How to Dye Hair After a Thermal Relaxer

Some women prefer straight hair.

Many people with very curly and coarse hair use thermal relaxers. A relaxer is made up of chemicals that will semi-permanently straighten the hair. Some people also want to dye their hair after it has been straightened. You need to use caution when doing this, and only color your hair using a semi-permanent hair dye.

Things You'll Need

• Old clothes
• Rubber or plastic gloves
• Hair color
• Color developer
• Color conditioner

Instructions

1. Talk to your hair dresser before dyeing your hair after it has been relaxed. In general, you should wait two weeks before dyeing your hair; however, your hair dresser may want you to wait longer.

2. Wear old clothes and rubber or plastic gloves when dyeing your hair. This will help to protect your clothing and hands from stains.

3. Mix the color with the developer as directed. Purchase an ammonia-free semi-permanent hair dye to ensure your hair stays healthy and undamaged.

4. Apply the dye to your hair. Massage the hair dye into your hair until it is saturated.

5. Allow the color to set for the amount of time specified in the instructions.

6. Wash your hair under warm water until the water runs clear.

7. Apply a hair color conditioner to your hair to keep your it healthy. Style as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• Only use an ammonia-free, semi-permanent dye. Using a regular hair dye may cause severe damage to your hair.

• Hair relaxers can make your hair weak and brittle. To avoid damaging your hair, have a professional dye your hair.

References

• Skin Biology: Truth About Hair Relaxers
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Hair Dye and Hair Relazers