Pintura Highlights for Curly Hair

highlights on curly coily and highly textured hair pintura balayage upper east side

At Amoy Couture Hair, our mission is to help you fall in love with your curls all over again—whether you’re highlighting them, styling them, or just learning how to care for them. From celebrity clients to everyday curl queens, we’ve got your crown covered.

Curly Hair Highlights at Amoy Couture Salon

We’ve had several clients inquire about Pintura, a highlighting technique developed by DevaCurl. Pintura—Spanish for "paint"—is a freehand color method designed specifically for curly and textured hair types. While we are not affiliated with DevaCurl, at Amoy Couture Salon, we’re well-versed in coloring curly hair and bringing out its natural beauty. In fact, highlights for curly and coily hair are among our most in-demand services—right up there with our signature hair extensions.

What is Pintura?

We don’t call it “pintura” here, but we absolutely apply a thoughtful and curl-conscious approach to highlighting textured hair. Pintura has often been described as “balayage for curly hair”—and that comparison holds up. Like balayage, Pintura involves a freehand technique, allowing for a personalized result that complements the unique structure of each client’s curls.

Why Curly Hair Requires a Unique Highlighting Approach

Curls vary greatly—loose waves, S-shapes, C-shapes, coils, and Z-patterns—and each type reflects light differently. That means standard foil highlights, applied the same way as they are for straight hair, often disappear into curly textures. The placement of each highlight matters more, and that’s where our curl-by-curl expertise comes in.

We study your natural curl pattern and use hand painting to enhance the hair’s natural movement. Instead of painting in straight lines, we apply color in a way that follows the curl’s shape and curvature. This creates dimension, vibrancy, and a sun-kissed glow that looks natural and effortless.

The results? A radiant finish with no harsh lines. Since we typically avoid foils, your hair experiences less processing, faster dry time, and a more gentle coloring experience overall. The grow-in is softer too, so you won’t need frequent touch-ups.

Curly Hair Highlighting Options:

Whether you're after a soft shimmer or a bold pop of color, here are a few popular looks that we can create on your curly hair.

  • Natural Highlights – For a subtle vibrancy that enhances your overall curl pattern and adds depth.
  • Babylights – Soft, delicate highlights that blend seamlessly into your natural shade for an understated glow.
  • Ombre hair– A gradual lightening from root to tip, with darker roots and sunlit ends, perfect for dimension and drama.
  • Chunky Highlights with Foils – Still an option for curly hair if you're going for a bold, high-contrast look. For a more natural finish, hand painting is preferred.

Benefits of Amoy Couture's Highlights for Curly Hair:

  • Curl-Conscious Placement – Each highlight is placed to enhance your curls’ natural shape and bounce.
  • More Efficient Process – Less time in the chair, less exposure to chemicals, and no foils.
  • Healthier Grow-Out – With no harsh lines, your color will grow out beautifully between visits.

At Amoy Couture, we know that not all curls are created equal. That’s why we recommend customized product routines based on your curl type:

  • Spiral Curls:
    These springy curls need lightweight hydration to maintain bounce and shape. Look for creams or mousses that define without crunch and products that lock in moisture without build-up.
  • Loose Curls & Waves:
    These curls crave weightless moisture to avoid frizz and flattening. Use hydrating sprays, light gels, or volumizing mousses to bring out their natural texture and fullness.
  • Tight C-Shaped Curls:
    These curls require deeper hydration and nourishment to stay defined and resilient. Use creamy leave-in conditioners and curl creams that strengthen and soften.
  • Coils or Z-Shaped Curls:
    The tightest curl pattern needs rich, restorative products like butters, oils, and deep conditioners. These curls thrive with intense moisture, scalp care, and protective styling routines.
curly hair highlights for black hair textured hair pintura

Best Cuts and Styles for Curly Hair Types

Our salon is known for customizing haircuts that complement your curl pattern and lifestyle. Here's what we recommend:

  • Spiral Curls:
    Best Cut: Layered shaping that encourages spring and reduces weight.
    Style Tip: Use a diffuser and a curl-enhancing gel or mousse for bouncy, defined curls.
  • Loose Curls & Waves:
    Best Cut: Long layers or face-framing layers to add dimension and avoid flatness.
    Style Tip: A curl cream with a lightweight hold will define waves and add movement.
  • Tight C-Shaped Curls:
    Best Cut: Rounded or heart-shaped cut to enhance natural volume and symmetry.
    Style Tip: Twist-outs or rod sets work beautifully to stretch curls while maintaining definition.
  • Coils or Z-Shaped Curls:
    Best Cut: Shape-specific cuts that honor shrinkage and density (e.g., tapered afro or rounded fro).
    Style Tip: Moisturize and define with thick creams or butters; protective styles can also help reduce breakage.