How to Perm Bleached or Color-Treated Hair At Home

Anjali specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. Her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be h... more

What Is Hair Perming?
Is It Safe To Perm Colored Or Bleached Hair?
How To Perm Bleached Hair
What To Do Before You Perm Dyed Hair?
Other Tips For Perming Dyed Or Bleached Hair
How To Care For Your Permed And Dyed Hair

What Is Hair Perming?

Hair perming is a chemical treatment to alter the structure of the hair fibers. It changes the hair texture by creating either curls or waves. It is best for those with fine and thin hair.

Compared to straightening, perming is difficult and not a one-size-fits-all process. The techniques differ according to hair texture and type. If you are perming colored or bleached hair, you have to be extra cautious.

Is It Safe To Perm Colored Or Bleached Hair?

Although perming colored and bleached hair is not dangerous, it is not recommended. It is because your hair has already gone through a chemical process. Exposing it to multiple chemical processes may alter the hair structure, causing cuticle breakage, split ends, and frizzy hair. Moreover, perming colored hair is likely to lighten the color.

However, there are perming formulas meant for colored hair. These formulas are milder than other perming solutions but are expensive. If you wish to go ahead with perming your bleached and colored hair, consult a hair expert and be aware of the damages it may cause.

You can also do it at home. Make sure to have a gap of at least 2-3 weeks between bleaching or coloring and perming. Here is how you can do it.

How To Perm Bleached Hair

You Will Need

Perm kit for bleached hair
Natural and neutral shampoo

Process

Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any oil and dirt residue.
Dry your hair and brush to detangle all the knots.
Divide your hair into uniform sections.
Using a rat-tail comb, take out a thin strand from one section and wrap it around the curling rod. Repeat the process with the remaining sections.
Apply the perming solution on the rods and leave it for five minutes.
Unwrap the hair around one curling rod. If you cannot see the waves, leave it on for another two minutes.
Once you notice S-like waves, rinse the hair well with warm water without removing the curling rods.
Dry the hair with a blow dryer and then apply the neutralizing liquid on the rods.
Wait for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water to wash out the solution.
Blow dry the hair and gently remove the rods.
Do not brush your hair. Wait for three days to shampoo your hair.

What To Do Before You Perm Dyed Hair?

Before starting the chemical perming process, perform a chunk test. If your hair passes the chunk test, you can continue with the perming process.

Dip a few hair strands into a glass of water. If the strands sink to the bottom of the glass, your hair absorbs water quickly and is damaged and dehydrated. It is not recommended to perm damaged hair. If your hair does not sink, you can go ahead with the perming process. Here are a few tips before you start the process.

Other Tips For Perming Dyed Or Bleached Hair

Perming colored and bleached hair can leave it dry and dehydrated. Hence, you have to take proper care of your hair to maintain your perm.

Closing Thoughts

Perms look beautiful, but they are not meant for all hair types, especially dry and damaged hair. If you have recently colored or bleached your hair, it is best to talk to a hairstylist before perming. Make sure you follow the tips mentioned in the article.

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