If you have naturally curly hair and you’re thinking about colouring it, you’ve probably already discovered that not every salon understands how curls work — or how they react to colour. Curls behave differently from straight or wavy hair, and they need a stylist who respects their structure, hydration needs, and overall health.
That’s why so many clients look specifically for Chicago curly hair salons when they want colour. Working with curls requires specialized knowledge, and when it’s done correctly, colour can transform curls by adding dimension, movement, and shape.
At Styled by Jamie Kinch, Jamie brings her advanced colour training to Chicago every month for four consecutive days. Many of her Chicago clients say that finding someone who actually understands curly hair — and can colour it without compromising the curl pattern — is what makes her stand out. Here’s everything Jamie wants you to know before you colour your curls, based on what many would call the best curly hair salon Chicago experience.
Curls Are Naturally Drier — Which Means Colour Affects Them Differently
Curly hair is naturally more porous because of its spiral shape. Oils from the scalp can’t travel down the strands as easily as they can with straight hair, which means curls tend to be:
- drier
- more fragile
- more easily dehydrated during colour processing
This doesn’t mean you can’t colour curly hair — you absolutely can. But it does mean that the process should be approached with extra care.
Jamie always evaluates the hair’s health first:
- How hydrated is it?
- Is the curl pattern intact?
- Has it been coloured before?
- Is there damage from heat or previous stylists?
This is the type of detailed approach you’ll find at many respected Chicago curly hair salons, because health always comes before colour.
Your Curl Pattern Might Shift — and That’s Normal
One thing Jamie emphasizes is that colour can temporarily shift your curl pattern. Sometimes curls loosen a bit after blonding or lightening. Sometimes they spring up more after adding depth or darker tones.
Why does this happen?
- The hair cuticle opens during colour
- Moisture levels change
- Porosity increases
- The curl shape adjusts as the hair settles
In most cases, curls return to normal once moisture balance is restored — especially if you’re using hydrating products, bond builders, and moisture masks.
Stylists who specialise in curly hair know how to minimise these shifts and keep your curl pattern as healthy as possible. It’s one of the reasons people search for the best curly hair salon Chicago when they want to colour their curls without surprises.
Dimension Looks Different on Curly Hair
Colour placement for curls isn’t the same as colour placement for straight or wavy hair. With curls, the movement of each spiral affects how light and shadow appear. What looks bold on straight hair may look subtle on curls — and vice versa.
That’s why Jamie often uses:
- Ribbon highlights
- Sunkissed pieces
- Curl-by-curl painting
- Strategic brightening around the face
- Dimensional brunette or blonde blends
The goal is to enhance the natural curl pattern, not overpower it.
This approach is common among the most skilled Chicago curly hair salons, and it’s one of the reasons Jamie’s curly clients stay loyal, even if they only see her once a month.
Hydration Is the Most Important Part of Colouring Curly Hair
Colour affects moisture levels, and curls rely heavily on hydration to stay defined. Before and after colouring, Jamie recommends:
- Deep conditioning treatments
- Hydrating masks
- Leave-in conditioners
- Bond-building treatments
- Reducing heat styling
Hydrated curls:
- hold colour better
- frizz less
- maintain shape longer
- stay soft and defined
A salon specialising in curls prioritises hydration at every step — which is why many consider Styled by Jamie Kinch among the best curly hair salons in Chicago for colour work.
Not Every Curl Type Should Be Lightened the Same Way
Curly hair ranges from loose waves to tight coils, and each type responds differently to bleaching, highlights, or colour shifts.
For example:
- Wavy hair tolerates blonding more easily but can lose definition if overlightened
- Curly hair absorbs colour quickly and must be monitored closely
- Coily hair is the most fragile and must be treated gently to avoid dryness and breakage
Jamie tailors her approach based on curl type, density, porosity, and the client’s styling routine. Many Chicago clients say this level of careful attention is what makes her feel like the best curly hair salon Chicago option for their colour transformations.
Maintenance Looks Different for Curly Hair
Curly clients often assume that once their hair is coloured, they’ll need constant upkeep. But actually, curls often look their best with slightly more natural, dimensional colour — which means lower maintenance than many people expect.
Typical curly colour maintenance includes:
- Toner/gloss every 8–12 weeks
- Deep hydration treatments every 2–4 weeks
- Occasional curl shaping trims
- Bond treatments for blondes or highlights
Jamie builds personalised maintenance schedules for every client, taking into account their curl type, lifestyle, and how often they realistically want to visit the salon.
The Products You Use Matter — A Lot
Curly hair thrives with moisture-rich, gentle formulas. Colour-treated curls in particular benefit from:
- sulfate-free shampoos
- hydrating conditioners
- curl creams with nourishment
- oils for sealing moisture
- bond builders that repair internal structure
Jamie is very selective about product recommendations — she only suggests items that will actually help your curls stay healthy between appointments. This honest, practical approach is something clients say they value, especially when comparing her to other stylists in Chicago.
Why Curly Clients Choose Jamie Over Other Chicago Stylists
Even though she’s only on-site in Chicago for four consecutive days each month, Jamie has built a strong following among curly-haired clients — and for good reason:
- She listens carefully before making a plan
- She works gently to protect curl integrity
- Her colour placement enhances curl shape
- She focuses on hydration and long-term health
- Her cuts are designed for movement and longevity
- Her results last, even when clients have months between visits
Curly-haired clients often say they’ve struggled for years to find someone who truly understands their hair. That’s why many describe Jamie as the best curly hair salon Chicago experience they’ve found — even though she’s a one-woman boutique stylist.
Final Thoughts: Colour Can Transform Your Curls — When Done Correctly
Colouring curly hair doesn’t have to be risky or stressful. With the right approach, curls can become more defined, dimensional, and vibrant. But the key is working with a stylist who understands curls deeply — from how they absorb colour to how they recover afterward.
If you’re searching for Chicago curly hair salons that prioritise health, hydration, and results that enhance your natural curl pattern, Styled by Jamie Kinch offers a personalised, expert approach that keeps your curls looking their best long after you leave the chair.
