Having beautiful, stylish hair is important to many people. Two popular chemical hair treatments are perming and dyeing, which can transform the look and texture of your hair. It’s natural to wonder – can you get a perm and dye your hair in the same salon visit?
The short answer is no – it is not recommended to perm and dye hair on the same day. But why not? And what is the right way to schedule these two treatments? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about perming and dyeing hair.
Overview
- Perms and hair dye both chemically alter the hair structure
- Using both treatments same day can damage hair and cause undesirable results
- Ideal order: Perm hair first, wait 1-2 weeks, then dye hair
- Tips for preparing hair properly and caring for it after chemical services
Can You Perm and Dye Hair in One Day?
Professionals strongly advise against perming and dyeing hair on the same day. Although some people claim they’ve done it with no issues, it is risky and not recommended.
Here’s why:
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Hair damage – Perm solutions and hair dyes use strong chemicals that damage the hair cuticle. Using both in one day compounds the damage and risk of breakage.
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Compromised results – The chemicals can interact and cause uneven dye uptake and loose, unstable curls.
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Scalp irritation – Some people experience itching, redness, and discomfort when overprocessing hair.
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Higher cost – Most salons charge extra for same day chemical services since it requires more work.
Your best bet is to properly space out your perm and dye job. But how long should you wait between the two treatments?
How Long to Wait Between Perm and Dye
Ideally, you should wait 1-2 weeks after perming hair to dye it. This gives your hair adequate time to rest and recover from the perm solution.
Most stylists recommend waiting a full 2 weeks between perm and dye to be safe. But if you’re in a rush, waiting just 1 week may work for semi-permanent dyes.
Here are some reasons to wait before dyeing newly permed hair:
- Allows hair cuticles to fully close and rebalance
- Hair regains lost moisture and strength
- Ensures chemicals don’t interact negatively
- Results in optimal curl set and vivid dye job
If you absolutely must dye hair right after perming, wait a minimum of 72 hours (3 days). Take good care of your hair during this time.
Note: Bleaching hair too soon after perming is strongly discouraged and can cause extreme damage. Always wait 1-2 weeks before lightening.
Will Dyeing Hair Damage a Perm?
No, dyeing hair after the proper waiting period will not damage your perm or loosen curl pattern. As long as you care for hair properly between treatments, the curl set should remain intact.
However, there are a few factors that can compromise your permed curls:
- Dyeing too soon – Within 72 hours risks uneven dye absorption
- Using overly abrasive dye – Stick to semi- or demi-permanent colors
- Washing too frequently – Avoid daily shampooing to keep curls bouncy
- Heat styling excessively – Limit use of hot tools like blow driers, flat irons
With some common sense care, your permed hair can handle a dye job just fine. Talk to your stylist if you have any concerns.
Preparing Hair for a Perm
Getting your hair in optimal shape before perming will help the curls set properly and minimize damage. Here are some tips:
- Avoid over-thinning – Excessive layers can make curls spotty.
- Use reparative treatments – Weekly masks fortify hair for chemical process.
- Don’t henna/keratin treat – These can coat hair and interfere with perms.
- Check for split ends – Trim any damage so curls spiral right.
- Shampoo less often – Go 2-3 days between washes for strength.
- Protect from heat/sun – Limit damage from hot tools, UV rays.
Strong, healthy hair holds a perm and dye job better. Take steps to get your hair in optimal shape before treatments.
Caring for Hair After Perming and Dyeing
It’s just as important to properly care for your hair after chemical treatments. Follow these tips:
Right after perming:
- Use reparative conditioner and don’t shampoo for 48 hours
- Apply leave-in treatments with moisturizing oils
- Avoid heat styling for 1 week
- Comb gently with a wide-tooth comb
Between perm and dye:
- Use sulfate-free, gentle shampoo
- Apply weekly repairing hair masks
- Trim any split ends
- Protect hair from heat/sun exposure
After dyeing permed hair:
- Shampoo less frequently (every 2-3 days)
- Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners
- Limit use of hot tools
- Get regular trims to prevent split ends
Being extra gentle keeps your hair healthy, shiny, and helps both treatments last.
Perm and Dye Hair Care FAQs
Still have questions about perming and dyeing hair? Here are some common FAQs:
How soon can I shampoo after perming?
Wait 48 hours before shampooing newly permed hair. Use a very gentle, sulfate-free formula.
Should I wait longer than 2 weeks to dye hair after a perm?
Two weeks is the standard recommendation, but waiting longer is fine if hair still seems damaged.
What if I already dyed my hair – how long should I wait to perm it?
Wait 1 week between dyeing and perming for semi-permanent color. Wait 2 weeks for permanent color before perming.
Can I use purple shampoo on dyed, permed hair?
Yes, purple shampoos are fine on color-treated perms. Just dilute with regular shampoo to avoid drying hair.
How often should I touch up my permed hair dye?
Aim for every 4-6 weeks to refresh your color and cover grown out roots after a perm.
The Takeaway
While it’s tempting to schedule a perm and dye job in the same salon trip, patience pays off. Allow 1-2 weeks between chemical treatments for the healthiest hair and most stunning results.
Remember – perm first, wait a bit, then dye. With proper prep and aftercare, you’ll love your brand new curly, colored locks!