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Can You Dye and Perm Your Hair? 5 Precautions

by  Mila M.Cosmetologist

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Wondering if you can switch up your look by both perming and coloring your hair? It’s a common question as many of us crave variety in our hairstyles. But here’s the catch – perming or relaxing hair breaks down the internal protein structure, so extra care is needed when adding color.

This article will guide you through safe practices for altering your mane like a pro, while keeping it healthy. Ready to transform without causing damage?

  • Using semi-permanent hair color is a safer option for permed hair, as it causes less damage and fades gradually over several weeks.
  • Waiting at least two weeks after perming before coloring ensures that your hair has time to recover and minimizes the risk of damage.
  • Consulting with a hairstylist is highly recommended to assess your hair’s condition and receive personalized advice on dyeing and perming.

Is it Safe to Color Permed Hair?

It is generally safe to color permed hair, but there are a few precautions you should take.

Using semi-permanent hair color

Semi-permanent hair color is a feasible solution for those looking to experiment with permed hair. This type of dye doesn’t penetrate the shaft, thus causing less damage than permanent dyes.

It fades gradually over several weeks and does not show visible roots as your hair grows out. Utilizing this option might even boost the health of your locks since it often contains conditioning agents that can improve hair texture.

However, there’s a downside: semi-permanent colors won’t lighten dark hair significantly or cover grays completely, so base your choice on realistic expectations of the outcome.

Waiting 2 weeks before or after a perm to color

To keep your hair healthy and avoid any damage, it is important to wait at least two weeks after perming your hair before coloring it. This waiting period allows the perm to fully set and for your hair to recover from the chemical stress.

Both perms and permanent dyes contain strong chemicals that can weaken the strands of your hair if used too close together. By waiting, you give your hair time to regain its strength and minimize the risk of damage.

So be patient and take care of your freshly permed locks before adding color!

Consulting with a hairstylist

To ensure the best results when coloring or perming your hair, it is highly recommended to consult with a hairstylist. They are professionals who have the knowledge and expertise to assess your hair texture, condition, and overall health.

A hairstylist can provide personalized advice on whether it’s safe for you to dye or perm your hair and help determine the appropriate timing between these treatments. They can also recommend specific products formulated for use on permed hair, minimizing potential damage and promoting better hair health.

So before making any decisions, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a trusted hairstylist who will help you achieve the look you desire without compromising the integrity of your hair.

Can You Perm and Color Your Hair at the Same Time?

Perming and coloring your hair at the same time is possible, but it’s not recommended unless you have perfectly conditioned and thick hair to handle both processes simultaneously.

While it is possible to perm and color your hair at the same time, it is generally not recommended. This process requires perfectly conditioned and thick hair to minimize potential damage.

Perming and coloring can weaken the hair strands, making them more porous and prone to breakage. It is best to prioritize the health of your hair by waiting between seven days to two weeks after perming before coloring.

This allows time for your hair to recover from the effects of the perm chemicals before introducing additional chemicals from the dye. Remember that taking care of your hair’s texture, condition, and overall health should be a priority when considering these treatments.

Requires perfectly conditioned and thick hair

To successfully perm and color your hair at the same time, you need to have perfectly conditioned and thick hair. This is because both perming and coloring can be harsh on the hair strands, so having strong and healthy hair will minimize the risk of damage.

Well-conditioned hair ensures that it is strong enough to withstand the chemicals used in both processes. Thick hair provides a better canvas for color application, allowing for more even coverage and vibrant results.

So before attempting to perm and color simultaneously, make sure your locks are in great shape!

Can You Use Permanent Hair Dye on Perm Hair?

Using permanent hair dye on perm hair requires extra steps and precautions to ensure the health and texture of your hair.

Extra steps and precautions

To use permanent hair dye on permed hair, you need to take a few extra steps and precautions. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Choose the right dye: Look for hair dyes that are specifically formulated for use on permed or chemically-treated hair. These dyes are gentler and less likely to damage your perm.

Patch test: Before applying the dye all over your hair, make sure to do a patch test on a small section of hair. This will help you determine if the dye will react negatively with your perm.

Protect your scalp: Apply petroleum jelly or a barrier cream along your hairline and ears to prevent the dye from staining your skin. You can also use a plastic shower cap to cover your head while the dye is processing.

Follow instructions carefully: Read and follow the instructions provided with the hair dye. Pay attention to the recommended processing time and any additional steps specific to permed hair.

Avoid overlapping: When applying the dye, try to avoid overlapping onto previously dyed sections of your hair. Overlapping can cause excessive damage and make your hair more prone to breakage.

Deep conditioning treatment: After coloring your permed hair, it’s crucial to give it some extra TLC by using a deep conditioning treatment. This will help restore moisture and minimize any potential damage caused by both processes.

Mindfulness of the perm’s texture and condition

When considering coloring your hair after a perm, it’s crucial to be mindful of the texture and condition of your perm. Perming chemically alters the structure of your hair, making it more porous and susceptible to damage.

This means that if you decide to color your permed hair, you need to choose dyes that are gentle and formulated specifically for use on permed hair. Additionally, it’s important to assess the overall health of your perm before proceeding with any further chemical treatments.

Taking care of the texture and condition of your perm will help maintain its longevity and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.

How Soon Can You Color Your Hair After a Perm?

After getting a perm, it is recommended to wait around 15 days before coloring your hair to ensure the best results and minimize damage.

Waiting period of around 15 days

After perming your hair, it’s important to wait around 15 days before coloring it. This waiting period is necessary because both perms and permanent hair dyes contain strong chemicals that can damage your hair if used too close together.

By waiting, you give your hair time to recover and minimize the risk of further damage. If you’re unsure about how long to wait or need personalized advice, consult with a hairstylist who can provide guidance based on your specific situation.

Remember, patience is key when it comes to caring for permed hair and ensuring its health and longevity.

Consulting with a hairstylist for personalized advice

Before making any decisions regarding perming and coloring your hair, it is always a good idea to consult with a hairstylist for personalized advice. A professional stylist will be able to assess the condition of your hair, take into consideration any previous treatments you’ve had, and provide expert recommendations on how to achieve the desired results.

They can also advise on which hair colors would work best with your skin tone and offer insights into maintaining healthy hair throughout the process. Seeking guidance from a hairstylist ensures that you make informed choices and minimize the risk of damaging your hair.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to dye and perm your hair, but it requires careful consideration and proper maintenance. Waiting at least two weeks after perming before coloring is recommended to avoid potential damage.

Consulting with a hairstylist can provide personalized advice for your specific hair type and condition. Remember to prioritize the health and overall care of your hair when making decisions about dyeing and perming.

FAQs

1. Can you dye and perm your hair on the same day?

Perming and coloring on the same day could lead to significant hair damage, so professionals often caution against it.

2. What should I do first: perm or color my hair?

Generally, stylists recommend perming before coloring because a perm can strip some of the dye from your hair.

3. How long should I wait to color my hair after perming it?

The usual advice is waiting at least two weeks after getting a perm before applying any type of hair color treatment to minimize potential damage.

4. Is it okay to color relaxed or permed hair?

Coloring relaxed or permed hair is typically advised against as both treatments can be quite harsh on your strands and combining them may cause excessive dryness and breakage.

5. Can dyed hair still be permed?

Dyeing doesn’t completely rule out getting a perm, but due caution is necessary as overprocessed or damaged locks might not react well to further chemical treatments like perms.

6. Does perming affect the final hue when dying treated locks?

Yes! The process of Perming usually lightens colored tresses slightly; hence, influencing how coloring products will display their shades on previously treated manes.

Can You Dye and Perm Your Hair? 5 Precautions
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Mila, the veteran beauty cosmetics professional and author of this thisisbeautymart.com article, while cutting and styling the hair of her client

Hi! I’m Mila M. I share my 44 year-experience as a Cosmetologist & Beauty Professional in this blog. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Consult your trusted Beauty Professional for your personal beauty needs.

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