Long-term Effects of Perming Bleached and Dyed Hair

Many individuals choose to experiment with their hair color to express their unique style. Common trends include bleaching hair and dyeing it pink every couple of weeks. These chemical treatments can significantly affect the structural integrity of hair. One critical question often arises: if you have recently bleached your hair and then dye it pink, would getting a perm cause irreversible damage to your hair?

Risks of Perming Bleached Hair

Perm solutions, which contain chemical agents that reform the hair's shape, typically do not interact well with bleached hair. Most experienced stylists recommend a waiting period of at least six weeks after a chemical service, such as bleaching, before applying a perm. However, there are stylists who may push these boundaries and attempt to perm recently bleached hair. This practice can result in serious damage to your hair, including hair loss.

Reasons Why Perming Bleached Hair Is Not Advisable

The primary reason to avoid perming bleached hair is that the perm solution can break down the core of the hair strand. This process strips away the natural moisture and protective oils, leaving your hair feeling gooey, stretchy, and broken. This not only results in a visually unappealing look but also may lead to significant structural damage that can't be easily reversed.

What Happens When Perming Bleached and Dyed Hair

Given that your hair has undergone both bleaching and dyeing, there is a significant likelihood that your hair is already in a state of physical damage. These processes can cause the hair cuticle to become porous and lose its natural moisture balance. Perming your hair under these conditions can exacerbate this damage, leading to extreme dryness and breakage.

Preventing Further Damage

Instead of getting a perm, it might be more beneficial to give your hair time to recover. If you notice your hair starting to feel dry, particularly at the ends or areas where you have dyed it pink, allow a few weeks for your hair to regain its moisture balance. You might also consider trims to remove damaged ends and preserve the overall health of your hair.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want to avoid significant damage to your bleached and dyed hair, it is crucial to be cautious about undergoing a perm. Engaging in this process can lead to a loss of hair or extremely damaged hair, making it appear stretchy and breakable. Instead, focus on maintaining your hair's health by giving it adequate time to recover and by seeking the advice of a knowledgeable stylist. Regular trims and proper after-care can help you maintain the beauty and health of your hair over the long term.