Balayage creates subtle brightness while maintaining dimension. I have a lot of experience in balayage for light and dark hair.
Try the alternative to high maintenance, blingy blonde. Blonde hair is warming up! Highlights are casual, not so bright, and have that already-grown-in look.
If nature gave you a head full of curls and kinks, don't let anyone convince you that you have pelo malo! There's no such thing as bad hair...only a bad haircut!