Choosing Between Perm and Henna: Which Treatment Should Come First?
If you are thinking of getting a perm and henna hair color treatment, which should you do first? This article explores the pros and cons of each treatment, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Why a Perm Might Come First
A perm, also known as a chemical curl, is a process that uses perm solutions to give your hair a new, more managed look. This treatment is especially popular for creating waves, curls, or adding body to hair. However, perms are not without their drawbacks. One of the most significant concerns is the interaction between the perm solution and henna dye.
Perm solutions often contain strong chemicals, including ammonia and peroxide, which can strip the henna out of your hair. If you use pure, 100% henna, you might be able to use it afterward, but it is essential to verify that the henna is pure. Mixtures of junk henna might not hold up well against the perm solution, potentially leading to hair damage. Ammonia in particular, a key ingredient in many perm solutions, can literally melt the hair off your scalp, causing significant damage.
Using Henna After a Perm
If you decide to go with henna after a perm, it is crucial to wait until your hair stylist says it is safe to begin washing your hair again. This step is vital because henna can help reintroduce protein into your hair and provide a natural-looking color without the need for harsh chemicals like peroxide or ammonia. For individuals with very fragile hair after a perm, henna can be a safe and gentle coloring choice.
Many people have reported using henna on hair that was damaged from a perm. For example, I henna’d my hair after a perm that caused significant damage at the scalp. Henna was the only dye I could use for years due to the fragile nature of my hair. It not only enhanced the condition of the hair but also protected me from resorting to chemical dyes as the perm damage grew out.
Understanding Perm 101: The Best Approach
When it comes to perms, it is often recommended to do the perm first and then color your hair. A perm can affect or completely strip your hair color, so it is essential to color your hair after the perm process is complete. Professional perms, such as those made with ISO solutions, can be excellent for color-treated hair. ISO 2 is specifically designed for color-treated hair and causes minimal damage while producing beautiful waves when paired with purple or beige perm rods.
DIY Tips: For those who prefer to perm their hair at home, it is crucial to follow the instructions carefully. After rinsing out the waving solution and patting dry, wait long enough for the water to evaporate, especially if you have thick hair. The directions might suggest waiting about 10 minutes, but waiting 20 minutes or more is often better. This extra time allows the perm solution to fully develop, ensuring the best results.
Why Henna Follows Perm is Better
While henna can be used after a perm, it is generally safer to perm your hair first and then color with henna the following day. Perm solutions often contain ingredients that can strip henna from the hair. This is especially true with non-pure henna or when henna is mixed with additives.
Jenny, a hairstylist, experienced a case where a client’s hair broke off entirely after a perm followed by henna. The client, who thought her hair was natural, wanted a perm because her hair was a beautiful reddish brown shade. During the perm process, the rollers all fell off, and her hair broke into short, uneven pieces. Afterward, she blamed the hairstylist, but the cause was likely the interaction between the perm and the earlier henna application.
Therefore, to ensure the health and integrity of your hair, it is advisable to perm your hair and then apply henna the next day, using regular hair color instead of henna if you need to color your hair immediately after perm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perm my hair if it’s colored with henna?
It is generally safer to perm your hair after it has been hennaed, allowing your hair to dry and heal for at least a day. Henna can make the hair more fragile, and perm solutions might strip the henna, causing damage.
Is it safe to use henna immediately after a perm?
Using henna immediately after a perm can be risky, as perm solutions can strip henna from the hair. It’s best to wait at least 24 hours to allow your hair to heal and to avoid further damage.
Can I perm my hair if I’ve used henna a few weeks ago?
It is generally safe to perm your hair even if you’ve used henna a few weeks ago, as the color should still be well-established by then. However, it is essential to assess the hair’s condition and consult with a professional to ensure the perm solution will not cause additional damage.
Conclusion
Determining whether to do a perm or henna first can be a complex decision, but understanding the potential risks and benefits of each treatment will help you make an informed choice. For safer and healthier hair, always remember to consult with a professional and follow these guidelines. Happy styling!