Can You Bleach Permed Hair? (Risks & How To Do It Properly)

So, you’ve finally achieved those dreamy curls through a perm, and now you’re contemplating another bold move—bleaching your hair. It’s a question that many of us have pondered: Can you bleach permed hair without turning it into a frizzy, damaged mess?

Bleaching your permed hair is possible but it comes with risks such as dryness and breakage. Experts recommend waiting at least two to six weeks between perming and bleaching to allow your hair to recover. Always consult a hairstylist and consider diagnostic tests like porosity and elasticity tests for personalized advice.

Now… we can’t all look like Joe Jonas, Pink, Zac Effron, or Pete Davidson (too soon Kim?), but let’s see how you can achieve the perfect bleach blonde hair safely.

Is It Safe to Bleach Permed Hair?

The consensus among hair care experts is that bleaching permed hair carries risks, but it’s not entirely off-limits. The key to safely undergoing both treatments lies in the timing, preparation, and aftercare. Most professionals recommend waiting at least two to six weeks between perming and bleaching to allow your hair to recover.

Diagnostic tests, such as porosity and elasticity tests, are also advised to assess your hair’s condition. If done cautiously and under professional guidance, bleaching permed hair can be achieved with minimal damage. However, it’s crucial to follow all safety guidelines and consult a qualified hairstylist for personalized advice.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive deeper into how perming and bleaching really work. Understanding the nitty-gritty will help you grasp the risks involved more clearly.

How Does a Perming Solution Work?

Okay, let’s break it down in simple terms. You know how water can make your hair go from straight to curly when it’s wet, but then it goes back to its original shape when it dries?

Well, a perming solution is like that, but it makes the change more permanent. Imagine your hair as a bunch of tiny ropes. The perming solution loosens those ropes, allowing them to be reshaped.

Your stylist then wraps your hair around rods to give it a new curly or wavy form. Once that’s done, another solution is applied to “lock in” the new shape. Voila! You’ve got yourself a brand-new look that lasts for weeks!

The Science of Bleaching Hair

Bleaching is another transformative hair treatment, but unlike perming, its primary goal is to lighten your hair color. The active ingredient in most hair bleaches is hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates the hair shaft and oxidizes the melanin—the pigment responsible for your hair color. The oxidation process breaks down the melanin, effectively lightening the color of your hair.

However, the bleaching process doesn’t stop at color alteration. It also affects the structural integrity of your hair. Similar to perming, bleaching weakens the disulfide bonds in the hair’s keratin structure. This makes your hair more porous, brittle, and prone to breakage and split ends. The higher the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the longer it’s left on, the more significant the damage.

Understanding the chemical intricacies of bleaching is essential, especially if your hair has already undergone other chemical treatments like perming. This knowledge equips you to take the necessary precautions to minimize damage while achieving your desired look.

This section can be a valuable addition to your article, offering readers a scientific perspective on the impact of bleaching on hair health.

Risks of Bleaching Permed Hair

Combining the processes of perming and bleaching can be a risky endeavor for your hair. Since both treatments involve breaking down the disulfide bonds in your hair’s keratin structure, doing them in succession or close proximity can lead to severe damage.

Here are some of the risks you should be aware of:

1. Extreme Dryness: Both perming and bleaching strip away the natural oils from your hair, leading to dryness and frizz.
2. Increased Porosity: The chemical processes make your hair more porous, making it more susceptible to further damage and color fading.
3. Breakage and Split Ends: The weakened hair structure is more prone to breakage, leading to an increased number of split ends.
4. Scalp Irritation: The chemicals used in both processes can irritate your scalp, leading to redness, itching, or even burns if not done correctly.
5. Color Inconsistency: Due to the altered structure and increased porosity, your hair may not take the bleach evenly, leading to patchy or inconsistent color.
6. Irreversible Damage: In extreme cases, the cumulative damage from both treatments can be irreversible, requiring you to cut off the damaged hair.

Understanding these risks is crucial for anyone considering bleaching their permed hair. It’s not just about achieving a new look; it’s also about maintaining the health and integrity of your hair. This section aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the risks involved, helping you make an informed decision.

Prepping Your Permed Hair for Bleaching

Before you take the plunge and bleach your permed hair, proper preparation is key to minimizing damage and achieving the best results. Here’s how to prep your permed locks for bleaching:

Deep Conditioning

So, you’ve marked your calendar and waited patiently, and now the day is almost here. But before you jump into the bleaching process, let’s talk about deep conditioning. Trust me, your hair will thank you for this extra TLC.

Deep conditioning is like a spa day for your hair; it replenishes lost moisture and strengthens those fragile strands. Aim to do a deep conditioning treatment at least a week before you bleach your hair. This will help to fortify your hair, making it more resilient to the upcoming chemical treatment. Consider it a must-do step in your pre-bleaching prep!

Avoid Heat Styling

Alright, let’s get real for a second. We all love our curling irons and straighteners, but leading up to your bleaching day, it’s time to give them a rest. Heat styling tools can further weaken your already vulnerable, permed hair, making it more susceptible to damage from bleaching.

So, for at least a week before you bleach, opt for natural air-drying and embrace your hair’s natural texture. Think of it as a little vacation for your locks before they go through another intense process. Trust me, your hair will be grateful for the break!

Before you go ahead with bleaching your permed hair, seeking professional advice is crucial. Many hairstylists recommend undergoing hair diagnostic tests to assess the condition of your hair. These tests can include a porosity test, elasticity test, and pH balance test.

Running Strand Tests

Conduct a strand test to see how your hair reacts to the bleach. This will give you an idea of the processing time and the end color.

1. Porosity Test: Determines how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture, which is crucial for both perming and bleaching.
2. Elasticity Test: Measures the strength of your hair’s disulfide bonds, giving an indication of how well your hair can withstand another chemical treatment.
3. pH Balance Test: Checks the acidity or alkalinity of your hair, which can affect how your hair reacts to chemical treatments.

By undergoing these diagnostic tests, you’ll gain valuable insights into your hair’s health, allowing you to make more informed decisions. This section emphasizes the importance of professional advice and diagnostic tests, providing your readers with an extra layer of precaution.

Feel free to include this section in your article to stress the importance of consulting professionals and conducting diagnostic tests before bleaching permed hair.

1. Consult a Professional: It’s always a good idea to consult with a hairstylist who can assess the condition of your hair and recommend the best course of action.
2. Use Quality Products: Opt for bleach and developer that are of high quality and suited for treated hair. Cheap products can cause more harm than good.
3. Pre-treatment Serums: Some hairstylists recommend using a pre-treatment serum that protects the hair during the bleaching process.

By taking these preparatory steps, you’re not just winging it; you’re making an informed decision that prioritizes the health of your hair. This section can serve as a practical guide for your readers, offering actionable tips on how to prepare their permed hair for bleaching.

How Long Should You Wait Before Bleaching Your Hair?

The timing between perming and bleaching is crucial for minimizing damage to your hair. Most experts recommend waiting at least two to six weeks between these chemical treatments. The waiting period allows your hair to recover and regain some of its natural oils, making it less susceptible to damage from the next treatment.

However, the exact time frame can vary depending on your hair type, its current condition, and the products used. Some professionals even suggest waiting up to three months if your hair is particularly dry or damaged. Always consult with a qualified hairstylist for personalized advice tailored to your hair’s specific needs.

This section provides a concise yet detailed guideline on the recommended waiting period between perming and bleaching, helping your readers plan their hair transformation journey more effectively.

After giving your hair the time it needs to recover from a perm, you’re probably eager to take the next step and go for that bleach. But hold on a minute! Before you dive in, there are some essential prep steps you’ll want to follow to make sure your hair is in the best possible shape for bleaching. Let’s get into it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you bleach your hair before or after a perm?

The general consensus is to perm your hair first and then bleach it. Perming already bleached hair can lead to extreme dryness and breakage. However, always consult a professional hairstylist for personalized advice based on your hair’s condition.

Can you dye hair over a perm?

Yes, you can dye your hair after getting a perm, but it’s essential to wait for a sufficient period, usually two to six weeks, to minimize damage. Using a semi-permanent or ammonia-free dye is often recommended to reduce the chemical load on your hair.

Feel free to include this FAQ section in your article to address common questions your readers may have about bleaching permed hair. It provides concise yet comprehensive answers, helping your audience make informed decisions.