Can You Straighten Hair After Coloring It?
Yes, you can straighten color-treated hair, as long as you wait at least two weeks after coloring and choose the right treatment. Here are the rules to follow for each type of straightening.
The basic rule: wait two weeks
To straighten colored hair, wait at least two weeks after your color appointment. Your hair keeps its shine and vibrancy, with no risk of being burned by the straightening.
Hair and scalp always need a break between two treatments that can be harsh.
Which smoothing for color-treated hair?
A flat iron is still an option on colored hair, but a professional smoothing treatment is better suited. The choice depends on the result you want and the condition of your hair.
Japanese straightening
For very sleek hair, Japanese straightening is an effective, long-lasting method. It should never be done on recently colored or sensitized hair: the already weakened fiber would become even more fragile.
Tannin smoothing
For a more natural option, tannin smooths hair while repairing it. It can even be combined with hair color. → Tannin Smoothing and Hair Color: Our Advice
Highlighted, balayaged or bleached hair
Not every smoothing treatment suits highlighted, balayaged or bleached hair. The main risk of a poorly chosen treatment, or one done too soon after coloring, is burning the hair permanently.
Our advice
- Plan your color before smoothing if you choose tannin smoothing.
- Do a strand test before any chemical smoothing, to see how your hair reacts to the product.
- Trust your smoothing to a professional experienced with this type of treatment.
A truly natural smoothing treatment doesn't require a strand test. If you're offered one, the treatment is probably not as natural as claimed.
By following these rules, your colored and smoothed hair stays shiny and healthy.
