You’ve spent time and effort getting the perfect perm, and now you’re thinking about a lighter hair color. It’s a common crossroads. The question of whether you can bleach permed hair is a serious one, as both processes are incredibly taxing on your hair’s health. The short answer is yes, it is possible, but it comes with significant risks that you need to consider carefully.
The Reality of Combining Two Chemical Processes
Both perming and bleaching work by breaking down your hair’s internal structure. A perm rearranges the bonds to create curls, while bleach strips the melanin to lighten the color. When you do one after the other, you are essentially asking your hair to withstand two major assaults in a short period. This double chemical stress is the primary reason for the potential damage, which can range from severe dryness and breakage to your curls going limp and losing their shape.
Essential Steps to Minimize Damage
If you decide to proceed, a cautious and strategic approach is non-negotiable. The most critical rule is to wait as long as possible between services. Giving your hair at least a few weeks to recover and rebuild some strength is vital. During this waiting period, deep conditioning is your best friend. Use protein treatments and rich moisturizing masks to help fortify your hair strands before introducing bleach.
Why a Professional Stylist is Your Best Bet
This is not a time for a DIY box dye. A skilled colorist can assess the current condition of your permed hair and use techniques to protect it. They can perform a strand test to see how your hair reacts, choose a gentler lightening product, and apply it in a way that minimizes overlap on the most fragile, previously permed sections. Their expertise is the best insurance policy you have against ending up with broken, damaged hair.
Caring for Your Double-Processed Hair
After bleaching permed hair, your maintenance routine needs to be top-tier. Swap out your regular shampoo for a sulfate-free, color-safe formula. Incorporate leave-in conditioners and hair oils to seal in moisture and prevent frizz. Avoid heat styling as much as possible, and when you do use heat, always apply a thermal protectant. Your hair will be fragile, so treat it with extra gentleness.
Bleaching permed hair is a high-risk, high-reward endeavor. While achieving your desired color is possible, it demands patience, professional help, and a dedicated aftercare routine to keep your hair healthy and your curls intact.