You’ve just left the salon with beautiful, bouncy curls from a fresh perm, and you’re already thinking about adding a pop of color. It’s an exciting thought, but hitting the pause button is one of the best things you can do for your hair’s health. Combining these two chemical processes back-to-back is a recipe for damage, but with a little patience, you can achieve the gorgeous, multi-dimensional look you want.
Why Your Hair Needs a Break
Both perming and coloring are intense treatments that alter your hair’s structure. A perm uses chemicals to break and reform bonds to create curls, while hair color lifts your hair’s cuticle to deposit pigment. Doing them too close together overwhelms your strands. Your hair is in a fragile state after a perm, and applying color immediately can lead to severe dryness, breakage, and even cause your new curls to fall out or become frizzy. Giving your hair time to recover is non-negotiable.
The Golden Waiting Period
So, how long should you wait? Most stylists strongly recommend waiting at least one to two weeks before you apply any form of hair color. This window allows your hair’s natural oils to replenish and gives the perm time to fully settle. For a more cautious approach, waiting a full month is even better. This extra time ensures your curls are completely stable and your hair is stronger, leading to more predictable and vibrant color results.
Prepping Your Hair for Color
Once your waiting period is over, a little preparation goes a long way. In the days leading up to your color appointment, use a deep conditioning treatment to boost moisture and strength. When you’re ready for color, it’s often gentler to choose a formula that is one shade darker or lighter than your current color, as these processes are less harsh. A demi-permanent color is also a fantastic option, as it’s much milder than a permanent one. Always do a strand test first to see how your permed hair reacts.
By allowing that essential rest period and treating your hair with care, you can safely enjoy the best of both worlds—vibrant color and defined, healthy curls.