How soon after a perm can you color your hair?

It is best to wait one or two weeks before coloring your hair after getting a perm. This period of time allows the strands to normalize again after the chemical process of perming.

The perming process includes a neutralizing step in which hydrogen peroxide is used. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the hair and reforms the disulfide bonds of the tresses. This can change the color of the hair, particularly if the hair has been dyed before. Once the hair is permed, it should be conditioned thoroughly before it is colored. This re-seals the hair cuticles and restores the hair's moisture balance.