How Long Should You Wait to Relax Your Hair After Coloring?
Relaxing your hair after coloring is a good formula to refresh your hairstyle and add some extra splash of personality to your look. But it is also important to maintain the health of your hair and keep it nourished.
Both coloring and relaxing are chemical treatments that damage your hair to some extent. No matter how great they work to amplify your appearance, they also make your hair dry and weak.
Considering the correct time to relax your hair after coloring can save you from causing unnecessary damage to your beautiful mane.
There are a lot of other things you must know before you consider relaxing your hair after coloring it such as taking proper care of your colored and relaxed hair if you are ready to relax your colored hair or not and many more.
This detailed guide will let you know everything that you need to know about relaxing colored hair.
Can you relax your hair after coloring it?
Yes, it’s possible to relax your hair after coloring it. Don’t let common myths stop you from achieving your dream look. But also remember to consider the health of your hair before making this decision.
Your colored hair needs to be healthy before you decide to relax your hair. You also need to consider the integrity and texture of the hair.
Don’t ever consider relaxing your colored hair if it’s already damaged and you are facing severe hair fall. But if it’s in a good condition, you are ready to achieve straight and silky hair with relaxers.
How long should you wait to relax hair after coloring it?
A relaxer uses a formula by which it breaks the protein bond of your hair strands to make it more reactive. The change in the internal protein structure of your hair changes the hair pattern and makes it straighter.
Your hair needs to be ready to handle this chemical treatment after the effects of coloring. Hence, you should wait a minimum of 2 weeks to relax your hair after coloring it.
Extend the waiting period longer than this if possible. The more you wait, the more your hair gets the time to recover and adapt.
Is it safe to relax and color hair in the same day?
It is safe to relax and color hair on the same day if you are using a semi-permanent color. Semi permanent hair colors and rinses are free of ammonia and peroxide. These are harmful lifting agents that can lead to scalp irritation and hair damage.
However, if you are using a permanent color then you should wait at least 2 to 4 weeks before relaxing your hair. Permanent hair color and relaxers are not compatible with each other at all.
Those who want a lighter shade of hair color have to use permanent hair color. In this case, it’s not safe at all to relax and color hair on the same day.
Is it better to relax or color hair first?
There are chances that your color may fade after the relaxing treatment due to the increased hair porosity. It’s advised to relax your hair first and then wait for a minimum of 7-14 days before coloring it.
However, if you have already colored your hair and want to relax it, go for it. All you need is a few retouches in case your color fades away.
Top 3 relaxers for colored hair
While relaxing colored hair is fun and exciting, you have to be very careful while choosing a suitable relaxer for your hair.
As your hair is already chemically processed (colored), you need a gentle relaxer that cares, conditions and is especially meant for colored hair.
Here are the best relaxers you can use for colored hair:
1. Avlon Affirm Fiberguard Sensitive Scalp Relaxer
As the name says, Avlon Fiberguard Sensitive Scalp Relaxer is a super gentle formula suitable for sensitive scalp and damaged hair. The relaxer kit is also a suitable choice for color-treated hair and works to restore moisture in your hair while the whole relaxing treatment.
The best part about the product is that it contains all the necessary products one requires during a relaxing treatment.
The kit contains not only the relaxer but also other components including FiberGuard Presevo, FiberGuard Sustenance Fortifying Treatment and others. It contains the whole conditioning system to preserve the health of your hair and scalp.
The fact that the relaxer lacks the overwhelming chemical smell gives relief to those who are sensitive to fragrance. Plus, the relaxer has protein-rich ingredients which leave your hair strong and shiny after the treatment.
2. Dark and Lovely Healthy Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No Lye Relaxer
Relaxing your colored hair can be damaging. But Dark and Lovely Healthy Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No Lye Relaxer works to preserve healthy and smooth hair by retaining moisture, shine, softness and strength.
The unique relaxing system comes in a kit. It includes Shea butter conditioning relaxing cream, crème activator, silk keratin serum, shampoo, conditioner and other important elements required during a successful and safe relaxing treatment.
The no lye relaxer is enriched with avocado oil, Shea butter and jojoba oil to protect and condition your hair. The relaxing kit is formulated to suit natural and color-treated hair.
3. Precise No-Lye Conditioning Relaxer
The Precise No-Lye Conditioning Relaxer is formulated to be a gentle relaxer that can suit fine to medium textures. The mild relaxer also has great conditioning properties which makes it a great fit for relaxing colored hair.
The relaxer is way much less intense than other regular relaxers. The rich in-built conditioner of this relaxer assures each of your hair fibers is conditioned and hydrated.
With Precise No-Lye Conditioning Relaxer, your relaxing process is easier than ever. The application is super easy with its one-step system of relaxing and conditioning hair at the same time.
Don’t forget to buy a pair of gloves and a good neutralizing shampoo as the package only comes with the relaxer.
How to care colored relaxed hair?
All types of hair require care and love. But relaxed and colored hair needs it more than others. Such chemical treatments leave your hair prone to damage. In this case, protecting them becomes a necessity.
Get ready to care for your hair in the best way possible if you have decided to relax your hair after coloring it. Follow these steps to care for colored relaxed hair –
1. Say hello to conditioners and hair masks
In some cases, coloring hair is enough to face dry ends. Relaxing your hair on top of that strips a lot of natural oils away from your strands. Not conditioning it may leave your hair dull and dry.
Make sure to condition your hair with good quality conditioners after every shampoo session. Give some extra care to your hair with deep conditioners and hair masks. Apply hair masks at least once a week to manage shiny, supple and beautiful colored relaxed hair.
2. Say no to heat styling on a daily basis
Relaxing and coloring your hair already makes them dry and brittle. Heat styling your hair can make the damage worse. While it’s okay to heat style your hair occasionally, don’t overdo it.
Refrain from treating your hair with the heat on a daily basis. Make a switch and shift to low or no heat styling techniques like satin-covered rollers, curl formers, wet sets and others.
3. Get regular trims
It’s important to trim your hair at proper intervals to get rid of split ends and dead ends. You may feel sorry to see your hair strands go but the ends of the hair are not going to stay forever anyway.
Dry hair and split ends are the most dangerous combination. You can get rid of trimming on a regular basis if you treat your hair with deep masks once per week and condition regularly.
Follow good hair care practices like not ironing your hair every day and heat styling it and you are good to go.
4. Protect your hair at night
Curly hair girls know how to protect their hair while they are asleep. Follow the same ritual if you have relaxed colored hair.
Wrap your tresses to the shape of your head. This protects your hair volume so you don’t have to use styling products or curling irons the next morning. You can also invest in silk pillowcases for some extra protection.
Final Comments:
Who doesn’t want silky, straight and beautifully colored hair? Yes, maintaining such a gorgeous mane takes effort but it’s all worth it. Invest in a proper relaxer, wait for the right time and follow good aftercare.
It’s possible to relax your hair after you have colored it. Just make sure to follow the guidelines mentioned here and fall in love with your hair all over again!
