Naturals looking for a winter revamp can add coloring their curls to their Winter Arc goal list.
Tik Tok’s viral Winter Arc self-improvement trend is calling on people to become their best selves in 2025. Staying on track with new years resolution by setting intentional, timely goals is undoubtedly the most efficient way to make sure those aspirations become accomplishments. Hair goals are no different.
Although most people associate impromptu color jobs with crises, expert Colorist Kyra Brown believes coloring your hair can also define a fresh start.
Nearly 20 years ago, Kyra Brown was the only Black woman in the beauty school she enrolled in. However, her eagerness and desire to submerge herself in hair education overpowered her feelings about lack of representation in the beauty industry.
Today, she’s a master hair colorist as well as a teacher of the craft. “I didn’t really see a lot of Black stylists here in Chicago that specialized in color and that was kind of my drive at the time.”
Taboo misconceptions around the effects of colored curls often scare naturals away from spicing up their looks but, according to Brown there is no need to fret. Colored curls are still natural and can only become damaged by lack of technique and knowledge.
Doing proper research and consulting with a stylist who specializes in coloring natural is key. “Depending on how light you go, [dye] can alter the curl pattern a bit, but it wouldn’t damage it,” Brown says. “ If you’re not really taking care of it, [your curls] will be more susceptible to some damage.”
Having a solid and consistent hair care routine post-salon visit is the next step in ensuring colored curls maintain their integrity. It’s no secret that caring for colored natural hair is a little more tedious than typical curly wash day maintenance.
Hair dye can dry out natural hair, causing it to become prone to damage. Unhealthy colored curls are a sore sight and easily detectable. Naturals can determine the health of their colored curls by lathering their hair. If colored curls are limp, not curling completely or seemingly losing their elasticity there’s a good chance the hair is damaged.
However, this may or may not be reversible depending on how extensive the damage is. According to Brown, sometimes chemical cuts are necessary, however treatments like Ola Plex’s Hair Perfector or K18 Molecular Hair Mask can help with restoring curl integrity and reversing damage.
To achieve healthily colored hair and avoid damage consider implementing color-based bonding or strengthening shampoo and conditioners. Some of Brown’s favorite shampoo and conditioners to use on colored curls include Nature So Soft, Defy Damage and the Acidic Bonding collection.
Brown wants any natural considering coloring their hair to understand colored hair must be shampooed and conditioner every two weeks at maximum, waiting any longer than a two week period is asking for trouble.
Steam treatments and hydrating hair masks are also amazing ways to ensure colored curls are being moisturized, strengthened and protected. “You don’t want that hair to dry out, you want to keep it as moist as possible,” Brown says.
The incessant need to keep colored hair moisturizing applies especially to naturals with locs, because locs tend to be drier than loose natural curls. Naturals with locs should really consider how much time they’re willing to invest in maintaining colored hair.
Brown does not suggest coloring locs within the first two years of installation.
“If you’re newer in your loc journey, I would not advise getting your locs colored during maybe the first two years,” Brown says. “ You really want that loc to be more mature before you go on that coloring journey.”
Once a natural can commit to a consistent regimen all year round, the hard part is over and the fun begins. “For people who want to just tiptoe and they’re kind of nervous to deep dive into color: try highlights just so you can see how your hair reacts to color,” Brown encourages.
Kyra’s Winter Arc Color Suggestions
Fair Skin Tone
- Sandy Brown
- Cooler Brown
- Blush
Warmer Skin Tones
- Copper
- Mocha
- Rose Gold
Darker Skin Tones
- Mahogany
- Red Violet
- Emerald