Pintura Highlights: The Best Color Technique for Curly Hair

If you’re looking for a way to add beautiful dimension and depth to your curly hair, Pintura highlights might be the perfect solution. Designed specifically for curls, this technique offers a natural-looking lift, allowing your curls to shine and reflect light in a way that traditional highlights simply can’t match. Here’s a complete guide to understanding Pintura highlights, how they work, and some inspiration to spark your next salon visit.

What are Pintura Highlights?

“Pintura” means “painting” in Portuguese, and this coloring technique lives up to its name by painting highlights directly onto the curls without foils. Developed specifically for curly hair, Pintura highlights use a freehand application, allowing stylists to strategically place color where it best accentuates the shape and movement of each curl. The result is a more natural, blended look that complements the unique texture of curly hair.

Pintura highlights enhance the curl’s natural pattern by adding light-catching pieces throughout, creating dimension and depth that make curls look fuller and more defined. Unlike traditional highlights that can sometimes appear stripey or too structured, Pintura highlights look seamless and organic, making them ideal for those who want their curls to pop without looking overly processed.

How to Get the Look?

1. Consult with a Curl Specialist: Pintura highlights require a skilled colorist who understands the unique properties of curly hair. Consult a stylist with experience in curly hair techniques to ensure the best results.
2. Determine the Right Shade: Pintura highlights can be done in a variety of shades, from subtle caramel to bold blonde or even unconventional colors. Choosing the right shade depends on your base color, skin tone, and the effect you’re going for.
3. Freehand Application: Unlike traditional foiling, Pintura highlights use a freehand method to paint the color onto specific sections of your curls. This technique helps control the placement of highlights, ensuring they fall in line with the natural shape of each curl.
4. Processing Time: The colorist will monitor the lightening process carefully to achieve the desired tone without over-processing. Since curly hair is more prone to dryness, the colorist will balance processing time to maintain hair health.
5. Toning and Finishing Touches: After the highlights are applied, the stylist may use a toner to adjust the warmth or coolness of the color. Finally, they will style your hair to show off the new dimension created by the highlights.

10 Pintura Highlight Inspirations

If you’re ready to add Pintura highlights to your curls, here are ten stunning ideas to inspire your next look.

1. Sun-Kissed and Subtle

For those who want a hint of brightness without a major color shift, sun-kissed Pintura highlights add a subtle glow. Strategically placed light pieces around the face and throughout the ends give an effortless, beachy vibe that enhances the curls’ natural bounce.

2. Almost Full Blonde

For a bolder take, try a nearly all-over blonde with Pintura highlights. This look involves layering blonde shades throughout the hair, creating an illuminated effect. It’s perfect for those with a darker base color who want a dramatic contrast and added volume.

3. Gradual and Soft Look

If you prefer a more gradual transition, opt for softer highlights that start darker near the roots and gradually lighten toward the ends. This creates a gentle ombre effect that enhances the natural depth of curly hair without harsh lines, perfect for a low-maintenance, subtle shift.

4. Caramel Medium-Length ‘Do

Caramel tones add warmth and richness, making this look ideal for medium-length curls. Pintura highlights in caramel blend beautifully with brown or dark hair, creating a sunlit glow that is both eye-catching and natural.

5. Peek-A-Boo Red Pieces

For a playful twist, add peek-a-boo red highlights to your curls. Placing bright red pieces in the inner layers of your curls adds a surprise element that peeks through as you move, giving your style an edgy, unique flair without overwhelming the whole look.

6. All-Over Blonde

Transform your curls with an all-over blonde look achieved through Pintura highlights. By strategically placing blonde highlights all over, this style maintains the dimension and texture of curly hair while adding a bold, full-head transformation.

7. Bold Color and Curls

For those who love bold colors, consider vibrant Pintura highlights in hues like purple, pink, or teal. These shades make a statement and are perfect for short or long curls. This option is particularly striking if you’re looking to express your personality through your hair.

8. Soft Brown Colors

Pintura highlights in a warm, soft brown can give dark curls an earthy, natural lift. This approach enhances the richness of dark hair, providing a subtle change that’s perfect for those wanting a refreshed look without too much contrast.

9. Long Bronzed Brunette

For a sun-drenched look, bronze Pintura highlights bring out the best in long, dark curls. This warm shade pairs beautifully with brunette tones, giving your curls an exotic, bronzed effect that shimmers and catches light at every angle.

10. Blue Swirls on Short Hair

For something fun and trendy, consider adding bold blue Pintura highlights to short curls. This style offers a unique, artsy look that’s ideal for those who like to experiment with unconventional colors. Blue highlights add a cool contrast that makes short curls stand out even more.

Benefits of Pintura Highlights

• Ideal for Curly Hair: Pintura highlights are specifically designed to work with the natural pattern of curly hair, ensuring that each highlight enhances the texture rather than flattening it.
• Natural Blending: Since this technique uses freehand painting, it allows for a softer, more blended look. This organic finish keeps the highlights looking natural as they grow out.
• Minimal Damage: Unlike traditional highlights that can cause dryness, Pintura highlights are carefully applied to minimize damage, making them a healthier option for textured hair.
• Low Maintenance: The gradual blending effect of Pintura highlights means they grow out beautifully without harsh root lines, so you don’t need constant touch-ups.
• Versatile Colors: From subtle browns and caramels to vibrant hues like red and blue, Pintura highlights are highly customizable, allowing you to choose a shade that complements your style and personality.

Caring for Pintura Highlights at Home

To keep your Pintura highlights looking fresh and vibrant, follow these hair care tips:

1. Use Color-Safe Shampoo: Opt for sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos to prevent your highlights from fading.
2. Deep Condition Regularly: Curly hair and highlighted curls both need hydration. Use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
3. Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat can fade color faster and lead to dryness. Air dry when possible, or use a diffuser on low heat settings.
4. Apply a Color-Refreshing Treatment: To keep the vibrancy of your highlights, consider using a color-refreshing treatment or glaze every few weeks.
5. Protect from UV Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can cause color to fade, so try using UV-protective hair products or wear a hat when you’re outside for extended periods.

Pintura highlights are a fantastic way to add dimension, shine, and depth to curly hair without compromising its natural texture. By choosing this method, you can achieve a vibrant, multidimensional look that enhances the shape and movement of your curls. Whether you prefer subtle highlights or bold, playful colors, Pintura highlights offer endless possibilities tailored to your unique style.