Tuscan Sunned Hair Is the Perfect Shade for Curly Girls

Put down the iron and step away from the smoothing spray: You can lighten and keep your curls. One of the trendiest colors of the summer is “Tuscan sunned” hair, and no, it has nothing to do with the Diane Lane movie. It’s all about using balayage on curly hair to create a pretty, glow-y effect.

“It’s very unique and, to me, such a statement look,” says colorist Karissa Schaudt of Maxine Salon in Chicago. “It‘s a full balayage containing a lot of warm tones. These warm tones reflect so much shine so the entire look positively accentuates the natural hair texture.”

A curly mane takes up a lot of space, so some may be hesitant to go for a bright shade. That’s why mixing in a variety of tones will create a look that’s radiant, not aggressive. “It will look best on wavy to curly hair,” says Shaudt, who advises those interested to “ask for a full balayage, keep the pieces on the chunkier side so they don’t get lost in the curls.”

She also has an easy rule to follow: “The curlier the hair the thicker the balayage pieces.”

Remember, this is about creating warm tones. Think Adele’s cinnamon locks, a bit of sunset brown or a swipe or melted pecan, but adjusted for curls. We are not talking platinum here, people. As Schaudt puts it, “Just allow the warm tones to be present and avoid using a toner. Curly hair tends to be on the dry side so one less chemical service is beneficial.” 

Balayage also helps with grow-out. No root line equals fewer trips to the salon equals even fewer chemical services equals healthier hair.

Curly hair is having a moment this summer. Gabrielle Union just chopped off her bob to reveal the natural curls underneath, and the close-cropped look is absolutely phenomenal on her. Meanwhile, at Cannes, curly icon Andie MacDowell went gray, naysayers be damned. So, are you ready to up your curl game by getting Tuscan sunned hair?