How Soon After A Perm Can I Color My Hair?

Getting a perm can give your hair a fun, bouncy new look with lots of volume and texture. But what if you also want to freshen up your color soon after perming? How long should you wait before coloring newly permed hair? This guide covers everything you need to know.

Overview of Perming and Hair Dyeing

First, let’s quickly recap what happens during these chemical processes:

• Perms: Perm solution breaks and reforms internal protein bonds to curl straight hair.

• Hair dye: Color pigments penetrate the hair shaft and deposit or lift color. Developers open the cuticle.

How Long Should I Wait to Dye After a Perm?

Ideally, wait at least 1-2 weeks after perming before applying hair dye. Here’s why:

• Perm chemicals need time to fully set and stabilize in the hair.

• Hair is very fragile and prone to damage immediately after perming.

• Dye can disrupt perms that are still processing.

• Permed hair needs time to recover before undergoing more chemical treatment.

What Could Happen If I Dye Too Soon After Perming?

Possible risks of dyeing too soon after perming include:

• Cuticle damage, dryness, and breakage
• Perms may not set properly or curls may be compromised
• Irritation, burning, or redness on scalp
• Uneven dye results like splotchiness or dullness
• Color quickly fading and lacking vibrancy

Tips for Dyeing After a Perm

When ready to dye permed hair, follow these expert tips:

• Wait 1-2 weeks minimum after perming if possible

• Do a strand test to check hair health before dyeing

• Use a gentle, low-ammonia semi-permanent or demi-permanent hue

• Avoid bleaches, high lifts, or permanent dyes

• Apply a deep conditioner after rinsing out dye

• Limit heat styling and additional chemical processes for awhile

• Use a sulfate-free shampoo and hydrating hair masks

• Get regular trims to snip split ends and keep hair healthy

Coloring Permed Hair at the Salon

Your safest bet is to wait 4-6 weeks after perming before seeing a professional stylist for color. Expert colorists can:

• Assess hair health and condition
• Recommend the gentlest, safest dye formula and technique
• Strand test to check for damage before applying dye
• Take special care to avoid overlap with perm chemicals
• Suggest semi-permanent or vegetable-based dyes if needed
• Offer personalized aftercare guidance for permed and colored hair

The Bottom Line

While everyone’s hair can react differently, following a 1-2 week waiting period between perming and coloring is best practice to avoid unnecessary damage. Give your locks ample time to recover before further chemical processing. And consult a pro if you have any doubts!