Can You Perm Bleached Hair?

Do you want to give your bleached hair long-lasting texture and volume? Have you been wondering can you perm bleached hair?

I’m going to share the basics of perming bleached hair and how to do so safely. Learn more about how to maintain healthy, textured hair with reliable perm techniques that keep your hair looking its best.

What Are The Different Types Of Perms?

Table of Contents

There’s a wide variety of options out there, each with its own unique set of benefits and maintenance requirements. Knowing the right type for you will help you achieve the desired results while keeping your hair healthy and beautiful.

One major benefit of getting a perm is the added volume and texture it provides, perfect for those with naturally straight or limp hair.

There are several types of perms to choose from, including spiral perms, body wave perms, root lift perms, and digital (hot) perms.

Spiral perms create tight corkscrew curls that fall in defined ringlets, while body wave perms give gentle waves for a more natural look.

Root lift perms focus on adding volume at the roots rather than curling the entire length of the hair.

Digital (hot) perm technology uses heat-activated chemicals to create long-lasting soft curls or waves without damaging your hair as much as traditional methods might.

When selecting a perm type, consider factors such as your hair type, face shape, and desired level of commitment when it comes to perm maintenance – some require more upkeep than others.

Maintaining your new curls is essential for them to look their best and last as long as possible.

Proper perm maintenance includes using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for chemically treated hair.

These products will keep your hair moisturized without stripping away essential oils or causing color fade.

Assessing the Condition of Your Hair

Before deciding to perm your bleached hair, you need to assess its current condition and determine if it’s healthy enough for the treatment.

A thorough hair evaluation is essential in ensuring damage prevention and maintaining the overall health of your hair.

Begin by examining your hair strands for signs of dryness, brittleness, or breakage. If you notice any of these issues, it may be best to hold off on perming until your hair has regained strength and vitality.

To further evaluate the state of your bleached hair, perform a strand test by taking a small section of hair and gently stretching it between your fingers.

Healthy hair should have some elasticity and return to its original length after being stretched. However, if the strand snaps easily or feels gummy when wet, this could indicate that your hair is too damaged for perming at this time.

It’s also essential to consider how recently you’ve bleached or colored your hair; ideally, you should wait at least two weeks before undergoing any chemical treatments.

Understanding the Bleaching Process

You’ll find various types of bleaching methods to choose from, so it’s essential to select the right one for your hair type and desired results.

Bleaching techniques can range from traditional full-head bleach applications to more specific techniques such as balayage, highlights, and lowlights.

Full-head bleach applications involve applying the bleach mixture to your entire head of hair, while balayage is a freehand technique where the stylist applies bleach only to certain sections of your hair for a natural-looking effect.

Highlights and lowlights focus on lightening or darkening smaller strands of hair throughout your head, giving you added dimension without drastically changing your overall color.

When choosing the right bleaching technique for you, consider factors like your current hair color, texture, and desired result.

For instance, if you have dark hair and want a drastic change to blonde or platinum shades, a full-head application may be necessary.

However, if you’re aiming for a subtle sun-kissed look or simply want to add some depth to your existing color without making a dramatic change, techniques like balayage or highlights might suit better.

Color maintenance is essential in any bleaching method you choose; regular touch-ups help maintain an even tone and minimize damage.

Consulting with an experienced hairstylist can help determine which method will work best for achieving the look you desire while minimizing potential damage to your hair.

Effects of Bleaching on Hair Health

When deciding to bleach your hair, it’s key to understand the potential impact on your hair’s health and how proper care can mitigate these effects.

Bleaching involves applying chemicals that penetrate the hair shaft and strip away its natural color by breaking down melanin.

This process can cause several negative side effects, such as dryness, brittleness, and hair breakage.

Bleached hair is more susceptible to environmental damage like sunlight and pollution – factors that contribute to color fading.

To minimize these adverse effects of bleaching on your hair, make sure you invest in quality hair care products formulated specifically for chemically treated or damaged hair.

Use a sulfate-free shampoo with nourishing ingredients like keratin or argan oil to gently cleanse without stripping the natural oils from your strands.

Regular deep conditioning treatments into your routine to replenish lost moisture and help strengthen weakened bonds within the hair structure.

Finally, protect your hair from excessive heat styling by using thermal protection sprays or opting for lower-heat tools whenever possible.

How Does Hair Perming Work?

At its core, perming chemistry revolves around breaking down the disulfide bonds in your hair that hold its natural shape and then reforming them into new bonds that create the desired curls or waves.

This is achieved by using curl enhancing products that contain chemicals like ammonium thioglycolate or sodium hydroxide, which help to break down these bonds and allow for a more flexible state where curls can take form.

Once those bonds are broken and your hair has been wrapped around perm rods to achieve the desired curl pattern, a neutralizing agent is applied to reform the disulfide bonds and lock in the new curly or wavy structure.

While it’s possible to perm bleached hair, you must take extra care and follow risk mitigation techniques to ensure that your hair remains healthy and strong.

Educate yourself on perm precautions to help you make informed decisions about whether to proceed with this double chemical process.

You should be aware of the potential risks involved with perming bleached hair:

Increased hair breakage: Both perming and bleach weaken the protein structure of your hair, making it more susceptible to breaking.
Dryness: The chemicals used in both processes strip away natural oils from your scalp and strands, leading to dryness.
Uneven curl patterns: Perms might not take evenly on previously bleached sections due to varying porosity levels in different parts of your hair.
Damage recovery time: If any damage occurs during the process, it will take longer for your hair to regain its strength and health compared to if only one process had been done.

To minimize these risks, consider consulting a professional hairstylist with experience working with chemically treated hair.

They can assess the condition of your hair and recommend appropriate treatments or alternative styling options that are better suited for you.

It’s essential that you follow their guidance on aftercare routines such as deep conditioning treatments, regular trims, heat-styling precautions, and using products specifically formulated for chemically treated hair.

Factors to Consider Before Perming Bleached Hair

One essential aspect to consider is hair porosity, which refers to how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture.

Bleached hair tends to have higher porosity levels due to the damage caused by the bleaching process. This means that perming bleached hair may lead to further damage and breakage if not done carefully or professionally.

Another factor you need to think about is perm maintenance. Perms require proper care and attention, such as regular deep conditioning treatments, using sulfate-free shampoos, avoiding heat styling tools, and sleeping on silk pillowcases.

All these measures help maintain the curls’ definition while preventing frizz and dryness.

Bleached hair already needs extra care due to its fragile state; adding a perm will increase this need for diligent upkeep significantly.

When contemplating whether you should get a perm on your bleached hair, consulting with an experienced hairstylist is a must.

They’ll assess your hair’s condition, porosity level, elasticity, and overall health before determining if perming would be suitable for you or potentially disastrous.

Tips for Minimizing Damage When Bleaching Permed Hair

Minimizing breakage and maintaining the integrity of your hair is crucial when combining these two chemical processes. With proper care and attention, you can achieve a stunning look without sacrificing hair health.

Choose the right stylist: Make sure to select an experienced hairstylist who specializes in both bleaching and perming. They should assess your hair’s condition, elasticity, porosity, and history before proceeding with any chemical treatments.
Deep conditioning: It’s vital to incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments into your routine before and after perming bleached hair. These treatments will help restore moisture, improve elasticity, reduce frizz, and strengthen your hair.
Take it slow: Allow at least two weeks between bleaching and perming sessions for optimal results. This waiting period gives your hair time to recover from the initial bleach treatment while also allowing you to maintain its strength through regular conditioning.

Always be gentle when handling your newly permed hair – avoid brushing or pulling on wet hair as this can lead to further damage. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle gently when necessary.

Invest in high-quality products specifically designed for chemically treated hair – don’t skimp on shampoos, conditioners or styling products that cater explicitly towards maintaining the health of bleached or permed hair.

Alternative Styling Options

You might want to explore alternative styling options for your bleached hair if you’re hesitant about perming!

There are many alternative treatments and creative updos that can give your hair a fresh, new look without the potential damage or commitment of a perm.

Whether you’re looking for a temporary change or something more long-term, these alternatives can help satisfy your desire for a new hairstyle while keeping your bleached hair in great condition.

Alternative Treatments	Creative Updos
1. Hair extensions	1. Braided crown
2. Keratin treatments	2. Top knot bun
3. Deep conditioning masks	3. Twisted chignon
4. Clip-in accessories	4. Faux hawk braid
5. Temporary hair color	5. Sleek ponytail

Experimenting with different styling techniques and products is an excellent way to keep things interesting while avoiding any unnecessary damage to your already processed hair.

How Long Should I Wait Between Bleaching and Perming My Hair to Minimize Damage?

To minimize damage between bleaching and perming your hair, it’s crucial to give your hair ample time for bleach recovery. Ideally, you should wait at least two weeks to allow your hair to regain its strength and moisture.

Meanwhile, focus on deep conditioning treatments and protein masks to restore your hair’s health.

If you’re eager for a new look but hesitant about potential damage, consider exploring perm alternatives like heatless curls or temporary styling products that can help you achieve similar results without further compromising your hair’s integrity.

Are There Specific Types of Perms that Are Safer for Bleached Hair, Such as Acid or Alkaline Perms?

When considering bleach resistant perms, it’s essential to understand the differences between acid and alkaline perms.

Acid perms tend to be gentler on your hair due to their lower pH level, making them a safer option for bleached hair.

Alkaline perms, on the other hand, have a higher pH level and can cause more damage to already compromised hair.

However, keep in mind that no perm is entirely risk-free for bleached hair; always consult with a professional stylist who can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the best course of action.

Can I Use At-Home Perm Kits on Bleached Hair, or Should I only Have It Done by A Professional?

While you might be tempted to use an at-home perm kit on your bleached hair, it’s essential to consider the risks involved when using perm solutions, as part of the perm process.

At home, you might not have the necessary expertise or products tailored specifically for treated hair, which can lead to further damage or uneven results.

Seeking professional help offers numerous benefits: experienced stylists possess the knowledge and skill set to assess your hair’s condition, choose the appropriate perm solution (acid or alkaline), and monitor the process closely.

How Can I Maintain the Health of My Hair After Perming Bleached Hair?

Maintaining the health of your permed and bleached hair is crucial to keep it looking fabulous and strong.

Start by using hair masks and hydrating treatments into your routine at least once a week, focusing on nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or coconut oil.

Don’t forget to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for chemically treated hairstyles, to avoid stripping away essential moisture.

Minimize heat styling as much as possible, allowing your hair to air-dry whenever you can, and invest in a good-quality heat protectant spray when using styling tools.

Regularly trim split ends every 6-8 weeks, and consider taking supplements like biotin or collagen to support healthy hair growth from within.

Summary

Perming bleached hair can be risky – but with proper care and precautions, you can achieve a stunning new look without compromising your hair’s health.

Before deciding to perm your hair, assess its condition and determine if it’s healthy enough for the treatment.

Consult an experienced stylist who can recommend the best approach for achieving results while minimizing potential damage.

It’s essential to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for chemically treated hair, along with regular hydrating treatments, heat protection products, and trims. Proper care is key in preventing further damage to your already processed hair.