How-Tos > Hair Color > Highlighting & Toning Curly Hair
Last updated: March 24, 2021

Highlighting & Toning Curly Hair

ALL PHOTOS SLIDESHOW
GET THE HOW-TO
open color formula
close formula
  • Formula A (lightener for back of the head):

    SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 13-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

  • Formula B (lightener for front of the head):

    SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 20-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

  • Formula C (toner):

    SPARKS Toner T.01 + SPARKS 7-Volume Creme Developer (1:1)

open color formula
open color formula
open color formula
open color formula
open color formula
open color formula
open color formula
open color formula

Highlighting & Toning Curly Hair

Your curly-haired client wants some blonde dimension, but here’s the thing: Because it has a looser cuticle layer, curly hair is more prone to breakage. That means you have to be extra careful during the lightening process because the chances of disrupting her curl pattern are high. But don’t stress! SPARKS Artistic Educator Terry Michelle (@terrytoness) is sharing how she safely highlights curls and waves. Watch the how-to video below, then keep scrolling to get the color formulas and step-by-step breakdown! 

 

LAST CHANCE! SPARKS Color Is Now $3.85 Per Tube At SalonCentric & State RDA Stores Until March 31, 2021!

Colorist: Terry Michelle
Manufacturer: SPARKS

COLOR FORMULAS

  • Formula A (lightener for back of the head):

    SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 13-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

  • Formula B (lightener for front of the head):

    SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 20-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

  • Formula C (toner):

    SPARKS Toner T.01 + SPARKS 7-Volume Creme Developer (1:1)

Products Used

VIDEO

HOW-TO STEPS

  • SPARKS How To Bleach And Tone Curly Hair Curls Waves Highlights Safely Lighten Without Disrupting Curl Pattern
    open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (lightener for back of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 13-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula B (lightener for front of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 20-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula C (toner):

      SPARKS Toner T.01 + SPARKS 7-Volume Creme Developer (1:1)

    1

    Before

  • SPARKS How To Bleach And Tone Curly Hair Curls Waves Highlights Safely Lighten Without Disrupting Curl Pattern
    open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (lightener for back of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 13-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula B (lightener for front of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 20-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula C (toner):

      SPARKS Toner T.01 + SPARKS 7-Volume Creme Developer (1:1)

    2

    Start by parting the hair from nose to nape and then from ear to ear.

     

    Pro Tip: For consistent highlights, straighten the hair first by doing a quick paddle brush blowout.

  • SPARKS How To Bleach And Tone Curly Hair Curls Waves Highlights Safely Lighten Without Disrupting Curl Pattern
    open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (lightener for back of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 13-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula B (lightener for front of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 20-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula C (toner):

      SPARKS Toner T.01 + SPARKS 7-Volume Creme Developer (1:1)

    3

    Then, starting in the back, apply Formula A using a thick or thin weaving technique based on the client’s texture and density. As you work toward the front of the head, switch to Formula B.

     

    Pro Tip: Using a lower volume developer in the back and a higher volume developer in the front provides an overall balanced processing time.

  • SPARKS How To Bleach And Tone Curly Hair Curls Waves Highlights Safely Lighten Without Disrupting Curl Pattern
    open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (lightener for back of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 13-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula B (lightener for front of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 20-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula C (toner):

      SPARKS Toner T.01 + SPARKS 7-Volume Creme Developer (1:1)

    4

    Process for 45 minutes or until the desired level is achieved, then rinse and shampoo. 

  • SPARKS How To Bleach And Tone Curly Hair Curls Waves Highlights Safely Lighten Without Disrupting Curl Pattern
    open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (lightener for back of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 13-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula B (lightener for front of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 20-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula C (toner):

      SPARKS Toner T.01 + SPARKS 7-Volume Creme Developer (1:1)

    5

    Tone with Formula C, let process and then rinse and style as desired.

  • SPARKS How To Bleach And Tone Curly Hair Curls Waves Highlights Safely Lighten Without Disrupting Curl Pattern
    open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (lightener for back of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 13-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula B (lightener for front of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 20-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula C (toner):

      SPARKS Toner T.01 + SPARKS 7-Volume Creme Developer (1:1)

    6

    Finished look

  • SPARKS How To Bleach And Tone Curly Hair Curls Waves Highlights Safely Lighten Without Disrupting Curl Pattern
    open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (lightener for back of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 13-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula B (lightener for front of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 20-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula C (toner):

      SPARKS Toner T.01 + SPARKS 7-Volume Creme Developer (1:1)

    7

    Finished look.

  • SPARKS How To Bleach And Tone Curly Hair Curls Waves Highlights Safely Lighten Without Disrupting Curl Pattern
    open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (lightener for back of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 13-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula B (lightener for front of the head):

      SPARKS Powder Lightener + SPARKS 20-Volume Creme Developer (1:2)

    • Formula C (toner):

      SPARKS Toner T.01 + SPARKS 7-Volume Creme Developer (1:1)

    8

    Finished look.

More from
SPARKS