Can I Color My Hair and Then Perm It?

Coloring and perming hair are two common salon services that can dramatically change your look. But can you get both done at the same time? The short answer is no—you should not color and perm in the same session. Here’s a detailed look at why it’s best to separate these two chemical processes.

Overview of Coloring and Perming

Before jumping into why you shouldn’t combine them, let’s review what each service does to your hair:

Hair Coloring

• Uses chemical dyes to deposit or remove pigment from the hair shaft and alter the color.

• Common types:

  • Permanent color fully penetrates the cuticle and cortex to dramatically and permanently change the shade.

  • Demi-permanent deposits color that fades gradually over 4-6 weeks.

  • Semi-permanent coats the outside of the hair and washes out within 4-8 shampoos.

• Can lighten or darken hair, or enhance natural shade.

• Requires developer and can damage hair if not done properly.

Hair Perming

• Uses chemical solutions to break and reform the hair’s disulfide bonds in a new curly or wavy pattern.

• Comes in two main types:

  • Traditional acid perms use an alkaline solution to break bonds then an acid neutralizer.

  • Exothermic perms use chemicals that generate heat to rearrange bonds.

• Results last 2-6 months as hair grows out.

• Can damage hair if not done correctly or on hair that’s overly porous.

So in short—both coloring and perming use harsh chemicals that penetrate into the hair shaft to produce long-lasting effects. This is why combining them is risky.

Why You Shouldn’t Perm and Color in the Same Session

Getting a perm and color in one salon visit may seem convenient, but it’s a bad idea for several reasons:

• Chemical overload – Perms and color both involve strong chemicals that damage hair. Doing both at once overwhelms the hair, leaving it dry and brittle.

• Compromised results – The chemicals can interact with each other, resulting in distorted color or unsatisfactory curls.

• Cuticle damage – Both processes damage and open the cuticle. Coloring right after perming allows dye to easily escape, causing fading.

• Safety concerns – Mixing these chemicals generates a lot of heat and fumes that can irritate scalp and skin.

No competent stylist would agree to perm and color hair in one session. Any salon claiming it’s safe or normal to do so should be avoided.

Bottom line—the chemical processing is too much for hair to handle all at once. You run the risk of burning, breakage, undesirable results, and other damage when you combine perming and coloring.

Correct Order: Perm First, Color Later

If you want both curly hair and a new color, have them done weeks apart in the proper order:

1. Perm first. This allows the perm to settle in without interference from color chemicals.

2. Wait 1-2 weeks. Give your hair a chance to rest and recover before applying color.

3. Color last. The cuticle will have closed more by this point, allowing better color uptake.

Ideally, wait on the longer end of 1-2 weeks between the two processes. Some stylists recommend at least a full two weeks between perming and coloring for best results. Listen to your stylist’s advice based on your hair’s condition.

There are exceptions where a shorter wait time may work:

• For a root touch-up soon after a perm, a few days wait may be adequate.

• Using semi-permanent color right after perming is safer since it coats the outside.

But for full coloring services like all-over permanent color or highlights, stick to 1-2 weeks minimum between perming and coloring.

Alternatives to Combine Perm and Color

If you don’t want to wait to enjoy both curly hair and a new color, consider these alternatives:

• Color first, then perm. This order can work if your hair is in excellent condition and not overly long. Get a trim before perming previously colored hair.

• Partial highlights. Doing subtle highlights shortly after perming damages hair less than full color.

• Temporary color. Sprays, gels, or rinses add temporary color without permanence or damage.

However, keep in mind these alternatives have risks—the standard recommendation is still perm first, color weeks later. Consult your stylist.

How to Prep Hair for a Perm

To ensure your perm comes out great:

• Avoid protein treatments before perming, as they can coat the hair shaft and impede chemical penetration.

• Clarify hair by shampooing the day before—product buildup blocks chemical action.

• Trim split or damaged ends a few days prior to keep them from worsening during the perm process.

• Use a deep conditioner a week before perming to ensure your hair is hydrated and elastic.

Properly prepping your hair maximizes results and minimizes damage from the perm chemicals.

Maintaining Healthy Hair After Coloring and Perming

Once you make it through the coloring and perming process spaced properly apart, be diligent about hair care. Chemically treated hair needs extra TLC to stay strong and vibrant.

• Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Avoid products with sulfates or salts that strip moisture.

• Shampoo minimally, only 1-2 times per week. Over-shampooing fades color.

• Air dry when possible to prevent heat damage from blow drying or ironing.

• Apply a weekly nourishing hair mask. Keratin, coconut oil, or avocado masks replenish moisture.

• Get regular trims, removing at least 1/4-1/2 inch every 6-8 weeks to prevent splitting.

• Use heat protectant if you must heat style chemically treated hair. Limit use of hot tools.

• Avoid chlorine and salt water to prevent fading and dryness.

With the proper timeline and aftercare, you can safely enhance your hair with both coloring and perming. Just be patient—rushing the process usually leads to lackluster results and hair damage. Consult an experienced stylist to map out a schedule that accommodates both services.

The Takeaway

It’s best practice not to perm and color hair in the same session—the chemical processing is too harsh. For optimal results with minimal damage:

✔️ Get a perm first

✔️ Wait 1-2 weeks minimum

✔️ Then apply permanent or semi-permanent color

✔️ Prep hair properly prior to each service

✔️ Use moisturizing products and limit heat after

✔️ Get regular trims

Spacing out your perm and color allows the best outcome. With some patience and proper hair care, you can rock both curly locks and a fun new hue!