4 Lightening Tips For Healthier Curls

4 Tips For Safely Lightening Curly Hair Types

If clients had a warning label to describe their strands, your curly girls would have something similar to, “Fragile! Handle with care!” Here’s the thing, naturally curly hair is more prone to breakage because it has a looser cuticle layer. That means you need to take extra care when lightening so you can reach her desired shade of blonde without sacrificing the integrity of her curls.

We know it’s a fine line to walk, which is why we reached out to curly hair expert Leysa Carrillo (@leysahairandmakeup) to learn more about how to safely lighten curls. From the consultation to at-home care—and everything in between—here are the top four tips Leysa shared with us!

1. The Blonding Process Starts With The Consultation

Take the extra 15 minutes to learn everything about your client’s curls—evaluate her curl type, learn the history of her hair and ask about her daily routine. This will help you determine things like whether the desired shade can be achieved in one session or not.

It’s also a great time to talk to your client about the cost and maintenance required. “You need to let your client know that going blonde is the start of a relationship between them and your business at the salon,” says Leysa.

2. Lightener Makes A Difference

Know This: If lightened improperly, Leysa says you could disrupt her curl pattern and end up with looser curls or fragile hair—two things you want to majorly avoid. Worst-case scenario? The hair can become even more dry, resulting in severely compromised cuticles and damaged ends.

Do This: Use a lightener that protects the integrity of her hair while it lifts. Leysa’s new fave is the PURE LIGHT Ultra Lightener™ from PRAVANA. Not only does it offer up to nine levels of lift but it’s formulated with REUNITE MENDING TECHNOLOGY which restores hair from the inside out, mending the cuticle layer with amino acids and plant-derived polymers. 

Check out this blonding before and after that Leysa achieved using PRAVANA’s PURE LIGHT Ultra Lightener™!

Products Used

Hair Color

PURE LIGHT Ultra Lightener™

PRAVANA

Color Protecting

THE PERFECT BLONDE Purple Toning Shampoo

PRAVANA

Color Protecting

THE PERFECT BLONDE Purple Toning Conditioner

PRAVANA

Color Protecting

THE PERFECT BLONDE Purple Toning Masque

PRAVANA

 3. Low Developer, Slow Process

Curly hair should be treated differently because it’s way more fragile and drier compared to straight hair. Leysa says curls can’t lock in moisture, dry much quicker and are more susceptible to damage when over-processed. That’s why her go-to tip is low developer, slow process. Never use a developer higher than 20-volume, do not process with heat and always prioritize hair health over lightness.

Note: Healthy curls bring healthy color. If her curls are not healthy, don’t be afraid to suggest putting off the color and instead starting a regiment of trims and treatments to get her hair in a better place.

4. At-Home Care

Healthy curls aren’t reserved for the salon only, which is why it’s important to talk about what clients should do at home to ensure their newly lightened curls always look their best. Recommend products like PRAVANA’s THE PERFECT BLONDE Purple Toning regimen—a trio that includes a shampoo, conditioner and masque—that will help preserve the longevity of her color while keeping brass and yellow tones away.

Here’s what else Leysa recommends clients should do and avoid:

• Be consistent with haircuts and trims.
• Be mindful of what you’re eating.
• Stay hydrated.
• Do not use heat styling tools.
• Avoid braids, tight extensions or anything that can compromise the integrity of the curls.