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Can You Perm Bleached Hair? Is It Safe? We Asked a Stylist (2024)

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Can You Perm Bleached HairSo you’ve gone ahead and bleached your hair. Maybe you were going for an icy platinum blonde or just trying to lighten your hair a few shades. Whatever the case, you probably wonder if you can perm your bleached hair.

We went ahead and asked a professional hairstylist all about perming bleached hair. Is it safe? What are the risks? Read on to learn everything you need about perming bleached hair.

Can you perm bleached hair?

The short answer is yes, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before you book that appointment.
“Generally speaking, you can perm bleached hair,” says Evelyn Jimenez, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. However, because bleached hair is already damaged, you have to be extremely careful when doing any additional chemical treatments.

Jimenez notes that it’s especially important to use a very mild perm solution and to avoid over-processing, which can further damage your strands. She also recommends doing a strand test before committing to the full process.

A lot of times, bleached hair is also colored hair, so you have to be careful of over-processing,” she says. “I would definitely recommend doing a chunk test first to make sure your hair can handle the chemicals.”

That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind when perming bleached hair.

  1. The first is that bleached hair is already damaged, so any additional chemical processes will only further damage the hair.
  2. Secondly, when you perm bleached hair, you risk the chemicals not taking into the hair properly, which can lead to uneven curls or even straight hair.
  3. And finally, perming bleached hair is more likely to result in frizz and fly-aways, so it’s essential to use a deep conditioning treatment afterward and be extra careful with your hair care routine.

If you’re considering perming bleached hair, we advise doing a strand test first to see how your hair reacts to the chemicals. You should also use a perm kit for bleached hair, as regular perm kits will be too harsh.

And finally, be sure to follow all the instructions carefully and pay close attention to the timing. Otherwise, you could end up damaging your hair even further.

Can you perm Colored hair?

Yes, you can perm dyed hair. However, we do not recommend it because it is a very harsh chemical process that can damage your hair.

If you must perm your dyed hair, make sure to use a very low-powered perm solution and do a strand test first. We also recommend doing a deep conditioning treatment before and after the perm to help restore some of the moisture that will be stripped from your hair during the perm process.

Is it better to perm or color first?

Is it better to perm or color first?Perming your hair after you’ve colored it is generally easier than doing the reverse. This is because coloring your hair first will break down some of the bonds in your hair, making it easier to perm.

Additionally, if you make any mistakes while coloring your hair, they’ll be much easier to fix before you perm. However, most professional stylists recommend avoiding doing these two chemical processes in quick succession.

How To Perm Bleached Hair at Home

Perming your hair at home is possible, but it’s important to understand the process and what it will do to your hair before you begin.

Bleached hair is often thought of as being damaged and difficult to work with, but if you take the necessary precautions, you can perm your bleached hair without causing any further damage.

The perming process essentially consists of two chemical processes: the first breaks the disulfide bonds in your hair, and the second reforms them into new shapes.

This means that your hair will be subject to very strong chemicals, so it’s important to ensure that it is in good condition before you start. If your hair is weak, damaged, or brittle, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist to see if a perm is right for you.

With all of that being said, if you’re still interested in perm your bleached hair at home, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Start by doing a strand test. This will help you determine how your hair will react to the perm solution and whether or not you need to adjust the amount of time the solution is left on your hair.
  2. Once you’ve done a strand test and you’re ready to perm your hair, start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will help to remove any build-up from your hair, which can interfere with the perming process.
  3. Next, use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair gently. Be sure to start from the bottom and work your way up, as this will help to avoid any breakage.
  4. Once your hair is detangled, divide it into sections. The number of sections you need will depend on the length and thickness of your hair.
  5. Now it’s time to apply the perm solution to your hair. Be sure to follow the instructions on the perm kit, as different kits will have different instructions.
  6. Once the perm solution has been applied, use curling rods to curl your hair. The size of the curling rod will depend on the type of perm you’re trying to achieve.
  7. Once your hair is curled, allow the perm solution to sit on your hair for the amount of time specified in the perm kit.
  8. After the specified amount of time has passed, rinse your hair with warm water.
  9. Next, apply the neutralizing liquid to your hair. Again, be sure to follow the instructions on the perm kit.
  10. Once the neutralizing liquid has been applied, rinse your hair with cold water.
  11. Finally, apply a deep conditioner to your hair and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse your hair with warm water and style it as usual.

How to Care for Permed and Bleached Hair

How to Care for Permed and Bleached HairIf you’ve permed or bleached your hair, you know that the chemicals in these treatments can be tough on your strands. But don’t worry – you can take some simple steps to keep your hair healthy and strong.

First, you must use a deep conditioning treatment weekly if you’ve bleached your hair. This will help to replenish the natural oils that have been stripped from your hair by the bleaching process.

Second, if you’ve permed your hair, gently comb it with a wide-toothed comb after each shampoo. This will help prevent the formation of tangles and keep your perm looking its best.

Finally, if you have dyed or bleached hair, it’s important to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. These products will help preserve your hair’s color and prevent the stripping of natural oils.

Following these few tips, you can keep your permed and bleached hair healthy and strong.

How long does a perm last?

A perm is a chemical treatment that alters the structure of your hair, resulting in long-lasting curls or waves. The average perm lasts between six and eight weeks, but this can vary depending on your hair type, the products used, and how well you take care of your perm.

To extend the life of your perm, avoid washing your hair for the first 48 hours after the treatment. After that, try to wash your hair only once or twice a week, using a gentle shampoo and conditioner. It’s also important to avoid heat styling and harsh chemicals, which can break down the perm. Instead, air dry your hair whenever possible, and use a diffuser when blow drying.

If you follow these tips, you can enjoy your perm for weeks to come!

Is a perm worse than bleaching your hair?

Well, it depends. If your hair is damaged or dry, then bleaching it will likely worsen the damage. Perming your hair can also damage it, but if your hair is healthy and in good condition, then a perm might actually be less damaging than bleaching.

Of course, there are other factors to consider, such as the type of perm you get and how well you take care of your hair afterward.

If you’re thinking about getting a perm, bleached hair or not, be sure to consult with a stylist first to find out if it’s right for you.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.