At House of Handsome, we know that hair transformations, whether it’s a bold color, a bleach session, or a perm, are a big deal. But the work doesn’t stop after your stylist’s chair. Maintaining your freshly colored, bleached, or permed hair requires special care to ensure it stays vibrant, healthy, and full of life. Here’s everything you need to know about aftercare for these hair treatments.
1. The First 48 Hours: Let Your Hair Settle
For all color, bleach, and perm treatments, the first two days are crucial for the health and longevity of your hair. After a color or bleach treatment, your hair’s cuticle is opened, making it more vulnerable to damage and fading. For permed hair, your hair is also adjusting to its new texture.
What you should do:
- Avoid washing your hair for the first 48 hours. This gives the cuticle time to close and lock in the color or perm. It also allows the chemicals in the perm to settle, giving your new curls or waves the best shape.
- Don’t tie your hair up. For permed hair, avoid tight hairstyles or rubber bands that can cause breakage during the first couple of days.
2. Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
One of the most important steps in maintaining your newly colored, bleached, or permed hair is using the right hair care products. Standard shampoos can strip away the color or moisture, leaving your hair dull and dry.
What you should do:
- Opt for sulfate-free products. Sulfates can strip color and moisture from your hair. Choose a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated or permed hair.
- Moisturize regularly. Bleached and permed hair tends to dry out more quickly. Look for products with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, keratin, or shea butter to help lock in moisture and add shine.
3. Keep Heat Styling to a Minimum
Color-treated, bleached, and permed hair can be more delicate than untreated hair. Excessive heat styling can cause damage, leading to breakage, split ends, and fading color.
What you should do:
- Limit heat styling. If you must use heat tools like straighteners or curling irons, make sure you apply a heat protectant spray or serum before styling.
- Air-dry when possible. Allowing your hair to dry naturally can help maintain its strength and prevent further damage.
- Use low heat settings. When you do style, keep your tools on the lowest heat setting to prevent unnecessary damage.
- Use Heat Protectant. Whenever you style your hair, you must use a heat protectant to protect it from the damage.
4. Regular Deep Conditioning Treatments
After color or bleaching, your hair is likely to be more porous and prone to dryness. The chemicals used in perming also affect hair structure, leading to increased vulnerability to damage. Deep conditioning treatments are essential to replenish moisture and restore shine.
What you should do:
- Deep condition weekly. Use a moisturizing hair mask or deep conditioner at least once a week. These treatments help to hydrate and strengthen the hair, keeping it soft and manageable.
- Add leave-in conditioners. A leave-in conditioner or serum can provide extra moisture and protection throughout the day, helping to maintain softness and shine.
5. Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from sun damage. UV rays can dry out color-treated hair, causing it to fade faster, while permed hair can lose its curl definition.
What you should do:
- Wear a hat or use UV protectant products. If you’re going to be in the sun for extended periods, wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection to shield your hair from damage.
- Consider products with antioxidants. Products containing antioxidants can help prevent environmental damage and preserve the health of your hair.
6. Trim Regularly to Keep Hair Healthy
Whether you have colored, bleached, or permed hair, regular trims are essential to keep your hair healthy and looking great. The ends of your hair can become dry and split over time, especially after a bleaching or perming session.
What you should do:
- Schedule regular trims. Aim for a trim every 6–8 weeks to keep your hair in top shape and remove split ends.
- Request a trim after your treatment. After a color or bleach session, your stylist can recommend cutting off any damaged ends to ensure your hair stays healthy and vibrant.
7. Be Mindful of Chemicals in Hair Products
Certain hair products, like those with harsh chemicals or alcohol, can strip your hair of the moisture it needs, leading to dryness and breakage.
What you should do:
- Check ingredients. Look for hair care products that are free from alcohol, sulfates, and parabens. Opt for formulas that are specifically designed for your hair type, whether it’s color-treated, permed, or bleached.
- Use products designed for your treatment. Many salons offer products that complement your specific hair treatment, ensuring your hair receives the best care possible.
Whether you’re rocking a vibrant color, a bleach blonde look, or beautiful curls from a perm, maintaining your hair post-treatment is key to keeping it healthy, vibrant, and strong. By following the right aftercare steps, you can ensure your hair remains in top condition long after you leave the salon.