Hair relaxing and hair coloring are two common hair treatments that many people get done at salons. Relaxers chemically straighten naturally curly or coily hair, while hair color adds pigment to change the natural shade of your hair. It’s not unusual for people with relaxed hair to also want to color their hair. However, there are some precautions you need to take if you plan to use hair dye soon after getting a relaxer treatment. This article will discuss whether it’s safe to use hair color after relaxing your hair, and tips for protecting your hair.
The Effects of Relaxers and Hair Dye on Hair
Relaxers and hair dyes work in different ways that can damage hair if not used properly. Here is a brief overview of how each chemical treatment affects your hair:
Relaxers
Relaxers contain strong alkaline chemicals like lye or no-lye relaxers that break down the hair’s natural bonds. This makes the curls or coils relax and straighten out. The process leaves the hair’s cuticle layers more open and porous, which weakens the hair strands. Relaxed hair is left fragile and prone to breaking.
Hair Dye
Permanent hair dyes use ammonia and peroxide to open the cuticle and penetrate the hair shaft. This deposits color pigments and can cause oxidation damage. Temporary or semi-permanent dyes only coat the outside of the hair, but still cause some cuticle swelling. Any type of hair dye treatment causes some degree of hair damage.
Is It Safe to Dye Hair After a Relaxer?
Getting your hair colored right after a relaxer treatment is not recommended. Here are some of the potential risks:
- Chemical overprocessing – Too many chemical treatments close together will overly damage the hair and cause breakage.
- Cuticle damage – Both relaxers and dyes lift the cuticle layers. This causes frizziness, dryness and makes hair prone to snap.
- Overlapping chemicals – Chemical interactions between the relaxer and dye can lead to uneven color results.
- Scalp burns – The scalp may become irritated, itchy and burnt from repeated chemical exposure.
To avoid these problems, you should wait at least 2 weeks after relaxing your hair before applying any type of hair dye. This gives your hair some time to recover and rebuild strength after the relaxation process.
Tips for Coloring Relaxed Hair
When timed properly, you can safely color treated hair by following these tips:
1. Allow Some Regrowth First
Only apply hair dye to new growth, about 1 inch from the scalp. Avoid overlapping dye directly on top of previously relaxed hair. Let your roots grow in for 6-8 weeks before coloring for best results.
2. Use a Semi-Permanent or Demi-Permanent Dye
Stick to dyes that don’t contain peroxide or ammonia, which cause less cuticle damage. Demi-permanent and semi-permanent options deposit just a hint of color without fully penetrating the hair shaft.
3. Do a Patch and Strand Test First
Before dyeing all your hair, do allergy and strand tests 48 hours prior. Dab a bit of color on your arm to check for irritation. Apply dye to a few hidden strands of hair to see if the color takes evenly without damage.
4. Use a Protein Filler Product
Fill in gaps in the damaged cuticle layer with a protein filler before coloring. This helps the hair better absorb color evenly. Opt for a filler made for use prior to coloring.
5. Go to a Professional Stylist
Have an experienced stylist do the coloring service, or at least get a consultation. They can best assess your hair’s condition and make sure proper techniques are used to avoid overlap and damage.
Best Hair Dye Options After Relaxing
Here are some of the top-rated semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair dyes recommended for use after chemical relaxers:
| Brand | Dye Types | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Clairol | Beautiful Collection Semi-Permanent | Ammonia-free, less damaging formula |
| Schwarzkopf | Keratin Color Demi-Permanent | With nourishing keratin and argan oil |
| Manic Panic | Semi-Permanent Cream Formula | Conditions while depositing vivid color |
| Arctic Fox | Semi-Permanent Hair Color | Free of harsh chemicals, vegan friendly |
| Ion | Demi-Permanent Creme Hair Color | Customizable low-volume developer |
When to Avoid Hair Dye After Relaxing
In some cases, it may be best to hold off on hair coloring after a relaxer treatment. Avoid dyeing right after a relaxer if you have:
- Sensitive, irritated scalp
- Noticeable chemical burns on the skin
- Thin, sparse density hair
- Advanced chemical damage or breakage
- Known allergy or reaction to hair dyes
It’s also not recommended to overlap other chemical services like perming, bleaching or highlights immediately after relaxing. Give your hair some recovery time first.
Other Options for Coloring Relaxed Hair
If you don’t want to use chemical hair dye after relaxing, consider some natural coloring alternatives like:
- Semi-permanent rinses – Made with vegetable dyes to enhance color minus damage.
- Herbal tea rinses – Brew black or chamomile tea to tint hair golden tones.
- Henna gloss treatments – Coat the hair with colored botanical henna.
- Adding highlights – Get fine highlights woven in instead of full color.
- Temporary root touch-up powders – Sprinkle on color powder that shampoos out.
- Color shampoos and conditioners – Boost color between salon appointments.
Caring for Dyed Relaxed Hair
Once you color your relaxed hair, be extra gentle and practice hair TLC. Here are some tips for nourishment:
- Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and hydrating masks.
- Limit washing to 2-3 times per week max to retain moisture.
- Rinse with cool water and towel dry gently.
- Use a leave-in conditioner after every shampoo.
- Apply argan, coconut or olive oil to condition and repair.
- Avoid heat styling tools to limit damage.
- Get regular trims to snip away split ends.
- Use a wide tooth comb and handle hair gently.
Conclusion
It’s best to avoid dyeing your hair immediately after getting a relaxer treatment. Waiting at least 2 weeks allows the hair to recover, and following precautions helps prevent overlapping chemical damage. Semi-permanent dyes or natural alternatives like rinses can temporarily enhance color without harsh chemicals. With proper aftercare, you can safely manage and maintain colored relaxed hair.