Yes, you can style your hair after dying it, but it's crucial to follow some guidelines to protect your color and hair health.
When Can I Start Styling After Dying?
The key takeaway is to be patient before styling your hair with heat after a dye job. According to expert Rae, it is best to avoid heat for the first 48 hours after a color appointment. This waiting period allows the hair cuticle to fully close and the color to set, reducing the risk of fading.
Heat Styling After the Waiting Period
Once the initial 48-hour period has passed, you can begin heat styling, but with precautions.
Key Considerations:
- Heat Protectant is Essential: Always use a heat protectant spray or leave-in treatment before using tools like blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons. According to Rae, a great option is Pravana's leave-in treatment.
- Lower Heat Settings: Opt for lower heat settings on your styling tools whenever possible. This will minimize damage to color-treated hair.
- Avoid Over-Styling: Limit the frequency of heat styling. Too much heat can strip moisture and cause color to fade.
Why Avoid Heat Right After Dying?
- Color Fading: Heat can open the hair cuticle, allowing color molecules to escape, leading to premature fading.
- Hair Damage: Freshly colored hair can be more vulnerable to heat damage, resulting in dryness, breakage, and split ends.
Styling Options That Don't Involve Heat
Consider these heat-free styling alternatives in the first 48 hours, or anytime you wish to avoid heat:
- Air Drying: Allow your hair to air dry naturally.
- Braids and Twists: Create braids, twists, or buns for beautiful, heat-free styles.
- Headbands and Accessories: Style with accessories for a change without using heat.
In summary, while you can style your hair after dying it, it's important to wait for at least 48 hours before applying heat and to always use a heat protectant.
