How Long Should You Wait to Relax Your Hair After Coloring?

Relaxing your hair after coloring can help you achieve a sleek, straight look while maintaining your vibrant color. However, timing is everything when it comes to protecting your hair from damage.

Both hair relaxing and coloring are chemical treatments that alter your hair’s structure. When done too close together, they can weaken your hair, cause breakage, and lead to dryness. Understanding the right timing and proper care can help you achieve beautiful results while keeping your hair healthy.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about relaxing colored hair, including safe waiting periods, product recommendations, and essential aftercare steps.

Can You Relax Your Hair After Coloring It?

Yes, you can relax your hair after coloring it, but you must do it carefully. The key is making sure your hair is healthy enough to handle both chemical processes.

Before you relax colored hair, check these factors:

• Hair condition – Your hair should feel strong, not brittle or overly dry
• Elasticity – Healthy hair stretches and returns to normal without breaking
• Porosity – If your hair absorbs water too quickly, it may be damaged
• Scalp health – Your scalp should be free of irritation, sores, or excessive dryness

Never relax your hair if it shows signs of severe damage, excessive breakage, or hair loss. In these cases, focus on deep conditioning and protein treatments first. Wait until your hair regains its strength before considering any additional chemical treatments.

How Long Should You Wait to Relax Hair After Coloring It?

You should wait at least 2 weeks before relaxing your hair after coloring it. This gives your hair time to recover from the coloring process and rebuild some of its natural strength.

Hair relaxers work by breaking down the protein bonds in your hair strands. This chemical process changes your hair’s internal structure, transforming curly or wavy hair into straighter hair. Since coloring also affects your hair’s protein structure, your strands need time to stabilize between treatments.

For best results, wait longer if possible:

• Minimum wait time – 2 weeks
• Recommended wait time – 3 to 4 weeks
• Ideal wait time – 6 to 8 weeks

The longer you wait, the more time your hair has to recover. During this waiting period, focus on deep conditioning treatments and protein treatments to strengthen your hair before the relaxer application.

What Happens If You Don’t Wait Long Enough?

Relaxing your hair too soon after coloring can cause:

• Severe breakage and hair loss
• Chemical burns on your scalp
• Over-processing that leaves hair gummy or mushy
• Color fading or uneven color results
• Extremely dry, brittle hair that snaps easily
• Loss of curl pattern without achieving straight hair

Understanding How Relaxers and Hair Color Interact

To protect your hair, you need to understand what happens when you use both relaxers and hair color.

How Hair Relaxers Work

Relaxers contain strong alkaline chemicals (usually sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide) that break down the disulfide bonds in your hair. These bonds give your hair its natural curl pattern. When relaxers break these bonds, your hair loses its curl and becomes straight.

The process raises your hair’s pH level to 12 or higher, which opens the hair cuticle and allows the chemical to penetrate deep into the hair shaft.

How Hair Color Works

Hair color also opens the hair cuticle to deposit or remove pigment. Permanent hair color uses ammonia and peroxide to lift the cuticle and change your natural hair color. This process can weaken your hair’s protein structure.

When you use both treatments close together, you’re opening the hair cuticle twice and breaking down protein bonds twice. This double stress on your hair can lead to significant damage.

Hair Porosity Changes

Both treatments increase your hair’s porosity (how easily it absorbs and loses moisture). High porosity hair:

• Loses moisture quickly
• Feels dry and rough
• Tangles easily
• Breaks more easily
• Has trouble holding color

Is It Safe to Relax and Color Hair on the Same Day?

It depends on the type of hair color you use. You can relax and color hair on the same day only if you use semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color.

Safe Same-Day Option: Semi-Permanent Color

Semi-permanent hair colors are deposit-only colors that don’t contain ammonia or peroxide. They work by coating the hair shaft rather than penetrating it deeply. Because they don’t change your hair’s structure, you can use them on the same day as a relaxer treatment.

Apply semi-permanent color after you rinse out the relaxer and neutralize your hair. This refreshes your color without adding extra chemical stress.

Unsafe Same-Day Option: Permanent Color

Never relax and apply permanent hair color on the same day. Permanent color contains harsh chemicals like ammonia and hydrogen peroxide that lift your hair cuticle and change your natural pigment.

Using permanent color and relaxer together can cause:

• Severe chemical burns
• Immediate hair breakage
• Complete hair loss in treated areas
• Scalp damage and scarring

If you want lighter hair color (which requires permanent color), you must wait at least 2 to 4 weeks between treatments.

Is It Better to Relax or Color Hair First?

It’s generally better to relax your hair first, then color it after waiting 7 to 14 days.

Why Relax First

When you relax first and color second, you avoid the problem of color fading. Relaxers increase hair porosity, which can cause color to wash out faster. If you color first, your color may fade or become uneven after relaxing.

The recommended order:

1. Apply relaxer treatment
2. Wait 7 to 14 days
3. Deep condition weekly during waiting period
4. Apply hair color
5. Continue regular deep conditioning

What If You Already Colored Your Hair?

If you’ve already colored your hair and want to relax it, you can still do it safely. Just follow these steps:

• Wait at least 2 weeks (preferably 4 weeks) after coloring
• Use a gentle, conditioning relaxer designed for color-treated hair
• Expect some color fading and plan for a color refresh 2 weeks after relaxing
• Focus on moisture and protein treatments between chemical services

Types of Relaxers: Which One Is Right for Colored Hair?

Not all relaxers are the same. Choosing the right type for colored hair makes a big difference in your results.

Lye Relaxers vs. No-Lye Relaxers

Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide. They work faster and create straighter results, but they’re harsher on your hair and scalp.

No-lye relaxers use calcium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide. They’re gentler on your scalp but can leave hair drier. For colored hair, no-lye relaxers are usually the safer choice.

Relaxer Strength Levels

Relaxers come in different strengths:

• Mild – For fine, color-treated, or previously relaxed hair
• Regular – For normal to medium texture hair
• Super – For coarse, resistant hair (not recommended for colored hair)

Always use mild or regular strength on colored hair. Super strength relaxers are too harsh for chemically treated hair.

Top 3 Relaxers for Colored Hair

Choose a gentle relaxer that conditions your hair while straightening it. These three products work well for color-treated hair.

1. Avlon Affirm Fiberguard Sensitive Scalp Relaxer

The Avlon Affirm Fiberguard Sensitive Scalp Relaxer is designed for delicate hair and sensitive scalps. This makes it perfect for color-treated hair that needs extra care.

The complete kit includes everything you need for a safe relaxer treatment:

• FiberGuard relaxer cream
• FiberGuard Presevo (protective pre-treatment)
• FiberGuard Sustenance Fortifying Treatment
• Normalizing shampoo
• Conditioning treatment

This relaxer works to restore moisture while straightening your hair. The formula includes proteins that strengthen your hair during the chemical process. Many users love that it doesn’t have a strong chemical smell.

Best for: Fine to medium hair, sensitive scalps, previously colored hair

2. Dark and Lovely Healthy Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No Lye Relaxer

The Dark and Lovely Healthy Gloss 5 relaxer focuses on keeping your hair moisturized, smooth, and shiny. This no-lye formula is gentler than traditional relaxers, making it suitable for color-treated hair.

The complete system includes:

• Shea butter conditioning relaxer cream
• Crème activator
• Silk keratin serum
• Moisturizing shampoo
• Conditioning treatment

This relaxer contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba oil. These natural oils help protect your hair from damage while the relaxer straightens it. The formula is specifically designed to work on both natural and color-treated hair.

Best for: All hair textures, those wanting extra moisture and shine, color-treated hair

3. Precise No-Lye Conditioning Relaxer

The Precise No-Lye Conditioning Relaxer offers a gentle formula perfect for fine to medium hair textures. This mild relaxer is less intense than regular relaxers, making it safer for color-treated hair.

This relaxer has built-in conditioners that work while the product straightens your hair. Each hair strand gets conditioned and hydrated during the relaxing process. The one-step system makes application easier since it relaxes and conditions at the same time.

Note that this package only includes the relaxer cream. You’ll need to buy separately:

• Protective gloves
• Neutralizing shampoo
• Conditioner
• Application brush or comb

Best for: Fine to medium hair, first-time relaxer users, budget-conscious shoppers

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Safely Relax Colored Hair

Follow these steps to relax your colored hair safely and get the best results.

Before the Relaxer Treatment

2 weeks before:

• Stop using heat styling tools
• Start weekly deep conditioning treatments
• Use protein treatments to strengthen hair
• Avoid washing hair 3 to 5 days before relaxer day

1 day before:

• Don’t scratch your scalp
• Don’t wash your hair
• Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on your scalp
• Gather all your relaxer supplies

During the Relaxer Application

1. Prepare your space – Work in a well-ventilated area with good lighting
2. Apply protective base – Coat your scalp and hairline with petroleum jelly or protective cream
3. Section your hair – Divide hair into 4 to 6 sections for easy application
4. Apply relaxer to new growth only – Never overlap onto previously relaxed hair
5. Start at the back – Apply to the most resistant areas first
6. Work quickly – Apply relaxer to all sections within 5 to 10 minutes
7. Smooth gently – Use the back of a comb to smooth (don’t scrape scalp)
8. Watch the clock – Don’t leave relaxer on longer than recommended (usually 15 to 20 minutes)
9. Check for straightness – Test a small section after 10 minutes
10. Rinse thoroughly – Use lukewarm water until water runs clear
11. Apply neutralizing shampoo – Lather 2 to 3 times to stop the chemical process
12. Deep condition – Leave conditioner on for at least 15 minutes

After the Relaxer Treatment

First 2 weeks:

• Avoid washing hair for 3 to 5 days
• Use moisturizing products daily
• Sleep with a silk or satin scarf
• Avoid heat styling
• Deep condition once per week

How to Care for Colored Relaxed Hair

Colored and relaxed hair needs special care to stay healthy, strong, and beautiful. Follow this complete care routine to protect your hair from damage.

1. Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

Choose products made for chemically treated hair. Look for:

• Sulfate-free shampoos that won’t strip color or moisture
• Color-safe formulas that help color last longer
• Moisturizing conditioners with natural oils
• pH-balanced products (pH 4.5 to 5.5)

Wash your hair no more than once or twice per week. Over-washing removes natural oils that protect your hair.

2. Deep Condition Weekly

Deep conditioning is not optional for colored relaxed hair. It’s essential. Apply a deep conditioner or hair mask once per week.

For best results:

• Apply to clean, damp hair
• Cover with a plastic cap
• Sit under a hooded dryer for 20 to 30 minutes, or use body heat for 30 to 45 minutes
• Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle

Alternate between moisturizing treatments and protein treatments. Use protein treatments every 4 to 6 weeks to strengthen hair.

3. Moisturize Daily

Colored relaxed hair loses moisture quickly. Keep it hydrated with daily moisturizing:

• Use a water-based leave-in conditioner
• Apply a light oil or butter to seal in moisture
• Focus on the ends of your hair (the oldest and driest part)
• Use the LOC method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) for maximum moisture

4. Limit Heat Styling

Heat styling makes damage worse on chemically treated hair. While it’s okay to use heat occasionally, don’t do it every day.

When you do use heat:

• Always apply a heat protectant first
• Use the lowest effective temperature (below 350°F)
• Don’t pass the iron over the same section more than once or twice
• Let hair air dry partially before blow drying

Switch to low-heat or no-heat styling methods whenever possible:

• Wrap hair at night for smooth styles
• Use satin-covered rollers for volume
• Try flexi rods or perm rods for curls
• Use curl formers for heatless curls
• Try braid-outs or twist-outs for texture

5. Get Regular Trims

Trim your hair every 8 to 12 weeks to remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy. Split ends travel up the hair shaft and cause more damage if left untrimmed.

You only need to trim off 1/4 to 1/2 inch each time. This removes damaged ends without sacrificing length.

6. Protect Your Hair at Night

Your pillowcase creates friction that damages your hair while you sleep. Protect your hair every night:

• Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf
• Use a satin bonnet or sleeping cap
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase
• Pineapple your hair (gather on top of head) to protect curled styles

This protects your style so you don’t need to restyle with heat every morning.

7. Balance Protein and Moisture

Healthy hair needs both protein and moisture. Too much of either causes problems:

Signs you need more protein:

• Hair feels mushy or gummy when wet
• Hair stretches too much without returning to normal
• Hair won’t hold a style
• Excessive breakage

Signs you need more moisture:

• Hair feels dry and brittle
• Hair breaks with little stretching
• Hair is dull with no shine
• Hair tangles easily

Use protein treatments every 4 to 6 weeks and moisturizing treatments weekly to maintain balance.

Products You Need for Colored Relaxed Hair

Build a hair care routine with these essential products:

Cleansing

• Sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair
• Clarifying shampoo (use once per month to remove buildup)
• Co-wash or cleansing conditioner for gentle cleansing between shampoos

Conditioning

• Moisturizing rinse-out conditioner
• Deep conditioning treatment or mask
• Protein treatment
• Leave-in conditioner

Styling and Protection

• Heat protectant spray
• Light oil (argan, jojoba, or grapeseed)
• Hair butter or cream for sealing moisture
• Edge control for smooth styles
• Silk or satin scarf/bonnet

Common Problems with Colored Relaxed Hair (And How to Fix Them)

Problem: Hair Color Fading Fast

Cause: High porosity from relaxer allows color molecules to escape easily

Solutions:

• Wash hair less often (once per week maximum)
• Use cool or lukewarm water (hot water opens cuticle and releases color)
• Apply color-depositing conditioner weekly
• Use products with UV protection
• Get color touch-ups every 6 to 8 weeks

Problem: Excessive Dryness

Cause: Both relaxers and color strip natural oils from hair

Solutions:

• Deep condition every 3 to 5 days instead of weekly
• Use the LOC or LCO method daily
• Add a hair oil to your routine (avoid mineral oil)
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom
• Drink more water for hydration from within

Problem: Breakage and Shedding

Cause: Over-processing, lack of protein, or too much manipulation

Solutions:

• Increase protein treatments to every 2 to 3 weeks
• Use protective styles (low manipulation)
• Stop heat styling completely for 4 to 6 weeks
• Trim damaged ends
• Consider a protein-reconstructing treatment at a salon

Problem: Uneven Texture or Curl Pattern

Cause: Overlapping relaxer onto previously relaxed hair

Solutions:

• Apply relaxer only to new growth in future treatments
• Use a texturizer instead of a relaxer for less dramatic straightening
• Consider transitioning to natural hair
• Use styling techniques to blend different textures

Problem: Scalp Irritation or Sores

Cause: Chemical burns from relaxer

Solutions:

• Stop all chemical treatments until scalp heals
• Apply aloe vera gel to soothe irritation
• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo
• See a dermatologist if irritation doesn’t improve in 1 week
• Always apply protective base before future relaxer applications

When to Avoid Relaxing Colored Hair

Don’t relax your hair if any of these conditions apply:

• You bleached your hair – Bleach and relaxer together cause severe damage. Wait at least 3 months, or avoid relaxing altogether
• Your hair shows signs of damage – If your hair breaks easily, feels mushy, or won’t hold moisture, focus on repair first
• You have scalp issues – Active scalp conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or open sores need to heal first
• You’re pregnant or nursing – Some people choose to avoid chemical treatments during this time (talk to your doctor)
• Your hair was recently treated with keratin – Wait at least 2 to 3 months between keratin treatments and relaxers
• You have significant hair loss – Adding more chemicals won’t help and may make it worse

Alternative Hair Straightening Options for Colored Hair

If relaxing seems too risky for your colored hair, consider these alternatives:

Keratin Treatments

Keratin treatments smooth and straighten hair using protein and heat rather than harsh chemicals. They last 3 to 6 months and are generally safer for colored hair than relaxers. However, you still need to wait at least 2 weeks after coloring.

Japanese Thermal Straightening

This permanent straightening method uses chemicals and heat to restructure hair bonds. Results last until new growth appears. It’s less damaging than traditional relaxers but still requires a waiting period after coloring.

Blow Drying and Flat Ironing

Heat styling gives you straight hair without chemicals. Use proper technique and heat protection to minimize damage. This option works well if you only want straight hair occasionally.

Silk Press

A silk press is a professional straightening technique that uses heat and special products to create smooth, shiny hair. Results last 1 to 2 weeks. This is a great option for special occasions.

Relaxer Touch-Up Schedule for Colored Hair

Don’t relax your entire head every time you see new growth. Follow this schedule:

• Touch-ups – Every 8 to 12 weeks (never sooner than 8 weeks)
• Application area – New growth only (never overlap onto relaxed hair)
• Processing time – Same as initial application (usually 15 to 20 minutes)

Stretching relaxers (waiting longer between touch-ups) helps protect your hair from over-processing. Many people successfully stretch relaxers to 12 to 16 weeks.

Professional vs. At-Home Relaxing: Which Is Better?

Professional Salon Relaxing

Pros:

• Stylist can see all areas of your head
• Professional products may be higher quality
• Reduced risk of over-processing
• Expert can assess hair health
• Less chance of missing spots or overlapping

Cons:

• More expensive ($50 to $150 or more)
• Requires scheduling appointment
• Results depend on stylist skill

At-Home Relaxing

Pros:

• More affordable ($10 to $30)
• Convenient timing
• Full control over products used

Cons:

• Hard to see back of your head
• Higher risk of over-processing
• Easy to overlap relaxer onto previously treated hair
• No professional assessment of hair health

For colored hair, professional relaxing is usually safer, especially for your first time combining these treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I relax my hair if I have highlights?

You can relax hair with highlights, but be extra careful. Highlighted sections are more fragile because bleach was used. Use a mild relaxer and consider having a professional do it. Never relax hair that has been heavily bleached or lightened more than 2 to 3 shades.

What happens if I relax my hair too soon after coloring?

Relaxing too soon can cause severe breakage, chemical burns, extreme dryness, and hair loss. In the worst cases, hair can break off completely in the treated areas. Always wait at least 2 weeks, preferably longer.

Can I use box color on relaxed hair?

Yes, you can use box color on relaxed hair, but it’s riskier than professional color. Box color has a one-size-fits-all formula that may be too harsh for relaxed hair. If you use box color, choose a semi-permanent or demi-permanent formula and always do a strand test first.

How do I know if my hair is too damaged to relax?

Your hair is too damaged to relax if it shows these signs: breaks easily with gentle pulling, feels gummy or mushy when wet, has significant areas of breakage or thinning, won’t hold moisture no matter what you use, or has a spongy texture. Focus on deep conditioning and protein treatments until hair improves.

Can I go swimming with colored relaxed hair?

You can swim with colored relaxed hair, but take precautions. Chlorine and salt water damage chemically treated hair and fade color. Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or oil. Wear a swimming cap if possible. After swimming, rinse immediately and use a clarifying shampoo followed by deep conditioner.

Will my hair color change after relaxing?

Your color may lighten slightly or become more brassy after relaxing. This happens because relaxers increase porosity, which can release some color molecules. Plan to refresh your color 2 weeks after relaxing if needed.

Can I use henna on relaxed hair?

Pure henna is safe for relaxed hair and can actually strengthen it. However, avoid “black henna” or henna with metallic salts, which can react badly with relaxer chemicals and cause severe damage.

Should I relax my roots before or after coloring them?

Relax your roots first, then wait 7 to 14 days before coloring. This prevents color from fading due to the relaxer application.

Final Thoughts

You can safely relax your hair after coloring it by following the right timing and using proper products. Wait at least 2 weeks between treatments, choose a gentle relaxer designed for color-treated hair, and commit to a consistent care routine.

Colored relaxed hair needs extra moisture, regular protein treatments, and protection from heat and manipulation. Deep condition weekly, trim regularly, and protect your hair at night.

Listen to your hair. If it shows signs of damage, take a break from chemical treatments and focus on repair. With patience and proper care, you can enjoy beautiful, straight, colored hair without sacrificing hair health. If you’re considering other hair treatments, you might also want to learn about permanent hair straightening options to achieve that smooth, sleek look.