There seems to be a huge misunderstanding regarding color, whether semi-permanent, rinse or permanent and what it does for the hair. Let us go over the changes.
Many persons believe that it is okay to use a rinse on relaxed hair as it will not cause breakage and this is so far from the truth. Honestly, just relaxing the hair alone makes the hair more fragile than when in its natural state. A relaxer and texturizer straighten the bonds of the Afro-textured hair. What is not told is that colors, especially those with a lifting ability such as peroxides, also slightly straighten the hair. Oh yes! So just imagine using a color on your relaxed hair will be like over-processing. Makes sense now? Perfect examples are women who cover grays as they do the procedure more often and Trust me when I say they suffer.
Coloring, the result is better on the day of relaxer as the relaxer opens the cuticle layers more than normal which allows for better penetration of the color.
I have been asked if it is better to do the color a week after the relaxer and honestly, as it will be either a semipermanent or a rinse, the result is better on the day of relaxer as the relaxer opens the cuticle layers more than normal which allows for better penetration of the color. Remember, a rinse and semipermanent does not have the peroxide or any chemical like that to enable substantial penetration. Furthermore, whether or not you color a week or two after the relaxer, you’re STILL putting color on relaxed hair. You see my point? Actually, I can even go further and state if you are coloring a week or two after relaxing, because the strands are not as open, the color may not take as well, resulting in another application sooner than not. Not good!
Caucasian, Indian and Asian
For persons with naturally straight hair, color with peroxide can eventually cause dryness. This can become an issue for those blow drying and using a brush. Due to the fact that a brush is a lot of bristles, therefore, increasing manipulation, that constant back and forth with the brush during blow drying, coupled with the heat, can wreak havoc on the hair, which eventually leads to breakage. So, you may find that since you have been putting permanent colors in your hair, the frizzing has either started or increased and this is all due to the breakage. Remember that shorter strands will tend to “stick up”. I have a few friends who have been abiding by my advice and have realized results. Always remember that no matter how strong your strands are, they are not bungee cords. One day they may just break!
That said, color is great, and I am a color culprit myself. Just remember to color with caution.
Until Next Week,
The OXX Family