You wish to know how long after a perm can you color your hair dye? Well, you are at the right page, because I will like to take my time to reveal to you the time you should wait before coloring your hair.
Hair dye and hair perm are two popular hair treatments used to achieve different styles and colors. While both procedures can be done separately, some individuals opt for the combination of both treatments to achieve a complete hair transformation. This combination allows individuals to add a new color to their hair while also altering its texture, resulting in a fresh and unique look. However, it’s essential to understand the processes involved in hair perming and the potential effects on hair structure before deciding to combine these treatments. Let’s delve into the details.
What is Hair Perming?
Hair perming, short for permanent waving, is a chemical process that alters the natural shape of the hair by breaking and reforming its internal bonds. The process involves applying a chemical solution, usually containing ammonium thioglycolate or a similar compound, to the hair. This solution softens the hair’s disulfide bonds, which are responsible for its natural structure, allowing the hair to be reshaped.
Once the hair is adequately softened, it is then wrapped around perm rods or curlers, creating the desired curl or wave pattern. The chemical solution is left on the hair for a specific amount of time, depending on the hair’s texture and desired outcome. Afterward, a neutralizer is applied to the hair, which reforms the disulfide bonds in the new shape, making the curl or wave pattern permanent.
Also Read: How long to leave Hair dye on the root?
How Long After A Perm Can You Color Your Hair?
After getting a perm, it is generally recommended to wait for about two weeks before coloring your hair. Perming involves the use of chemicals to break and reform the hair’s internal bonds, altering its structure to create curls or waves. This chemical process can make the hair more porous and sensitive, which may affect the results of hair coloring if done immediately after perming.
Waiting for a couple of weeks allows your hair to recover and regain some of its natural strength and moisture. It also gives your hair time to stabilize after the perm, ensuring a more even and predictable outcome when you apply hair color.
Can I Perm and Color My Hair the Same Day?
Perming and coloring your hair on the same day is generally not recommended. Both processes can be harsh on the hair, and combining them in a single day can increase the risk of damage and compromise the overall health of your hair. Chemically treating your hair twice in a short period can make it more susceptible to dryness, breakage, and frizz.
It’s essential to allow your hair some time to recover between chemical treatments. Ideally, it’s best to space out the perm and hair coloring sessions by at least one to two weeks. This will give your hair the opportunity to regain some strength and moisture before undergoing another chemical process.
Also Read: How To Remove Hair Dye From walls
Which Treatment Should Be Done First – Perming or Hair Coloring?
When you decide to perm and color your hair, the order of the treatments matters. In most cases, it is recommended to get the perm first and then proceed with hair coloring. The reasoning behind this order is that perming opens up the hair cuticle, making it more receptive to the hair dye’s pigments. Coloring after perming allows the color to penetrate the hair more effectively and result in a more vibrant and long-lasting hue.
Tips to Look After Coloring and Perming Your Hair
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Invest in a sulfate-free shampoo specifically designed for color-treated hair. Sulfates can strip away the color and moisture from your hair, so using a gentle, sulfate-free formula will help preserve the color and keep your hair looking vibrant.
- Hydrate and Moisturize: Both perming and coloring can leave your hair dry and brittle. Regularly use a deep conditioning treatment to keep your hair hydrated and moisturized. Look for products containing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter, which can help repair and nourish your hair.
- Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling can further damage permed and colored hair. Try to minimize the use of hot tools like curling irons and flat irons. If you must use heat styling, always apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
- Trim Regularly: Get regular trims to remove split ends and maintain the health of your hair. Trimming can prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing more significant damage.
- Avoid Over-Washing: Frequent washing can strip away the natural oils that protect your hair and scalp. Try to extend the time between washes and use dry shampoo if needed. When you do wash your hair, use lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can further dry out the hair.
- Protect from UV Rays: UV rays can fade hair color and damage your hair. When spending time in the sun, wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection to shield your hair from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Follow Stylist’s Advice: Listen to your hairstylist’s advice on hair care after perming and coloring. They can give you personalized tips based on your hair type and the specific treatments you had done.
By following these tips and maintaining a good hair care routine, you can keep your permed and colored hair looking beautiful, healthy, and vibrant for a more extended period.
Effects of Perming on Hair Structure: Porosity and Texture
The chemical process of perming can have both positive and negative effects on the hair’s structure. One of the primary factors affected is porosity, which refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Perming can increase hair porosity, as the chemical treatment disrupts the hair’s cuticle (outermost layer) and makes it more susceptible to moisture loss. This can lead to dry, frizzy, and damaged-looking hair if not properly cared for.
Additionally, the texture of the hair is also altered by perming. Naturally straight hair becomes wavy or curly after the process. While this can be a desired outcome for many, it’s essential to keep in mind that the extent of curl or wave achieved depends on various factors such as hair type, rod size, and the duration the perm solution is left on the hair. It’s crucial to communicate your desired outcome clearly to the stylist to achieve the results you want.
Combining Hair Dye and Perm: Important Considerations
When combining hair dye and perm, it’s crucial to understand that both processes can be harsh on the hair. The chemical treatments involved can cause damage, especially if the hair is already compromised due to previous treatments or poor hair care practices. Before proceeding with the combination, it’s advisable to consult with a professional hairstylist who can assess the condition of your hair and determine if it’s suitable for the double treatment.
Furthermore, the order in which these treatments are performed matters. Typically, it is recommended to perm the hair first and then apply the hair dye. The reason for this sequence is that perming opens up the hair cuticle, making it more receptive to the hair dye’s pigments. This way, the hair can better absorb and retain the color, resulting in a more vibrant and longer-lasting hue.
Should You Dye Your Hair Before or After a Perm?
As mentioned earlier, it is generally recommended to perm your hair before coloring it. The order of these treatments matters because perming opens up the hair cuticle, making it more receptive to hair dye. Coloring your hair after the perm allows the color to penetrate the hair more effectively, resulting in a more vibrant and long-lasting hue. Waiting for about two weeks between the perm and hair coloring is advisable to give your hair time to recover and stabilize after the chemical process of perming.
What Should You NOT Do After a Perm?
After getting a perm, it’s essential to follow some dos and don’ts to maintain the health of your newly permed hair and achieve the desired results. Here are some things you should avoid:
- Avoid Washing Your Hair: Refrain from washing your hair for at least 24-48 hours after getting a perm. Washing too soon can disrupt the newly formed curl pattern and may lead to less defined curls.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Avoid using heat styling tools like curling irons or flat irons immediately after perming. Heat can cause damage to the newly permed hair, and it’s best to give your hair a break from heat for a few days.
- Don’t Tie Your Hair: Avoid tying your hair tightly or using hair accessories that could create dents in the curls. Let your hair flow loosely to preserve the shape of the curls.
- Don’t Apply Hair Products with Alcohol: Avoid using hair products that contain high amounts of alcohol, as they can dry out your hair and lead to frizz.
- Avoid Chemical Treatments: Refrain from getting any other chemical treatments, such as relaxing or straightening, immediately after perming. Combining multiple chemical treatments can cause excessive damage to your hair.
FAQs:
Can I color my hair and perm it on the same day?
It’s generally not recommended to perm and color your hair on the same day. Both processes involve chemical treatments that can be harsh on the hair. It’s best to space out these treatments by at least two weeks to allow your hair to recover between processes.
How long should I wait to wash my hair after a perm?
It’s best to wait for 24-48 hours before washing your hair after getting a perm. This allows the curls to set properly and helps maintain the desired shape.
Can I use heat styling on permed hair?
It’s best to avoid heat styling tools immediately after perming. If you need to use heat styling, make sure to apply a heat protectant product to minimize damage.
Conclusion
Perming and coloring your hair can be exciting ways to transform your look, but it’s essential to follow the proper sequence and care for your hair afterward. Always consult with a professional hairstylist to assess your hair’s condition and determine the best approach for achieving your desired hairstyle. By following the recommended guidelines and taking good care of your permed hair, you can enjoy beautiful, bouncy curls or waves and vibrant hair color for an extended period.
