Yes, you can color relaxed hair, but it requires careful consideration and proper hair care to achieve the best results and maintain the health of your hair.
Coloring relaxed hair can be a fun way to switch up your look, add dimension, or cover up grays, but it’s essential to be mindful of potential damage and take necessary precautions.
1. Consult a Professional
Before coloring your relaxed hair, it’s best to consult a professional hair stylist. A trained colorist can assess your hair’s condition, recommend suitable colors, and perform the coloring process safely. They will also be able to advise you on how to achieve your desired color without compromising the integrity of your relaxed hair.
2. Wait for Optimal Timing
Coloring relaxed hair immediately after the relaxing process is not recommended. The chemicals in the relaxer can weaken your hair, making it more susceptible to damage from coloring. It’s advisable to wait at least two weeks after getting a relaxer before coloring your hair.
3. Choose the Right Hair Color
When selecting a hair color for relaxed hair, opt for semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair dyes. These formulas are less harsh on the hair than permanent dyes and will help minimize damage. Additionally, choose colors that are close to your natural shade or within a few shades of your current hair color to avoid dramatic changes that could damage the hair further.
4. Conduct a Strand Test
Before applying color to your entire head, perform a strand test to check how your hair will react to the dye. Take a small section of hair, apply the color, and follow the recommended processing time. This will give you a preview of the final color result and help you adjust the processing time if needed.
5. Use Hair Color for Relaxed Hair
Some hair color brands offer products specifically designed for relaxed hair. These formulas often contain conditioning agents to help minimize damage and maintain the hair’s moisture balance during the coloring process.
6. Deep Condition Regularly
Relaxed hair tends to be more porous and prone to dryness, especially after coloring. Deep conditioning treatments are essential to replenish moisture and nourish the hair. Consider using protein treatments to strengthen the hair, as color-treated hair can be more vulnerable to breakage.
7. Limit Chemical Treatments
After coloring relaxed hair, it’s best to avoid excessive use of chemical treatments such as relaxers or perms. Too many chemical processes can lead to overprocessing and increased hair damage. Allow your hair time to recover between treatments and focus on maintaining its health.
8. Protect Your Hair from the Sun
UV rays can cause color fading and dryness in colored hair. Shield your hair from the sun by wearing hats or using hair products with UV protection.
9. Minimize Heat Styling
Heat styling tools can further damage colored and relaxed hair. Reduce the use of flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers, or use them on lower heat settings. Always apply a heat protectant before using heat styling tools.
10. Schedule Regular Trims
Regular trims will help prevent split ends and maintain the overall health of your colored and relaxed hair. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair looking its best.
By following these tips and giving your hair proper care, you can color your relaxed hair and enjoy a vibrant, beautiful new look without compromising its health and texture. Remember, healthy hair is the key to rocking any hair color with confidence!
Samantha is a hairstylist with over 12 years of color and stylist experience. She enjoys using her knowledge to create what her clients really want when they sit down in her chair. Her passion is creating unique looks that her clients feel great in.