By Tiffani Douglas

As if your curls aren’t already hot enough, adding color to your kinks could be just the kind of heat you’re looking for, going into the summer months. But curls that have been dyed incorrectly, can be detrimental to the condition of your hair and your curl pattern. Because curly hair is naturally drier and more delicate than other hair types, coloring can easily damage your curly textured hair and cause irreversible damage if it’s not done right. Read on for tips and best practices on home hair coloring.

Let start with this advice…

First, if you want to ensure that you are getting the absolute best result from your dye job, visit a trained professional stylist if you don’t know what you are doing. A bad coloring experiment can result in all types of unfortunate outcomes, but a professional colorist can guide you through the coloring process. They can advise from beginning to end on color types and formulations, offer maintenance options, and evaluate the health of your hair prior to getting a treatment to prevent further damage. But if you must do it at home, here are some tips on achieving DIY color success!

1. Get dirty. No poo before dye. It’s true; you shouldn't wash your hair before dyeing it. If you cleanse your hair right before coloring it, the hair may be too slippery and color won’t properly adhere. What’s more, shampooing your hair right before dyeing may cause the dye or bleach to burn your scalp because you’ve washed away the natural oils that protect it. It’s recommended that you refrain from washing your hair 2-3 days prior to dyeing. Dirty hair is good hair when it comes to coloring!

2. Liquids and gels do it well. For better, fuller coverage, use gel and liquid color formulas if you're going it alone. Foam formulas don't penetrate dense, curly hair as well as liquids and gels, which could ultimately result in your color looking “off” or uneven.

3. Take it easy. Lightening or lifting your hair in one sitting can cause irreversible harm, and damage your curl pattern - causing a looser curl pattern or loss of elasticity. When bleaching or lightening your curly hair, go lighter gradually so you don’t disturb your curl pattern or drastically affect the health of your hair.

4. Go for semi-permanent color. Semi-permanent color is a better look for textured hair because it is less dehydrating than the regular color on already dry, curly hair. Semi-permanent or temporary color coats the surface of your curls, smoothing cuticles and leaving curls shiny, smooth and nourished.

5. Treat regularly. Curly hair already needs lots of moisture, but color-treated curly hair needs even more regular moisture care. To keep your hair from becoming dehydrated and brittle, condition with a safe and organic, Bamboo Protein Treatment, which is ideal for color-treated hair.

6. Protect your color. After you’ve colored your hair, maintaining it is the other half of the battle. Use color-protecting shampoos to preserve your color and guard against fading and bleeding. Color-protecting shampoos are typically free of harsh stripping chemicals like sulfates, and they moisturize and protect the hair. The all-natural Sea Kelp Curl Cleanser is sulfate-free and safe for color-treated hair, while providing the essential nutrients to protect and nourish the hair.

Learn more about CURLS’ organic hair products at www.curls.com.