"Color perm" isn't a standard or widely recognized term in the professional hair care industry. However, it likely refers to the process of getting both a permanent hair color and a perm (permanent wave) treatment, either simultaneously or in close succession. This can be a risky combination for the health of your hair. Let's break down each process:
Permanent Hair Color
Permanent hair color alters your natural hair pigment by opening the hair cuticle and depositing color. This change is, as the name implies, permanent, meaning the color won't wash out, but will need touch-ups as your hair grows.
Perm (Permanent Wave)
A perm involves using chemicals to restructure the hair, creating curls or waves. The process breaks and reforms the disulfide bonds within the hair shaft, giving it a new shape.
The Potential Problem with Combining Color and Perm
Doing both a permanent color and a perm at the same time, or close together, can severely damage your hair. Both processes are harsh and can lead to:
- Dryness: Hair becomes brittle and prone to breakage.
- Damage to the Cuticle: The outer layer of the hair can be stripped away, leaving the hair vulnerable.
- Hair Breakage: Over-processed hair can snap easily.
- Frizz: The hair's texture can become uneven and frizzy.
- Uneven Color Results: The perm solution can affect how the hair color is deposited, leading to unpredictable results.
- Unpredictable Perm Results: Pre-colored hair might not take to the perm solution evenly, causing varied curl patterns or no curl at all in some sections.
Alternatives and Safer Practices
If you are considering both coloring and perming your hair, consult a professional stylist. They will likely recommend:
- Spacing out the treatments: Color your hair several weeks before getting a perm (or vice-versa) to give your hair time to recover in between.
- Using gentler formulas: Opt for ammonia-free or low-ammonia hair color, and discuss milder perm solutions with your stylist.
- Deep conditioning treatments: Regularly use deep conditioning masks to help restore moisture and strengthen your hair after each process.
- Strengthening Treatments: Consider protein treatments to rebuild the strength of the hair shaft before and after chemical services.
- Seeking professional advice: An experienced stylist can assess your hair's condition and advise on the safest approach.
In summary, while "color perm" may refer to doing both services, proceeding with caution and seeking professional guidance is highly recommended to minimize damage and achieve desired results.
