I’ve been there, staring at color swatches, wondering which shade would bring out the best in my curls without hiding their natural beauty.
Curly hair is already a statement, so picking a color that enhances every bounce, twist, and wave is key.
After years of experimenting (and learning the hard way a few times), I’ve discovered that certain shades can truly transform your look while letting your curls shine.
1. Honey Blonde Highlights
Warm and radiant, honey blonde highlights bring a sun-kissed glow to your curls.
The color works beautifully on darker bases, creating a natural contrast that brightens your overall look.
The highlights weave seamlessly through the twists and turns of your curls, adding depth and dimension.
Perfect for those seeking a soft, beachy vibe, honey blonde is easy to maintain and pairs wonderfully with light, natural makeup.
2. Caramel Balayage
Caramel balayage is a go-to choice for curly hair because it accentuates the natural movement of your locks.
This technique creates a gradual, blended effect, starting from a darker root and transitioning into caramel tones.
The richness of caramel adds warmth to your look, complementing medium to dark skin tones.
Ideal for those who want a low-maintenance style, balayage grows out gracefully, keeping your curls vibrant and stunning.
3. Deep Burgundy
If you’re after a bold, sultry shade, deep burgundy is a game-changer.
This rich, wine-toned color brings sophistication and drama to curly hair, making your spirals stand out.
The shade pops against fair to medium skin tones and offers a luxurious, velvety appearance.
Deep burgundy also provides a beautiful contrast when styled under natural light, giving your curls an iridescent shimmer.
4. Chocolate Brown
Chocolate brown is a timeless color that enhances the natural elegance of curly hair.
Its rich, earthy tone flatters all skin tones and provides a polished, understated look.
The shade works wonderfully for anyone wanting a professional yet stylish appearance.
With proper care and moisturizing treatments, your chocolate brown curls can stay glossy and vibrant, offering a classic beauty that never fades.
5. Auburn Afro Curls
Auburn is a fiery blend of red and brown, making it a striking choice for afro-textured curls.
This vibrant color adds an element of fun and creativity to your style.
It brightens darker complexions and complements lighter skin tones beautifully, creating a radiant effect.
Auburn curls catch the light spectacularly, giving your hairstyle a dynamic look that’s hard to ignore.
6. Icy Platinum Blonde
For those who love daring transformations, icy platinum blonde offers a dramatic and edgy finish.
This cool-toned color provides a stark contrast to dark roots, making your curls the center of attention.
While it requires a bit more upkeep, the results are worth it.
Pair it with bold lipstick or minimalist makeup for a high-fashion vibe that’s sure to turn heads.
7. Copper Red
Copper red is all about vibrancy and energy, making it a stunning choice for curly hair.
This bright, warm shade enhances your curls’ natural volume and texture, giving them a lively appearance.
It pairs particularly well with golden or olive undertones, creating a harmonious look.
With proper conditioning, copper red stays luminous and bold, ensuring your curls shine.
8. Pastel Pink
For a playful, dreamy vibe, pastel pink adds a soft yet bold twist to curly hair.
The delicate hue creates a whimsical look, perfect for expressing individuality.
It works best on lightened hair and pairs well with minimal styling to let your curls take center stage.
While the shade requires regular toning, it’s a fun way to experiment with color without being overly dramatic.
9. Golden Blonde
Golden blonde brings warmth and radiance to your curls, making them look sunlit and vibrant.
This shade works well for most skin tones, offering a glamorous yet natural effect.
The golden hues blend effortlessly with your curls, enhancing their definition and creating a luxurious, healthy glow.
To keep the color fresh, use shampoos formulated for blonde hair.
10. Rose Gold Highlights
Rose gold highlights are a trendy, romantic option for curly hair.
The blend of pink and gold tones adds a touch of femininity and elegance.
These highlights shine beautifully in natural light, giving your curls a soft, shimmering appearance.
Whether styled casually or for special occasions, rose gold provides a unique charm that’s hard to resist.
11. Jet Black
For a sleek, classic look, jet black is an unbeatable choice.
This deep, glossy shade enhances the shine and definition of curly hair, making every twist and coil stand out.
It’s a versatile color that complements all skin tones and requires minimal maintenance.
Jet black pairs wonderfully with bold accessories or bright clothing, giving you a striking, confident appearance.
12. Mahogany Curls
Mahogany blends red and brown tones for a rich, multidimensional effect on curly hair.
This shade adds warmth and depth, making your curls appear fuller and more defined.
It’s a perfect choice for autumn-inspired looks or anyone wanting a cozy yet chic style.
The color works beautifully with various curl patterns, enhancing their natural elegance.
13. Strawberry Blonde
Strawberry blonde combines warm red and golden tones, creating a soft and romantic effect.
This shade adds a natural glow to curls, perfect for light to medium skin tones.
The color highlights your curls’ texture, creating a sunlit, radiant look.
With regular hydration and color-protecting products, your strawberry blonde locks will maintain their vibrancy and softness, exuding timeless charm.
14. Blue Black
For a dramatic and edgy vibe, blue black is a striking choice.
This deep, cool-toned color enhances the shine and definition of curly hair, adding mystery and elegance.
The subtle blue undertone makes it unique, especially under natural light.
It’s ideal for those with darker skin tones or anyone craving a bold transformation.
Low maintenance and long-lasting, this shade is perfect for busy lifestyles.
15. Green Highlights
Green highlights add a playful twist to curly hair, offering a bold yet stylish statement.
They pair beautifully with dark bases, creating a stunning contrast that catches the eye.
For a subtler effect, try muted olive tones, or go for vibrant neon shades for a daring look.
Green highlights reflect beautifully in sunlight, adding a fresh, vibrant dimension to your curls.
16. Mushroom Brown
Mushroom brown is a trendy, ashy shade that blends brown and grey tones for a natural, earthy vibe.
This understated color enhances curly hair by adding depth without being overpowering.
It’s perfect for those seeking a sophisticated look that’s easy to maintain.
The cool undertones flatter light to medium skin tones and give curls a soft, blended finish.
17. Ginger Spice
Bold and fiery, ginger spice is a head-turning choice for curly hair.
This warm, reddish-orange shade adds vibrancy and personality, making your curls look lively and full of energy.
The color pops against darker skin tones and provides a striking contrast for lighter ones.
It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to embrace a bold, confident style.
18. Cherry Cola
Cherry cola offers a rich, deep red with subtle brown undertones, creating a luxurious and elegant look.
This shade works beautifully with all curl types, enhancing their natural movement.
Its versatility suits various skin tones, making it an excellent option for those wanting a bold yet wearable color.
The subtle red shimmer catches the light, adding a unique touch to your hairstyle.
19. Champagne Blonde
Champagne blonde is a soft, creamy shade that exudes sophistication.
The color combines cool and warm tones, making it suitable for various skin tones.
On curly hair, this shade creates a luminous effect, giving your curls a glossy, high-end finish.
To keep the champagne hue fresh, invest in colour-protecting shampoos and conditioners.
20. Bronze Balayage
Bronze balayage adds a sun-kissed, golden-brown hue to your curls, perfect for creating a natural, glowing look.
This technique blends bronze tones seamlessly into your natural hair, enhancing the depth and texture of your curls.
The low-maintenance style grows out gracefully and is ideal for medium to dark bases seeking a touch of warmth.
21. Toffee Brown
Toffee brown is a warm, rich shade that enhances curly hair’s natural beauty.
The colour flatters most skin tones and adds a cosy, inviting vibe to your hairstyle.
Its golden undertones bring out the dimension in your curls, making them look glossy and defined.
Regular conditioning treatments will help maintain the smooth, shiny appearance of this delicious hue.
22. Blonde Ombre
Blonde ombre adds a touch of elegance and drama to curly hair.
The gradual transition from dark roots to light ends highlights your curls’ structure, creating a beautiful, cascading effect.
This style is versatile and suits various shades of blonde, from honey to ash.
With proper care, blonde ombre can stay vibrant and effortlessly stylish.
23. Icy Pearl Blonde
Icy pearl blonde is a chic, modern colour that gives curls a luminous, ethereal glow.
The cool, pearly tones provide a high-fashion finish, perfect for those who want a standout look.
It requires regular toning and hydration to maintain its brilliance, but the effort is worth it.
This shade pairs beautifully with bold makeup or minimalist styles for a polished appearance.
