Bleaching your hair can be a great way to make a dramatic change, but it can also cause major damage. What if you want the bright bleached look, but don’t want to compromise on the health of your hair?
Can you perm bleached hair? I’ll explain the effects different perms can have on your bleached hair, and what would happen if you were to perm your bleached hair.
What is a Perm, and How Does it Work on Hair?
A perm is a chemical process which allows you to transform your hair into a variety of styles.
The perming process begins by wrapping the hair around formers, which shape the desired curls.
Then, a chemical solution is applied to the hair, and this solution helps to reshape the hair into curls, waves or other shapes.
The chemical process works by breaking and reforming the bonds in the hair, allowing it to be permanently set into the desired style.
Depending on the type of perm being done, the chemical solution may remain on the hair for several minutes before it is rinsed out.
Finally, the hair is set with rollers and then dried, creating a long-lasting style. With proper care, a perm can last for up to three months.
What are the Different Types of Perms?
The first type of perm is a “traditional” perm, which uses perm rods to add shape and curl to your hair strands.
Depending on the size of the rods and the type of hair, this type of perm can create anywhere from loose waves to tight curls.
The second type of perm is an acid perm. This type of perm uses a chemical solution to break down the bonds in the hair, allowing you to achieve tighter curls or waves without needing to use perm rods.
This type of perm is great for those with finer hair textures, as it won’t damage the hair in the same way as traditional perms.
The final type of perm is an alkaline perm. This type of perm uses alkaline solutions to add shape and structure to the hair, resulting in more subtle waves or curls.
This type of perm is best for those with fine to medium hair types, as it won’t cause damage to the hair or scalp like acid or traditional perms can.
All three types of perms are great for adding texture, volume and shape to your hair.
The type that’s right for you will depend on your hair type and desired look.
Can You Perm Color-Treated Hair?
Yes – but you must be cautious when perm-coloring color-treated hair.
When you’re dealing with hair that has been previously dyed, the key to success lies in the preparation and application, as well as the right product choice.
First, it’s important to start with a deep-cleansing shampoo to remove any built-up product and residue from regular chemical use.
If the hair has been highlighted in any way, it’s also essential to assess the overall condition before coloring.
Then, wait at least two weeks after a permanent color before perming to make sure the color is set, and the hair can withstand the process.
When it comes to the product, always use an acid or no-lye perm that’s specifically designed for color-treated hair.
This type of perm will leave hair shinier and bouncier than traditional perms and will be more gentle on the hair. Make sure to apply the mixture evenly over damp hair that is clean and protein-rich.
Always remember: when dealing with color-treated hair, opt for low-volume formulas and only leave the perm solution on the strands for 15 minutes maximum.
Always finish off with a deep-conditioning treatment to keep the hair looking healthy and nourished. After this process, it’s recommended to treat the permed hair with extra care.
Avoid using any heated styling tools, and instead opt for an air dryer or a hot-air brush.
With regular touch-ups, every 6 to 8 weeks and the proper products and tools, you can achieve beautiful curls on color-treated hair.
How Long Does a Perm Last?
Generally speaking, permanent waves can last up to 6 months, but may last in some cases up to one year depending on the maintenance and type of hair.
All hair types are different, so this number will vary based on the individual.
Those with fine or thin hair may find that their perm lasts for a shorter amount of time than those with thick, coarse locks.
So, how does your perm look over time? Initially, your hair will look tight, curly and possibly frizzy.
As the perm starts to wear off, your hair’s natural wave pattern will start to take shape; it will become looser and start to relax.
To ensure the longevity of your perm, you should use specially formulated shampoo and conditioners designed to work with the hair’s wave pattern.
Avoid using heavy gels or other styling products that can break down the structure of the curls.
Also, ensure that you regularly comb, or better yet, brush through your hair as this will help detangle any knots and preserve the wave pattern.
It’s also important to pay attention to the environment you’re in; for example, swimming in salt water or chlorine can damage your permed hair, causing it to become brittle and frizzy.
Can You Perm Bleached Hair?
If you’re considering bleaching your hair and then perming it for tight curls, it is important to know about the different chemical treatments involved.
Because of the harsh chemicals used in bleaching hair, it can become weakened and damaged before you even start the process of perming it.
Bleached hair has accidentally or intentionally had its natural pigment removed to make way for a new color.
At the same time, when bleach is applied to the follicles and surrounding tissue, it also changes its texture by lifting the cuticle layer and changing its form temporarily.
Perming your bleached hair requires an additional chemical treatment that can potentially cause more damage if not done properly.
When bleaching colored hair, there’s already a base-level of damage that needs to be considered before continuing with additional services like perming your hair.
Perm solutions bring both alkaline and acidic components which work together on the cuticle layer to form tight curls and sculpted looks, while also damaging some of the inner layers to achieve desired results.
If your bleached hair is already weak from previous color services like highlights or balayage techniques, then adding another chemical-based treatment may not be recommended, as this could lead to even more breakage or potential split ends than before you started.
Before deciding whether you should proceed with bleaching and perming your hair, consult a professional who can assess any existing damage firstly.
As well as provide an accurate timeline for recovering from any further damage that may occur from adding additional chemical treatments (like perms) after the fact.
What are the Risks of Perming Bleached Hair?
If you have bleached your hair and are considering getting a perm, it’s important to understand the risks involved.
While the chemicals used in permanent hair straightening can create a beautiful, lasting style, it’s important to be aware that the process can cause damage to your hair if not done correctly.
When it comes to perming bleached hair, there are several risks that must be considered.
Firstly, as bleach weakens the hair’s cuticle and can cause dryness, using a perm can further damage the hair strands and lead to increased dryness, split ends, and breakage.
This can leave you with an unhealthy head of hair that may require extra deep conditioning treatments to heal.
Another issue to consider is that when the cuticle is already weakened by bleach, it is more prone to the damaging effects of the chemicals used in perming.
Because it is already more fragile, this can lead to greater breakage and even hair loss.
So, it is often recommended to wait at least a month after coloring your hair before attempting a perm, to allow the cuticle time to recover and reduce further damage.
Lastly, if you have virgin hair (hair that has never been chemically treated), the perming process can be more damaging than on previously treated hair.
This is due to the strong chemicals used in a perm stripping uncolored hair of its protective layer, which can leave it more susceptible to breakage.
As you can see, when considering a perm for bleached hair, there are several risks to consider.
The potential for increased damage to your hair color, cuticle, and even hair loss must be kept in mind when determining if this is the right aesthetic choice for you.
So, it is best to wait until your hair has had a chance to recover from bleaching and to deeply condition your hair both before and after a perm to
What to Do If Your Hair Gets Damaged After a Perm?
When it comes to damaged hair, there are few things more frustrating than finding out that your perm has damaged your locks.
You may have noticed dryness, split ends or even breakage – all signs that your hair is damaged.
But don’t despair; you can still repair your mane, even after a perm. Here are some steps you can take to restore your hair and prevent further damage.
Start by using a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. Using a deep conditioning treatment is one of the best and most effective ways to restore your hair after a perm, as it can boost hydration and nourishment.
Choose a product that is specifically designed for permed or chemically treated hair.
Apply the conditioning treatment to your hair and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing it out with lukewarm water. You can do this once a week to help replenish the moisture in your hair that has been lost due to the perm.
Second, reduce the frequency of heat styling. Heat styling can damage your hair even further, so try to limit the amount of time you use heat styling tools on your hair.
If you must use them, use a heat protectant first and do not exceed the temperature range recommended on the product.
Third, trim your split ends. Split ends can worsen the damage caused by a perm and make it harder to restore your hair. Make sure to get regular trims (about every 6–8 weeks) to keep split ends from getting out of control.
Use natural oils and protective hairstyling techniques. Natural oils such as olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter can be used to help condition and restore your hair, over your entire head, to nourish the hair strands from the perming solution.
Protective hairstyles such as braids, buns and twists can also help protect your hair from further damage and give it time to recover without being over-styled or exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Can You Perm Dyed Hair at Home?
If you’re wondering whether you can perm dyed hair at home, the answer is yes–but proceed with caution. Knowing exactly how to perm dyed hair is essential if you want to give your hair a full head of curls without causing permanent damage.
When perming, harsh chemicals are used, which can cause serious harm to the delicate cuticle layer of your strands if not handled correctly.
It’s best to do research and define precisely what type of kit and solution is suitable for your particular hair color before attempting a DIY perm.
Using a ready-made perm kit from the store helps ensure that all necessary components are contained, which will make it easier when it comes time to actually begin perming.
Before applying the perm solution, use a quality deep conditioner on your dry hair, so it won’t absorb too much of the product; this way, you can keep your hair in good shape even after perming it.
After washing out the solution and setting lotion, avoid styling products such as gels or hairspray, as they could interfere with successful curl formation and create weak patches.
Also, be sure to take extra care while drying your newly curled locks; using hot tools too aggressively may damage them further instead of giving them that perfect finished look you were hoping for.
Although perming at home is possible, be sure to weigh up all pros and cons before committing to this process.
Many women opt for professional salons because they know exactly how their individual type of dyed hair will react during curling and have better chances for achieving satisfactory outcomes without worrying about long-term consequences or undergoing any kind of trauma during the process itself.
All things considered, regardless if you choose salon or home treatments – always remember – regular maintenance along with a well-thought-out hair care regimen should be implemented to keep your new curls healthy looking for longer periods.
How to Take Care of Permed Bleached Hair?
Applying bleach to your hair can also be incredibly damaging, so it’s important to make sure you know how to take good care of your permed, bleached hair.
Knowing how to nourish and protect this delicate hair type can keep your perm looking fresh and glossy for weeks or even months to come.
The first step to taking care of your permed, bleached hair is to invest in a good quality, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for colored hair.
When washing your hair, make sure to use lukewarm water – hot water can strip away the dye and leave your hair looking dull and lifeless.
After you shampoo and condition your hair, you should always finish with a cool or cold blast of water, which will help seal in moisture.
Once you’ve washed your hair, apply an alcohol-free product designed to protect your colored or highlighted locks. You could always ask your professional hairstylist for product recommendations.
Look specifically for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or aloe vera as they are not only incredibly nourishing, but they will also help prevent the color from fading too quickly.
If you’ve got a super-lightened permed style, you may need to use a leave-in conditioner every few days to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Choose a product that contains UV filters – these will help to protect your hair from the sun’s rays and reduce breakage over time.
When it comes to drying your hair, use a hair dryer with a cool setting, to prevent potential damage after the perm process.
This will also improve the level of shine too. Also avoid using flat irons or hair straighteners, as the heat will destroy your curl pattern.
At night, you should definitely invest in a silk pillowcase for your bed, as these will help to protect your permed style from the hair cuticle of your perm hair style being damaged whilst you sleep.
The friction from a cotton pillow case can leave permed curly hair super frizzy, and hard to tame.
Where possible, use a wide-toothed comb, whenever you need to comb through your permed curly strands of hair.
Using wide-tooth comb will be more gentle on the hair, compared to say a soft brush, and won’t separate the curls either.
How to Wash Your Permed Bleached Hair?
When you have permed bleached hair, it can be tricky to wash and style.
Your hair has already been through a lot of stress, so it is important to take extra precautions when washing it.
Follow the tips below to learn how to wash your permed bleached hair without damaging your perm.
- 1. Start with a gentle shampoo made for color-treated hair. Permed bleached hair is more vulnerable to damage, so you need to use a gentler shampoo that won’t strip away moisture or cause further damage.
- 2. Wash your hair in lukewarm water. Make sure that the temperature isn’t too hot, as this can damage your hair and cause it to become dry and brittle.
- 3. Use conditioner sparingly. Too much conditioner can weigh down your hair, making it look flat and lifeless. When using conditioner, be sure to focus on the ends of your hair and avoid applying it near the roots.
- 4. Rinse your hair with cool water. Cold water helps to seal in moisture and reduce frizz, which can be especially beneficial for bleached hair that may already be prone to frizziness.
- 5. Avoid brushing your hair when it is wet, as this can cause it to break and damage your perm. Stick to combing through your wet hair with a wide-toothed comb instead.
What to Do if Your Permed Bleached Hair Gets Frizzy?
If your permed bleached hair gets frizzy, there are a few things you can do to restore your locks to their healthy, shiny state.
Ensure that you use a deep conditioning treatment every week. Applying a deep conditioner will help keep the moisture in your hair and reduce the frizziness.
Avoid using heat styling tools such as straighteners or curling irons on your newly bleached and permed hair whenever possible, as this can damage the integrity of the hair and increase frizziness.
Use an anti-frizz serum on damp hair before blow-drying it to achieve less frizzy results.
Lastly, make sure you are properly protecting your permed bleached hair from external elements such as wind, sun and pollution with hats or scarves when out in the summer months.
Summary
Bleaching your hair can be a great way to make a dramatic change, but it’s important to consider the potential risks before you decide whether perming bleached hair is right for you.
The most common risks are increased dryness, split ends, and breakage.
If you do choose to perm your hair after bleaching, then it is essential that you use deep conditioners both before and after the process, as well as protective styling techniques such as braids or twists.
It’s also important to be aware of how harsh chemicals can affect different types of hair differently; those with virgin hair may need to exercise more caution when considering a perm than those with previously treated locks.
Finally, take care in choosing an appropriate perm solution that is tailored to color-treated hair–this will help reduce any additional damage caused by the chemical process.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!