How Soon After A Perm Can I Color My Hair?

Have you recently had a perm? Are you thinking about coloring your hair soon, but aren’t sure when it’s safe to do so? How soon after a perm can I color my hair? In this article, I’ll share the answer to exactly how long you need to wait before coloring your hair after getting a perm.

As well as looking at the benefits and risks associated with waiting various lengths of time, and offer some tips on how to get the best results when changing your color after getting a perm, with some helpful advice. Read on for everything you need to know about coloring your hair shortly after having a perm.

What Happens To The Hair During The Perming Process?

During the perming process, the natural shape of the hair is permanently changed by using chemical solutions to break and reconnect cross-links between proteins within the hair.

After a perm solution has been applied, it will break down these bonds, allowing for easier reshaping of the structure of the hair strands. The rearrangement or curling of existing molecules then takes place due to the solution’s ability to break them down into smaller molecules for structural reformatting.

To further facilitate this process, heat is sometimes applied afterward with an electric rod or a blow dryer so that new cross-linkages may be formed between protein compounds within each strand.

This newly structured molecule formation stabilizes and strengthens as they cool and become reactive. Once the solution has been rinsed away, the hair is set in its new perm shape.

Afterward, an acidic neutralizing solution will be applied to close off these newly formed bonds and ensure that they remain intact over time. The hair may then be styled as desired.

Which Hair Types Are Best For Having A Perm?

For those looking to switch up their hairstyle and give their look some texture and body, perms can be a great option. While any hair type can benefit from a perm, those with straight and thin hair will get the most visible results.

Fine hair is able to hold the curls created from a perm for a longer period of time than coarse hair. It is important that individuals with fine hair are mindful not to get too strong of a perm, as this can lead to damage if it isn’t maintained properly.

Those that have thick hair may find that perms don’t last as long or have as much definition as desired due to the sheer volume of the hair.

It’s just going to depend on an individual’s individual style preferences when considering whether a perm is right for them, and their hair health.

How Damaging Is A Perm On Your Hair?

A perm is a chemical hair treatment designed to make hair more curly or wavy. It is often seen as a way to add body and shape to naturally straight or fine hair. However, perms can be very damaging to your hair if not done carefully with the right products.

Perms use harsh chemicals such as ammonium thioglycolate and sodium hydroxide, which break down the proteins in your hair to create curls. The health of your strands will depend on how long the products are left in your hair and how they are neutralized after application.

Any type of perm also weakens the structure of your strands by removing some essential lipids from each strand, resulting in increased fragility and dryness.

If you choose to get a perm, you should be prepared for possible damage including split ends, frizziness, brittle strands, breakage, and scalp irritation due to the harsh chemical agents used by most salon stylists for this process.

Also, be sure that you follow any aftercare instructions given by your stylist; heavy oils and deep conditioning treatments can help restore weakened structures caused by receiving a perm. Also, you can get specific shampoos designed for permed hair, to help recoup any lost moisture, to prevent any hair loss, and keep damage to a minimum.

How To Care For Your Hair After Having A Perm?

Taking care of your hair after a perm is important for keeping it healthy and looking its best. A perm is a chemical process that changes your hair’s structure, giving it more body and curls.

But it can also leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. So, here are some helpful tips to keep your hair looking great after a perm.

1. Don’t shampoo every day. Shampooing too often can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it look dull and damaged. Aim to wash your hair only two or three times a week with a mild shampoo formulated for permed hair.

2. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week. This will help keep your hair hydrated and strong, and stop it from becoming brittle and breaking off.

3. Try not to comb or brush your hair too often. Permed hair is particularly prone to breakage, so it’s important to be gentle when combing it out after a perm. Similarly, avoid using elastics or clips on your hair, as these can also cause damage to your delicate perm.

4. Don’t use heat-styling tools too often. Blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can all damage permed hair and make it look dry and frizzy. If you do want to use heat-styling tools, make sure to apply a protective product first.

5. Avoid harsh products. Harsh chemicals like peroxide, bleach, and dyes can strip your perm of its body and make it look dull and lifeless. Look for sulfate-free products to keep your permed hair looking its best.

How Soon After A Perm Can I Color My Hair?

It is not recommended to color your hair immediately after getting a perm. Depending on the type of perm, it can take up to two weeks for the chemicals in the perm to settle and for your hair to fully recover. During this period, your hair is especially fragile and vulnerable; processing it any further can cause serious damage.

When coloring your newly permed hair, you should use an ammonia-free or low ammonia colorant that will help preserve its integrity. This kind of product won’t penetrate too deep into the strands, allowing them to remain healthy and strong while protecting them from further damage.

You can also opt for semi-permanent dyes or toners hair coloring options instead of permanent ones, as they don’t contain damaging ingredients like bleach or other harsh chemicals that could affect the perm’s results negatively.

If you want to be extra cautious, consider consulting with a professional hairstylist before pursuing any kind of styling hair care treatment on freshly permed hair.

They can evaluate the condition of your hair strands and determine if it’s safe for you to proceed with coloring at this point in time without compromising your hair’s health.

A reputable stylist should also be able to provide recommendations specifically tailored to your individual situation – such as whether you need a special dye formula or different technique– which will ensure optimal results every time.

Although there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how soon after a perm you can dye your locks, waiting at least two weeks is advisable if possible so that your hair has enough time to recover from chemical processing before being subjected to another one.

Can You Perm Your Hair And Color Your Hair The Same Day?

No, it is not recommended to perm and color your hair on the same day. Perming involves harsh chemicals that can significantly weaken the hair shaft and make it brittle, thanks to your new curl pattern.

Using hair dye directly after a perm can cause even more damage due to these weakened strands, as going through two chemical processes in a row exacerbates their fragility and increases the risk of breakage.

So, it will be best to wait at least two weeks for your newly permed hair to settle before attempting any other styling treatments such as dyeing or bleaching.

What Type Of Hair Color Is Best On Permed Hair?

When it comes to choosing a hair color for permed hair, there are a few things to consider. Generally speaking, hair colors with subtle highlights or lowlights tend to work best on permed hair.

This is because these types of colors will help bring out the texture and shape of your curls without overwhelming them.

A soft balayage style can also be flattering, as it adds depth and dimension while still allowing you to keep the movement of your curls intact. Blonde shades like honey blonde, golden blonde, caramel blonde, strawberry blonde, and light ash blonde generally look great on permed hair since they give off an effortless beachy vibe.

Medium browns such as chestnut brown, mocha brown and golden brown also look great with permed hair and can help add even more dimension.

Whatever shade you choose, make sure to use a color-safe conditioner specifically designed for colored hair to keep your color looking vibrant and healthy. You could always head to your local hairdresser, to see what the professionals recommend for your hair condition, and they’ll give you the best tips on coloring hair after having a perm, minus the hair damage and frizz.

Which Haircare Products And Treatments Should You Avoid With Permed Hair?

Any at-home coloring products should be avoided on permed hair. Your perm may counteract whatever color you are trying to achieve, resulting in something very different than what you planned.

Therefore, if you wish to dye your hair, it is best to seek professional help. Additionally, any harsh chemical treatments such as perms, relaxers, or texturizers should not be used on permed hair as they can strip away the curls and make it limp or overly frizzy.

It is also important to avoid any products or treatments that are too heavy or greasy. Permed hair tends to be on the drier side of the spectrum, so using heavy oils and butters can weigh it down and make it look flat and lifeless. So, it’d be better to opt for lighter hair serums and leave-in conditioners to keep your curls moisturized without adding too much weight.

When it comes to styling your permed hair, there are certain tools and techniques that should be avoided. Excessive heat from blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons will cause the curls to lose their shape and create a frizzier texture. Also, tight elastics or metal clips should be avoided as they can cause breakage and split ends.

Final Thoughts

How soon after a perm can you color your hair? This is a question that often comes up when discussing styling treatments for permed hair. Generally speaking, it’s best to wait at least two weeks before coloring permed hair again, as this gives the strands adequate time to recover from any chemical processing.

When selecting a hair color to use on your permed locks, opt for subtle shades like honey blonde and mocha brown that will give your look more texture and brightness without overwhelming it.

To prevent further damage, avoid any harsh chemical treatments or products with heavy oils and greases afterwards.

As always, if you have concerns about coloring your newly permed hair, consult with a professional hairstylist who can help assess what’s best for you and give you tailored tips and advice on how to achieve beautiful locks while avoiding damage.

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