Posted by Isabella Österlund
on April 18, 2022
Is it better to dye or color your hair before or after a keratin smoothing treatment?
Here's everything you should know:
You're after silky, lustrous keratin-treated hair — but you also crave rich, vibrant color. So how can you enjoy the best of both? When it comes to our at-home Keratin Treatment, there are a handful of essential guidelines to follow if you want to achieve your dream hair. Keep reading to learn more.
How long should you wait after coloring to use the ANSWR at-home keratin treatment?
Curious whether it's okay to apply a keratin smoothing treatment shortly after coloring your hair? That's a common question — and the answer is straightforward: give it time. You should always allow a minimum of two weeks after dyeing your hair before using a smoothing treatment. The reason? When you seal the treatment using a flat iron, the heat can cause your fresh color to fade unevenly — and that's definitely not the look you're going for.
Why does applying a treatment too soon after coloring make your hair dye fade?
The reason color can fade is that smoothing treatments work by opening the hair cuticle to allow a layer of keratin protein to penetrate and bond to the strand. This cuticle-opening process can also release recently deposited color molecules. If your dye hasn't had adequate time to fully set, the treatment may displace some of that pigment — leaving you with a less vibrant shade than expected. By waiting at least two weeks, you give the color enough time to settle deep into the hair shaft, reducing the risk of it washing out during the smoothing process.
Will a Brazilian smoothing treatment always cause my hair color to fade?
If your color has already had time to fully settle (more than 3 weeks old), using a keratin or smoothing treatment shouldn't noticeably affect it. The longer your dye has been in place, the more secure those color molecules are within the hair cuticle. That said, if you've recently colored your hair or have very vivid, fashion-forward shades, it's smart to exercise extra caution. A helpful tip: when sealing the keratin treatment with a flat iron, use a slightly lower temperature setting to protect your color. Start at a moderate heat level and gradually increase only if necessary — this way you can ensure your color stays intact. If you observe any lightening whatsoever, reduce the temperature.
What if I want to dye my hair after a smoothing treatment? How long after the ANSWR at-home keratin should I wait to color?
You should never dye your hair right after a keratin treatment. Once again, always allow at least two weeks after applying a smoothing treatment before coloring your hair. This two-week waiting period is essential. You should never try to color (much less bleach) your hair immediately following a keratin or smoothing treatment. The outcome will likely be disappointing — your hair won't absorb the dye as it normally would, and you could end up with uneven, patchy, or washed-out results — turning your color session into a frustrating waste of time and money.
Dyeing too soon can also diminish some of the smoothing treatment's benefits since your hair won't have had sufficient time to lock them in. The bottom line: coloring your hair right after a keratin treatment is something you'll want to avoid entirely. Instead, during those first two weeks, focus on caring for your treated hair with the right products. We recommend using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to maintain and extend your smoothing results.
How diligently you care for your hair during those initial two weeks will determine how long your keratin smoothing results hold up. Proper aftercare not only extends the life of the treatment but also prepares your hair to better absorb color when the time comes. For best results, wait the full two weeks — and you'll enjoy the benefits of both gorgeous color and beautifully smooth hair.
One last question! Can I use the ANSWR Keratin Treatment on bleached hair?
Absolutely — but as always, wait at least two weeks after bleaching before applying a smoothing treatment. Our Keratin Treatment is formulated for all hair types, including bleached and chemically processed hair. However, bleached hair tends to be more fragile, so it's especially crucial to let it recover before introducing any additional chemical process. Consider using a deep conditioning or reconstructive product before and after the ANSWR treatment — a hair serum or leave-in conditioner works wonderfully. Sleek, smooth hair is absolutely achievable!
Still have questions about coloring and keratin? We're here to help! Contact our customer care team at ask@answrbeauty.com — our hair experts are ready to assist you in achieving stunning results, regardless of your hair type or concern.