Can You Bleach Permed Hair

Can You Bleach Permed Hair? Understanding the Risks and Rewards

Bleaching permed hair is a risky endeavor that requires careful consideration. While technically possible, the process significantly increases the chance of hair damage, breakage, and even complete hair loss. This article delves into the complexities of bleaching permed hair, explaining the chemical processes involved, outlining the potential risks and rewards, and offering guidance on making an informed decision. We will explore the science behind perms and bleaching, discuss the compatibility of these processes, and provide crucial tips for minimizing damage if you choose to proceed. Ultimately, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge needed to make a safe and informed choice about your hair.

Understanding the Chemistry: Perms and Bleaching

Before diving into the risks, let's understand the chemical processes involved in perming and bleaching.

Perming (Permanent Waving): This process involves breaking and reforming the disulfide bonds in your hair's keratin protein structure. Chemicals, typically thioglycolate-based, break these bonds, allowing the hair to be reshaped around rollers. A neutralizer then reforms these bonds, setting the new curl pattern. This process significantly alters the hair's structure, making it more vulnerable to damage.

Bleaching (Hair Lightening): Bleaching involves using a chemical agent, typically hydrogen peroxide, to lift the melanin (pigment) from the hair shaft. This process is oxidative, meaning it involves the breakdown of melanin molecules. The higher the volume of peroxide, the more melanin is lifted, resulting in lighter hair. This process is inherently damaging, as it weakens the hair's structure and removes its natural protection.

The Risks of Bleaching Permed Hair

Combining these two processes—perming and bleaching—creates a significant risk of irreversible hair damage. Here's why:

• Weakened Hair Structure: Perming already weakens the hair's structure by breaking and reforming disulfide bonds. Bleaching further weakens the hair by lifting melanin, leaving it extremely fragile and prone to breakage.

• Increased Porosity: Perming increases the hair's porosity, meaning it absorbs more moisture. This increased porosity allows the bleaching agent to penetrate deeper, potentially causing more damage.

• Elasticity Loss: Both perming and bleaching significantly reduce the hair's elasticity, making it more susceptible to snapping and breaking. This can lead to thinning, split ends, and overall hair loss.

• Chemical Reaction: The chemical reactions involved in both perming and bleaching can interact negatively, potentially leading to unpredictable and undesirable outcomes, including unexpected color results, severe dryness, and breakage.

• Burning and Scalp Irritation: The combined chemical assault can irritate the scalp, potentially leading to burning, itching, and inflammation. This is particularly true if the perming or bleaching process is not properly executed.

• Hair Breakage and Loss: In severe cases, bleaching permed hair can lead to significant hair breakage and even complete hair loss. This is because the hair's structural integrity has been severely compromised.

Minimizing Risks: Precautions and Considerations

While bleaching permed hair is generally discouraged due to the high risk of damage, if you decide to proceed, there are steps you can take to minimize the risks:

• Consult a Professional: This is the most crucial step. A skilled and experienced hair stylist can assess the condition of your hair and advise on the feasibility of bleaching. They can also use appropriate techniques and products to minimize damage.

• Time Between Processes: Allow ample time—at least several weeks, or even months—between perming and bleaching. This gives the hair time to recover somewhat from the stress of the perm.

• Deep Conditioning Treatments: Before and after both perming and bleaching, use deep conditioning treatments to help restore moisture and strength to your hair. This can help mitigate some of the damage.

• Low-Volume Developer: If bleaching is deemed possible, opt for a low-volume developer (e.g., 10 or 20 volume). This will lift the color more gradually, reducing the risk of damage.

• Strand Test: Always perform a strand test before applying any chemical treatment to your entire head of hair. This helps assess how your hair reacts to the chemicals and allows you to adjust the process if needed.

• Olaplex or Similar Products: Consider using products containing Olaplex or similar bond-building technologies during the bleaching process. These products help protect and repair the hair's bonds, reducing damage.

• Regular Deep Conditioning: After bleaching, continue with regular deep conditioning treatments to maintain hair health and minimize breakage.

Alternatives to Bleaching Permed Hair

If you're aiming for lighter hair but are concerned about the risks associated with bleaching permed hair, consider these alternatives:

• Color-Depositing Conditioners: These products can temporarily add subtle highlights or lighten your hair a shade or two without the harsh chemicals of bleaching.

• Hair Gloss: A hair gloss can enhance shine and subtly adjust the tone of your hair without significant lifting or damage.

• Highlights Instead of Full Bleaching: Instead of bleaching all of your hair, consider highlights to add lighter tones without the extreme damage of full bleaching. This allows for more controlled lightening.

• Embrace Your Natural Color: Sometimes, the best option is to embrace your current hair color and style. Permed hair can be beautiful and healthy in its own right, and you may find that the effort and risk of bleaching are not worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I bleach my permed hair at home?

A: It's strongly discouraged to bleach permed hair at home. The process is complex and requires expertise to minimize damage. Attempting it at home greatly increases the risk of irreversible damage.

Q: How long should I wait between perming and bleaching?

A: Ideally, wait several weeks or even months between perming and bleaching to allow the hair to recover. The exact time depends on your hair's condition and the specific chemicals used. Consult a professional for personalized advice.

Q: Will bleaching damage my permed curls?

A: Yes, bleaching will almost certainly damage your permed curls. The process weakens the hair, potentially causing the curls to loosen or become frizzy.

Q: What are the signs of damaged hair after bleaching permed hair?

A: Signs of damage include excessive dryness, breakage, split ends, frizziness, and overall weakness. In severe cases, you may experience significant hair loss.

Q: Can I repair damaged hair after bleaching permed hair?

A: Repairing severely damaged hair is difficult but not impossible. Regular deep conditioning treatments, protein treatments, and careful hair care practices can help improve the hair's condition. However, severe damage may be irreversible.

Conclusion

Bleaching permed hair carries significant risks and should only be undertaken after careful consideration and consultation with a professional hair stylist. The potential for severe damage, including breakage and hair loss, is very real. While there are ways to minimize the risks, the best approach might be to explore alternative methods of lightening your hair or embracing your natural color and style. Prioritizing the health and well-being of your hair should always be the top priority. Remember, healthy, vibrant hair is far more beautiful than damaged, chemically-stressed locks. Making an informed decision about your hair care routine is a crucial step towards achieving and maintaining beautiful, healthy hair for years to come.