You’ve spent time and effort achieving that perfect shade of blonde, and now you’re dreaming of adding some bouncy curls or soft waves. It’s a common question that pops up: can you put a perm in bleached hair? The short answer is yes, but it comes with a very important warning label. It’s a process that requires serious consideration and a professional touch to avoid disaster.
Bleaching is a harsh chemical process that strips your hair of its natural pigment, leaving the strands more fragile and porous. A perm is another intense chemical treatment that restructures your hair’s bonds to hold a new shape. Putting these two processes together is asking a lot from your hair, and without the right precautions, the result can be severe damage, breakage, or even hair that feels like mush.
The Risks of Perming Lightened Locks
The main danger lies in the overlapping chemical stress. Your hair’s integrity is already compromised from bleaching. Perm solution works by breaking down the internal bonds in your hair, and on already weakened strands, it can break them a little too well—permanently. This can lead to dryness that feels irreversible, a frizzy, undefined curl instead of bouncy waves, or worst of all, your hair snapping off entirely. It’s a high-stakes game for your strands.
Consulting a Professional is Non-Negotiable
This is not a do-it-yourself project. A skilled and experienced stylist is your best ally. They will perform a essential test called a strand test before any perm solution touches your whole head. This involves perming a small, hidden section of your hair to see how it reacts. They will assess the current health of your hair, its elasticity, and its porosity to determine if it can even handle the process. A good stylist will be honest with you if your hair isn’t a good candidate, saving you from a potential haircut you didn’t plan for.
Caring for Your Permed and Bleached Hair
If you do move forward and get the perm, your aftercare routine becomes sacred. Your hair will be thirsty. You’ll need to invest in rich, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners designed for chemically treated or curly hair. Deep conditioning treatments are not a monthly treat but a weekly necessity. Minimize heat styling, and when you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant. Be gentle when detangling, using a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to prevent unnecessary stress and breakage.
So, while perming bleached hair is possible, it’s a path that demands caution, expertise, and a commitment to intense aftercare. Having an open conversation with a trusted stylist is the most important first step to achieving your curly goals without sacrificing the health of your hair.