder-length bobs.
6. Espresso Brown with Cinnamon Ribbons
Why it works: Dark espresso roots melt into cinnamon mid-lengths, creating a spicy, dimensional look. It’s like autumn leaves but for your hair.Pro tip: Use a gloss treatment monthly to keep red tones from fading brassy.Best for: Curly cuts with lots of layers.
7. Lavender Mist Ombré
Why it works: Pastel lavender tips on dark curls? Dreamy. The contrast is edgy yet soft, and the ombré effect means less root upkeep.Pro tip: Pre-lighten only the ends to minimize damage.Best for: Short curly pixies or long mermaid waves.
8. Honeycomb Highlights
Why it works: Chunky honey-blonde highlights woven through dark curls mimic, well, a honeycomb. It’s sweet, textured, and perfect for natural hair.Pro tip: Opt for a “partial highlight” to save time and money.Best for: Round faces—the vertical streaks elongate your shape.
9. Smoky Amethyst
Why it works: Moody purple with gray undertones feels mystical and modern. It’s less “unicorn” and more “enchanted forest,” especially on coiled textures.Pro tip: Mix semi-permanent dye with conditioner for DIY touch-ups.Best for: Cool skin tones and short curly fros.
10. Golden Bronze Melt
Why it works: Bronze is the underrated hero of warm tones. It’s richer than caramel, lighter than chocolate, and makes curls look lit from within.Pro tip: Pair with a cinnamon lip stain for monochromatic magic.Best for: Olive or deep skin tones.
11. Shadow Root Glow-Up
Why it works: Dark roots + bright ends = the ultimate lazy-girl hack. Grow-out looks intentional, and the contrast makes curls pop.Pro tip: Match the root shade to your natural color for seamless blending.Best for: Curly bangs or undercuts.
12. Champagne Blonde Bombshell
Why it works: Cool, icy blonde on curls? Yes, please. It’s high-contrast, high-glam, and pairs perfectly with a deep side part.Pro tip: Invest in purple shampoo to combat brassiness.Best for: Loose curls or blowouts with tons of volume.
13. Terracotta Tapestry
Why it works: This burnt orange-red is autumn in a bottle. It’s warm, earthy, and adds depth to coily hair without overwhelming it.Pro tip: Add auburn lowlights for a sunset effect.Best for: Medium-density curls and golden skin tones.
14. Ash Brown with Silver Streaks
Why it works: Ash brown’s cool undertones neutralize redness, while silver streaks add a futuristic twist. It’s edgy but wearable.Pro tip: Use a toner to keep ash shades from turning green.Best for: Short curly crops or asymmetric cuts.
15. Mermaid Teal Dip-Dye
Why it works: Teal ends on dark curls are like ocean waves—bold, mesmerizing, and totally addictive. Plus, dip-dye minimizes damage to your roots.Pro tip: Style with curl cream to make the color “swim” through your strands.Best for: Curly lobs or braid-outs.
16. Espresso Martini (Black with Gold Shimmer)
Why it works: Jet black curls with subtle gold foiling? It’s like sipping a fancy cocktail. The gold catches the light, adding luxe dimension.Pro tip: Ask for “baby lights” instead of chunky highlights for a natural glow.Best for: High-shine curls and glamorous updos.
Curly Hair Color Commandments
Moisture is non-negotiable: Color dries out curls. Stock up on leave-in conditioners and hair masks.
Find a curl whisperer: Not all stylists know how to color textured hair. Look for specialists!
Protect your crown: Sleep on silk pillowcases and avoid heat styling to preserve color.
Embrace the grow-out: Curly hair grows slower, so shadow roots and balayage are your BFFs.
Final Thought: Color is Your Curl’s Bestie
Your curls deserve to shine—literally. Whether you go full mermaid with teal tips or keep it classic with mocha ribbons, the right color can turn your hair into a conversation starter.
Remember, it’s not about following trends; it’s about finding what makes you feel unstoppable.
So book that salon appointment, screenshot your fave inspo pics, and walk in like you own the place (because you do). Your curls are ready for their close-up.
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