Curly hair paired with highlights creates a dimension that transforms your entire look from ordinary to absolutely mesmerizing.
Whether you have natural coils, loose waves, or tight spirals, adding highlights can enhance your curls’ texture, create depth, and bring out your personality in ways you never imagined.
This comprehensive guide to 36 Save Worthy Curly Hairstyles With Highlights Everyone Loves will walk you through the most stunning color combinations, placement techniques, and styling methods that celebrities and everyday trendsetters are embracing right now.
From subtle caramel ribbons to bold platinum chunks, you’ll discover how different highlighting techniques can complement your curl pattern, skin tone, and personal style while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.
1. Honey Blonde Highlights on Dark Curly Hair
Honey blonde highlights on dark curly hair create a sun-kissed warmth that beautifully contrasts with deeper base tones.
This timeless combination works exceptionally well for those seeking a natural yet noticeable transformation that catches light with every movement.
- The honey blonde shade adds dimension by creating light and shadow effects throughout your curl pattern
- This color combination works particularly well with warm and olive skin tones
- Strategic placement around the face brightens your complexion and draws attention to your features
- The contrast between dark roots and honey tones creates a low-maintenance grow-out that looks intentional
- Honey highlights enhance the three-dimensional appearance of curls by illuminating individual ringlets
- This style requires purple shampoo every few washes to prevent brassiness
- Deep conditioning treatments weekly help maintain moisture balance in highlighted sections
2. Caramel Balayage for Loose Curls
Caramel balayage offers a hand-painted approach that creates natural-looking dimension throughout loose curls.
The freehand technique ensures highlights are placed where the sun would naturally lighten hair, resulting in an effortlessly beautiful finish.
- Balayage technique prevents harsh lines by blending colors seamlessly into your natural curl pattern
- Caramel tones add warmth without requiring dramatic lightening that could damage delicate curls
- The color placement focuses on mid-lengths and ends where curls catch the most light
- This highlighting method requires less frequent touch-ups compared to traditional foil highlights
- Loose curls showcase the graduated color transition more visibly than tighter curl patterns
- Stylists customize caramel shades from light butterscotch to deep toffee based on your base color
- Using curl-specific color-safe products preserves both the highlight vibrancy and curl definition
3. Platinum Blonde Chunky Highlights
Platinum blonde chunky highlights make a bold statement that demands attention while adding striking contrast to curly hair.
This high-impact look works for those who want their curls to become a conversation starter.
- Chunky highlights create visible sections of platinum that stand out distinctly from the base color
- This dramatic look requires professional application to achieve even lift without excessive damage
- Platinum sections need regular toning treatments to maintain the cool, ash-blonde appearance
- The bold contrast works exceptionally well with medium to dark base colors
- Chunky placement around the hairline creates a face-framing effect that highlights facial features
- This style requires significant upkeep including weekly purple masks and bond-building treatments
- The high-contrast look pairs beautifully with both natural curl patterns and styled definitions
4. Subtle Auburn Highlights for Redheads
Subtle auburn highlights enhance natural red curly hair by adding multidimensional tones that range from copper to deep burgundy.
This approach creates depth without drastically changing your existing color story.
- Auburn highlights complement existing red pigments rather than fighting against them
- The subtle approach maintains a natural appearance while adding complexity to your curl color
- Copper tones catch sunlight beautifully and make curls appear more vibrant
- This color combination works particularly well for those with fair to medium skin tones
- Red-based highlights require color-depositing shampoos to prevent fading
- The dimensional effect makes individual curls more distinguishable and defined
- Mixing warm and cool auburn tones creates a custom color that appears different in various lighting
5. Silver Gray Highlights on Black Curls
Silver gray highlights on black curls create an edgy, modern aesthetic that celebrates contrast and individuality.
This high-fashion look has gained popularity for its ability to transform traditional dark curls into a statement-making masterpiece.
- Silver highlights require pre-lightening black hair which demands professional expertise to minimize damage
- The cool-toned metallic finish creates a futuristic appearance that stands out in any setting
- This color combination requires purple or blue toning shampoos to maintain the silver tone
- Strategic placement prevents the look from appearing too harsh or aged
- The gray tones work particularly well with cool and neutral skin undertones
- Regular gloss treatments help maintain shine and vibrancy in both the base and highlighted sections
- This bold choice requires commitment to extensive maintenance routines
6. Golden Brown Lowlights and Highlights
Golden brown lowlights combined with highlights create a multi-tonal effect that adds incredible depth to curly hair.
This technique uses both lighter and darker shades to build dimension that mimics natural sun exposure.
- Combining lowlights and highlights prevents a flat, one-dimensional appearance
- Golden brown tones add warmth that complements most skin tones
- The varied color placement creates visual interest throughout your entire curl pattern
- This technique works exceptionally well for transitioning between drastically different colors
- Lowlights add depth to areas that would naturally be in shadow
- The multi-tonal approach requires less frequent root touch-ups
- Curls appear fuller and more voluminous due to the dimensional color play
7. Pastel Pink Highlights for Adventurous Curls
Pastel pink highlights offer a playful, whimsical option for those ready to embrace unconventional color choices.
This soft, romantic shade works surprisingly well with various curl patterns and base colors.
- Pastel pink requires pre-lightening to achieve the soft, delicate tone
- The color works best on blonde or light brown base colors for optimal vibrancy
- Regular color-depositing conditioners help maintain the pink tone between salon visits
- This fun color choice allows for creative expression and personality showcase
- Pastel highlights fade more quickly than traditional tones requiring more frequent refresh
- The soft pink adds femininity and playfulness to any curl style
- Mixing different pink tones from blush to rose creates customized dimensional effects
8. Chocolate Brown Highlights on Medium Brown Curls
Chocolate brown highlights on medium brown curls provide subtle enhancement that adds richness without dramatic change.
This understated approach creates depth while maintaining a natural, polished appearance.
- Chocolate tones add just enough contrast to create dimension without appearing over-highlighted
- This conservative approach works well for professional environments
- The rich brown shades enhance natural curl patterns by creating shadow effects
- Minimal maintenance requirements make this an ideal choice for busy lifestyles
- The subtle color difference becomes more noticeable in natural sunlight
- This highlighting technique rarely requires toning or special color-maintenance products
- The sophisticated result appeals to those preferring understated elegance
9. Bright Copper Highlights for Warmth
Bright copper highlights inject vibrant warmth and energy into curly hair, creating a fiery effect that captures attention.
This bold color choice works beautifully for those wanting to make a warm-toned statement.
- Copper tones require careful placement to avoid an overly orange appearance
- The vibrant color works exceptionally well with warm and golden skin tones
- Bright copper catches light dramatically making curls appear more luminous
- This shade requires color-depositing products specifically formulated for copper tones
- The energetic color creates a youthful, vibrant appearance
- Copper highlights fade to golden tones which can also be beautiful
- Strategic face-framing placement maximizes the brightening effect on complexion
10. Icy Blonde Highlights on Light Brown Hair
Icy blonde highlights on light brown hair create a cool-toned contrast that appears fresh and modern. This combination offers significant color change while maintaining some of your natural depth.
- Icy blonde requires lifting light brown hair several levels to achieve the pale tone
- The cool-toned blonde prevents warmth and brassiness
- This combination requires consistent purple shampoo and toning treatments
- The contrast creates a dimensional effect that makes curls appear more defined
- Strategic placement around the hairline creates a brightening face-framing effect
- Bond-building treatments during and after coloring protect curl integrity
- The high-maintenance look requires dedication to specialized hair care routines
11. Rose Gold Highlights for Romantic Curls
Rose gold highlights blend pink and gold tones to create a romantic, feminine color that has become increasingly popular.
This trendy shade adds a modern twist to traditional highlighting techniques.
- Rose gold works best on blonde to light brown base colors for optimal color payoff
- The multidimensional shade appears different in various lighting conditions
- This trending color requires regular maintenance to prevent fading to brassy tones
- The romantic shade complements fair to medium skin tones particularly well
- Color-depositing masks in rose gold shades extend the life between salon visits
- The unique color allows for personal expression while remaining relatively natural-looking
- Curls showcase the color variation beautifully as they catch light from different angles
12. Dark Brown Balayage on Black Curly Hair
Dark brown balayage on black curly hair offers subtle enhancement that creates dimension without dramatic lightening.
This conservative approach is perfect for those wanting to enhance their natural beauty minimally.
- The minimal contrast creates a sophisticated, understated appearance
- Dark brown balayage requires less maintenance than lighter highlighting options
- The subtle color change becomes more visible in direct sunlight
- This approach minimizes potential damage by requiring minimal lifting
- The natural-looking result works well in conservative professional settings
- Face-framing pieces in dark brown create gentle brightening without stark contrast
- The low-maintenance option requires infrequent touch-ups
13. Burgundy Highlights for Deep Richness
Burgundy highlights add deep, wine-inspired tones that create richness and sophistication in curly hair.
This elegant color choice works beautifully for those seeking something beyond traditional browns and blondes.
- Burgundy tones work particularly well on medium to dark brown base colors
- The deep red undertones add warmth without appearing overly vibrant
- This sophisticated color choice suits professional and creative environments equally
- Color-depositing products in red tones help maintain vibrancy between appointments
- The rich color creates depth and dimension throughout curl patterns
- Burgundy highlights pair beautifully with warm and neutral skin tones
- The elegant shade offers something unique while remaining relatively conservative
14. Beige Blonde Highlights for Neutral Tones
Beige blonde highlights provide a neutral-toned alternative to warm or cool blondes, creating a versatile look that complements various skin tones.
This balanced shade offers significant lightening without extreme warmth or coolness.
- Beige blonde contains both warm and cool tones creating a neutral balance
- This versatile shade complements a wide range of skin tones
- The neutral tone requires less frequent toning compared to icy or golden blondes
- Strategic placement creates natural-looking dimension throughout curls
- This color works well for transitioning from darker to lighter overall color
- Maintenance involves both purple and blue toning products used alternately
- The balanced tone prevents highlights from looking overly brassy or ashy
15. Vibrant Red Highlights for Bold Statements
Vibrant red highlights create a bold, attention-grabbing look that showcases confidence and personality. This dramatic color choice transforms curly hair into a stunning focal point.
- Vibrant red requires either natural red base hair or pre-lightening for maximum vibrancy
- The bold color makes a strong fashion statement suitable for creative environments
- Red pigments fade relatively quickly requiring frequent color-depositing treatments
- Strategic placement around the face creates maximum visual impact
- The vivid color enhances curl definition by creating strong contrast
- Red tones work beautifully with fair to medium skin tones
- Regular deep conditioning prevents color-related dryness in highlighted sections
16. Ash Brown Highlights for Cool-Toned Depth
Ash brown highlights add cool-toned depth to curly hair without the maintenance requirements of blonde highlights. This sophisticated option creates dimension through subtle, ashy tones.
- Ash brown contains gray and green undertones that neutralize warmth
- This color works particularly well for those with cool or neutral skin undertones
- The subtle highlighting creates depth without dramatic contrast
- Minimal maintenance requirements make this a practical choice
- The cool tones prevent the brassy appearance common with traditional brown highlights
- This sophisticated option suits professional settings perfectly
- The dimensional effect enhances natural curl patterns without overwhelming them
17. Golden Blonde Face-Framing Highlights
Golden blonde face-framing highlights concentrate color placement around the hairline to create a brightening effect that illuminates features.
This strategic approach maximizes impact while minimizing maintenance.
- Face-framing placement focuses color where it most impacts your appearance
- Golden tones add warmth that complements warm and olive skin tones
- This conservative highlighting approach requires less overall maintenance
- The brightening effect around the face creates a youthful appearance
- Strategic placement works with your natural curl pattern to frame facial features
- Fewer highlighted sections mean less damage to overall hair health
- The targeted approach allows for experimentation without full commitment
18. Lavender Highlights for Unique Expression
Lavender highlights offer a unique, creative color choice that stands out from traditional highlighting options. This soft purple shade works surprisingly well with various curl patterns and base colors.
- Lavender requires pre-lightening to achieve the soft purple tone
- The color works best on blonde to light brown base colors
- Regular purple-depositing conditioners help maintain the lavender tone
- This creative choice allows for bold self-expression
- The soft purple complements cool and neutral skin tones particularly well
- Pastel tones fade more quickly than traditional colors requiring frequent refresh
- Mixing different purple shades from lilac to plum creates customized effects
19. Chestnut Brown Highlights for Natural Enhancement
Chestnut brown highlights provide natural-looking enhancement that adds warmth and dimension to curly hair. This classic color choice creates subtle depth without dramatic change.
- Chestnut tones add warmth without appearing overly red or orange
- This natural shade works well for first-time highlighting experiences
- The subtle enhancement requires minimal maintenance
- The warm brown tones complement most skin tones
- Strategic placement creates dimension that enhances natural curl patterns
- This conservative approach works well in any professional setting
- The classic color remains timeless and never appears dated
20. Platinum and Black Contrast Highlights
Platinum and black contrast highlights create the most dramatic color combination possible in curly hair. This high-impact look makes an unforgettable statement through extreme tonal contrast.
- Maximum contrast creates the most visually striking highlighting effect
- This bold look requires professional expertise to execute properly
- Extensive maintenance includes regular toning and deep conditioning
- The dramatic appearance works well for creative and fashion-forward environments
- Strategic placement prevents the look from appearing too harsh
- Bond-building treatments are essential due to the extreme lightening required
- The high-maintenance style requires commitment to specialized care routines
21. Warm Caramel and Toffee Mix
Warm caramel and toffee mixed highlights create a delicious-looking blend of sweet, warm tones. This combination adds richness and depth through multiple complementary shades.
- Mixing multiple warm tones creates a more natural, multidimensional appearance
- The sweet color names reflect the warm, inviting tones
- This combination works beautifully with warm and golden skin tones
- Varied placement throughout curls creates depth and movement
- The blended approach prevents a striped or chunky appearance
- Minimal toning requirements make maintenance relatively simple
- The dimensional effect makes curls appear fuller and more voluminous
22. Smoky Gray Balayage
Smoky gray balayage creates an edgy, modern look that has gained popularity in recent years. This cool-toned technique adds dimension through various shades of gray and silver.
- Smoky gray requires significant pre-lightening to achieve the cool tone
- The hand-painted application creates natural-looking placement
- This trendy color requires purple and blue toning to maintain the cool shade
- The modern look works well for those wanting a fashion-forward appearance
- Gray tones complement cool and neutral skin undertones
- Regular gloss treatments maintain shine in the gray sections
- The high-maintenance color requires dedication to specialized care
23. Butterscotch Blonde Highlights
Butterscotch blonde highlights add a sweet, warm tone that creates a sunny, approachable appearance. This golden shade brings warmth and brightness to curly hair.
- Butterscotch contains golden and honey undertones for maximum warmth
- This sweet shade complements warm and olive skin tones beautifully
- The color creates a sun-kissed appearance without extreme lightening
- Minimal toning requirements make this a lower-maintenance blonde option
- Strategic placement around the face brightens complexion
- The warm tone prevents the brassy appearance common with cooler blondes
- Curls showcase the golden tones beautifully as they catch light
24. Deep Plum Highlights for Drama
Deep plum highlights add dramatic, jewel-toned richness to curly hair. This sophisticated purple shade creates depth and interest without appearing unnatural.
- Deep plum works particularly well on dark brown to black base colors
- The jewel-tone creates richness without requiring extreme lightening
- Color-depositing products in purple tones maintain vibrancy
- This sophisticated choice works in both professional and creative settings
- The deep color adds dimension visible in natural and artificial lighting
- Plum highlights pair beautifully with cool and neutral skin tones
- The rich color creates visual interest while remaining relatively conservative
25. Sun-Kissed Blonde Ribbons
Sun-kissed blonde ribbons create natural-looking highlights that mimic the way sun naturally lightens hair. This classic technique focuses on creating fine, delicate strands of blonde throughout curls.
- Ribbon highlighting creates fine strands rather than chunky sections
- The delicate placement appears as though sun naturally lightened specific curls
- This natural approach requires less maintenance than heavier highlighting
- Strategic placement focuses on areas where sun would naturally lighten hair
- The subtle result works well for conservative environments
- Multiple blonde tones create the most natural-looking effect
- Fine ribbons throughout curls add dimension without overwhelming base color
26. Mocha Brown Highlights for Richness
Mocha brown highlights add coffee-inspired richness that creates depth through warm brown tones. This delicious shade enhances curly hair with sophisticated dimension.
- Mocha contains both warm and neutral brown undertones
- This versatile shade complements most skin tones
- The rich color adds depth without dramatic contrast
- Minimal maintenance requirements make this practical for busy lifestyles
- Strategic placement throughout curls creates natural-looking dimension
- The warm brown prevents ashy or flat appearance
- This classic shade remains timeless and sophisticated
27. Bright Blonde Money Piece
Bright blonde money piece highlights focus intense blonde color on the front sections framing the face. This trendy technique creates maximum impact with minimal highlighting.
- Money piece technique concentrates color on front sections for maximum face-framing
- The bright blonde creates significant contrast with darker base colors
- This targeted approach requires less overall maintenance than full highlighting
- The dramatic face-framing effect brightens complexion instantly
- Strategic placement works with curl patterns to enhance facial features
- Regular toning maintains the bright blonde color
- The trendy look allows experimentation without full commitment to all-over highlights
28. Copper and Gold Mixed Tones
Copper and gold mixed tones create a warm, dimensional blend that captures light beautifully. This combination adds richness through complementary warm shades.
- Mixing copper and gold creates more dimension than single-tone highlighting
- The warm blend complements warm and golden skin tones
- Varied placement throughout curls creates natural-looking depth
- The combination appears different in various lighting conditions
- Minimal toning requirements simplify maintenance
- The dimensional effect enhances natural curl definition
- Both metals in the color name reflect the luminous, reflective quality
29. Cool Ash Blonde Highlights
Cool ash blonde highlights provide a sophisticated, cool-toned alternative to traditional warm blondes. This neutral-cool shade creates dimension without warmth or brassiness.
- Ash blonde contains blue and green undertones that neutralize warmth
- This cool shade works particularly well with cool and neutral skin tones
- Regular purple and blue toning maintains the cool color
- The sophisticated shade suits professional environments perfectly
- Strategic placement creates dimension without appearing brassy
- Higher maintenance than warm blondes due to toning requirements
- The cool tone prevents the orange appearance common with traditional highlighting
30. Mahogany Red Highlights for Warmth
Mahogany red highlights add deep, reddish-brown tones that create warmth and sophistication. This rich color choice enhances curly hair with jewel-toned dimension.
- Mahogany contains both red and brown pigments for complex color
- This sophisticated shade works well on medium to dark base colors
- Color-depositing products in red tones maintain vibrancy
- The rich color adds depth visible in various lighting conditions
- Strategic placement creates dimension without appearing overly red
- The warm tone complements warm and neutral skin tones
- The elegant shade offers uniqueness while remaining relatively conservative
31. Strawberry Blonde Highlights
Strawberry blonde highlights blend red and blonde tones to create a unique, peachy-gold shade. This distinctive color adds warmth and personality to curly hair.
- Strawberry blonde works best on light to medium brown base colors
- The unique shade contains both golden and rosy undertones
- This color requires maintenance to prevent fading to brassy tones
- The distinctive shade allows for personal expression
- Strategic placement creates dimension with warm, inviting tones
- The color complements fair to medium skin tones particularly well
- Mixing different ratios of red and blonde creates customized effects
32. Espresso Brown Highlights for Subtle Depth
Espresso brown highlights add deep, coffee-inspired richness that creates subtle depth in curly hair. This conservative approach enhances natural beauty minimally.
- Espresso brown adds depth through slightly lighter brown tones
- This minimal contrast creates sophisticated, understated dimension
- The subtle approach works well in professional settings
- Minimal maintenance requirements suit busy lifestyles
- The deep color enhances natural curl patterns subtly
- Strategic placement creates dimension visible primarily in direct light
- The conservative option allows for subtle enhancement without dramatic change
33. Blue-Black Highlights for Edgy Contrast
Blue-black highlights add cool-toned depth to black curly hair through subtle blue undertones. This edgy approach creates dimension in very dark hair.
- Blue-black contains blue pigments that create cool-toned depth
- This subtle approach works for those wanting minimal change
- The cool undertones become visible primarily in direct sunlight
- This edgy choice suits creative and fashion-forward environments
- Minimal maintenance requirements make this practical
- The subtle color creates dimension in very dark hair
- Strategic placement enhances natural curl patterns without dramatic contrast
34. Peach Highlights for Playful Warmth
Peach highlights add playful, warm tones that create a unique, fashion-forward appearance. This creative color choice brings warmth and personality to curly hair.
- Peach requires pre-lightening to achieve the soft, warm tone
- The color works best on blonde to light brown base colors
- Regular color-depositing treatments maintain the peach tone
- This fun choice allows for creative self-expression
- The warm color complements warm and golden skin tones
- Pastel tones fade relatively quickly requiring frequent refresh
- Mixing coral and apricot shades creates customized peach effects
35. Sandy Blonde Highlights for Beach Vibes
Sandy blonde highlights create a beachy, sun-drenched appearance that evokes vacation vibes. This natural-looking shade adds warmth and brightness reminiscent of days at the shore.
- Sandy blonde contains both warm and neutral undertones
- This versatile shade complements various skin tones
- The natural appearance mimics sun-lightened hair
- Minimal toning requirements simplify maintenance
- Strategic placement creates dimension that appears naturally sun-kissed
- The beachy vibe suits casual and professional settings equally
- Curls showcase the multidimensional sandy tones beautifully
36. Cinnamon Spice Highlights for Warmth
Cinnamon spice highlights add warm, reddish-brown tones inspired by the beloved spice. This cozy color creates inviting warmth and dimension in curly hair.
- Cinnamon contains both red and brown pigments for warm complexity
- This spicy shade works particularly well on medium brown base colors
- Color-depositing products in red-brown tones maintain vibrancy
- The warm color adds depth that appears different in various lighting
- Strategic placement creates dimension without overwhelming base color
- The inviting tone complements warm and neutral skin tones
- The cozy shade offers warmth while remaining relatively natural-looking
Conclusion
The stunning variety showcased in these 36 Save Worthy Curly Hairstyles With Highlights Everyone Loves demonstrates that there’s truly a perfect highlighting technique for every curl type, personality, and lifestyle.
From subtle enhancements like espresso brown and chestnut highlights to bold statements with platinum chunks and vibrant reds, the world of curly hair color offers endless possibilities for transformation and self-expression.
Remember that successful highlighting requires finding a skilled colorist who understands curl patterns, investing in quality color-safe products designed for curly hair, and maintaining a consistent deep conditioning routine to keep your highlighted curls healthy, hydrated, and absolutely gorgeous.
Whether you choose warm caramels, cool ash tones, or adventurous pastels, the right highlights will enhance your natural curl pattern while showcasing your unique style and personality.
