The Risks of Perming and Colouring Your Hair on the Same Day

At Kudos by Headlines, we are experts in understanding the excitement of wanting a fresh new look. Whether it's bouncy curls with a vibrant colour or sleek straight locks paired with a rich new shade, we know that timing matters as much as technique when it comes to chemical services. One of the most common mistakes we see is combining a perm or straightening treatment with hair colouring Singapore clients request in the same appointment.

While it may seem like a convenient way to save time, this approach can compromise both the health of your hair and the quality of your results.

Let's break down why spacing out these treatments is so important, and how the proper sequence can make all the difference.

How Your Hair Reacts to Different Chemical Services

When you perm or straighten your hair, the treatment works by breaking and reforming the internal bonds that determine your hair's shape. This process temporarily opens the hair cuticles, and once the treatment is complete, your hair's cuticles naturally start to close again to protect the new structure.

On the other hand, non-bleach hair dye options, whether it's a rich brunette, vibrant red, or cool ash blonde, work in the opposite way. The colouring process requires the cuticles to open so that pigments can penetrate deep into the hair shaft.

When these two processes are done back-to-back, the results are rarely ideal:

• Excess Moisture Loss – Opening the cuticles immediately after a perm or straightening allows moisture to escape quickly, leaving the hair feeling dry or brittle.

• Poor Colour Absorption – Because your hair has just undergone a structural change, it won't be in the best state to hold onto colour molecules. This often results in uneven tones or faster fading.

• Increased Sensitivity – Two chemical services in one session can overstress the hair fibres, making them more prone to breakage.

  
  

The Ideal Time Gap Between Services

To give your hair the best chance to recover and adapt to its new texture, we recommend leaving at least 5 to 7 days between perming/straightening and colouring. This brief waiting period allows:

• Cuticles to Settle – Your hair's outer layer can naturally seal, strengthening the structure.

• Texture to Soften – Whether it's curls from a perm or sleek strands from straightening, the hair becomes more natural-looking and less rigid, allowing the colour to deposit more evenly.

• Moisture Levels to Rebalance – The gap gives you time to use nourishing treatments, preparing your hair for the colouring process.

  
  

The Correct Sequence: Perm or Straighten First, Then Colour

We always advise that if you plan to have both treatments, perming or straightening should come first. Here's why:

• Structure Before Shade – Chemical straightening or perming changes the shape of your hair. If you colour first, the perm/straightening solution can cause the colour to distort or fade.

• Longer-Lasting Results – Once the hair's shape is locked in place, colour can be applied more effectively, giving you even coverage and vibrancy.

• Reduced Risk of Damage – Completing the stronger chemical process first means your hair only has to endure the colouring chemicals after it has had time to recover slightly.

If colouring is done first, and you then perm or straighten, the chemical action can strip or alter the colour, leaving you with patchy results and sometimes, a completely different shade from what you originally wanted.

At our hair perm salon, we have observed that following the correct sequence yields the most beautiful and lasting results.

How to Care for Your Hair in the Waiting Period

While you're waiting for your next appointment, there are a few things you can do to ensure your hair is in its best Condition before colouring:

• Use a Gentle, Sulphate-Free Shampoo – This will cleanse without stripping away essential moisture.

• Deep Condition Regularly – Apply a nourishing mask or treatment to restore hydration and improve elasticity.

• Avoid Heat Styling – Let your hair air-dry where possible to reduce stress on the strands.

• Protect from Sun and Humidity – A UV-protective hair spray or serum can help prevent damage, especially in Singapore's climate.

  
  

The Role of Professional Advice

At Kudos by Headlines, we understand that every head of hair is unique. That's why we always start with a consultation to assess your hair's current health, texture, and history of chemical treatments. From there, we can recommend a personalised plan and schedule that gives you the results you want while keeping your hair strong, healthy, and full of life.

For many of our regulars who want non-bleach hair dye after a perm or straightening, patience pays off – the final colour looks richer and lasts far longer. Likewise, those who book hair colouring sessions in Singapore after waiting the recommended 5 to 7 days always enjoy healthier hair with a deeper shine, setting the stage for long-lasting beauty.

We've also seen clients transform their look by combining curls from our hair perms salon with a glossy shade that complements their new texture, all because they followed the right timing.

Perming, straightening, and colouring are all transformative services, but they work best when done in the correct order, with the right amount of time in between. By perming or straightening first, waiting 5 to 7 days, and then colouring, you ensure your hair maintains its health, your style lasts longer, and your colour stays rich and even.

Remember, great hair is a combination of skill, science, and patience. Trust the process, and you'll be rewarded with results that turn heads for all the right reasons. At Kudos by Headlines, we're here to guide you every step of the way, because beautiful hair isn't just about what you do in the salon, but how and when you do it.

At Kudos by Headlines, we're here to guide you every step of the way, because beautiful hair isn't just about what you do in the salon, but how and when you do it. We're committed to supporting you in your hair journey, ensuring you always feel cared for and valued.