Coloring Your Hair After Keratin Treatment: How Long to Wait and Everything Else You Need to Know

Can I color my hair after keratin treatment?

Yes, you certainly can, but there is a lot more you need to know about what you should and should not do after receiving a keratin treatment.

In this blog, Societe Salon spills the tea on hair color and keratin treatment. We want you to the have the information you need to protect the health of your hair while enjoying the benefits of keratin and new color.

If you are ready for keratin treatment, new color or a new hair style, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Learn how our trained stylists can help you create the look you have been after.

Key Takeaways For You

Here are some of the key takeaways from our comprehensive guide to hair coloring and keratin treatment:

• Keratin treatments replenish natural protein, leaving hair smoother, shinier and easier to style.
• The treatment creates a protective barrier that helps dye adhere evenly, making color more vibrant for longer.
• Waiting at least two weeks (sometimes three weeks) after a keratin treatment is crucial to ensure the treatment fully bonds before dyeing.
• Consulting an experienced stylist is key—they can perform strand tests and advise on optimal timing and product choices.
• Using salon-grade dyes and sulfate-free products helps protect both the keratin treatment and your hair color.
• If using an at-home keratin kit, especially on bleached hair, follow manufacturer instructions carefully to avoid damage.
• There are pros and cons to coloring before or after a keratin treatment, so the decision should be based on your hair’s condition and desired results.
• Special care and tailored products are necessary for fine hair to prevent over-processing and maintain volume.
• Avoid combining keratin treatment and hair coloring on the same day to ensure both processes work effectively.
• Regular deep conditioning, limited heat styling, and protective products are essential for maintaining long-lasting color and treatment benefits.

What is Keratin Treatment?

Keratin is a naturally occurring protein found in your hair and nails. Unfortunately, keratin often breaks down when you curl or straighten your hair.

The good news is you can temporarily get keratin back through a keratin treatment. This process helps to restore your hair’s natural strength and luster. Afterward your hair should be smoother, shinier, less frizzy and easier to manage. For the next few months, styling your hair should be much easier.

Imagine your hair as a delicate fabric: the keratin treatment acts like a high-quality repair that smooths out frayed edges and reinforces every fiber.

What Does Keratin Treatment Do For Your Hair?

In short, keratin tames frizz and makes your hair smoother, softer and shinier:

• Softer and Silky: Each strand feels smoother and more luxurious.
• Smoothing: Tames frizz and flyaways for a polished look.
• Strength Reinforcement: Fortifies each strand against damage.
• More Manageable: Styling becomes less of a chore and more of an art.
• Radiantly Shiny: Enhanced gloss that catches the light beautifully.

This transformation creates an ideal canvas for any hair color, ensuring that color will be applied to hair that’s in peak condition.

If you have unmanageable hair and you want to get it under control, especially if your hair is naturally curly, a keratin treatment may be right for you.

How Keratin Treatment Interacts With Hair Color

Keratin treatment and the hair coloring process can transform your hair from frizzy and difficult to style to smooth and radiant. Keratin smooths out your cuticle by giving your hair a much-needed infusion of protein. This makes your hair much more receptive to color, as your hair has a protective barrier around it.

Smoother hair allows color to be absorbed more evenly. Hair color is also likely to last longer if you get a keratin treatment beforehand. Your hair is more resistant to fading or damage.

In essence, the keratin treatment doesn’t hinder the coloring process. Keratin treatment helps to set the stage for a more consistent and vibrant result.

Will a Keratin Treatment Strip Color From My Hair?

The last thing you want is keratin treatment to strip color from your hair. Fortunately, salon-quality keratin treatments are not going to do this. They have been specially made to work with colored hair.

As a matter of fact, keratin treatment could enhance the vibrancy of your hair color, whether your hair was recently colored or had color applied several months ago. If you do the proper at-home maintenance after a keratin treatment, your color should maintain its brilliance over time.

Keratin is a protein that creates a layer of protection around your hair strands, which can lock in color and add shine. Keratin can make your hair color last longer and prevent quick fading. There are many clients who report more vibrant hair color after keratin treatment, even if they got hair color months ago.

Hair Care After a Keratin Treatment

There are several steps you should take after keratin treatment to prolong the positive effects. Keratin treatment is not cheap, so it is important to protect your investment. Your hair will thank you for it.

These are the recommended steps you should take to prolong the positive effects of keratin:

• Only use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to help your hair retain moisture
• Do not use heat styling tools too often
• Give your hair deep conditioning on a regular basis
• Use heat protectant

Can You Color Your Hair After Getting a Keratin Treatment?

The answer is a resounding yes. Coloring your hair after keratin can create a truly stunning look. However, timing and technique are critical. If you want healthy, vibrant hair color, you need to be cautious and prioritize the overall health of your hair.

Wait 2 Weeks for Keratin to Fully Bond

Wait about two weeks before coloring your hair – some stylists recommend waiting up to 3 weeks. That way keratin can fully set into your hair. This waiting period also minimizes the risk of chemical conflict between the treatment and the dye.

Talk to an Experienced Stylist
She or he can tell you if your hair is prepared for color. Your stylist can do a strand test to see if the dye will be compatible with your hair and if your hair is healthy enough for color.

Let your stylist be your guide, that helps ensure both the treatment and the new color work together as they should to deliver the smooth, radiant hair you deserve.

At Societe Salon, our elite stylists understand the interplay between keratin and hair color. We recommend products that are best for your hair. We want you to get the beautiful hair you deserve while preserving hair health.  

Use High-Quality Products
Use high-quality, salon-grade dyes that are gentle on treated hair. Avoid products with harsh chemicals that could compromise the keratin layer.

When Can I Dye My Hair After Doing an At-Home Keratin Treatment?

Some people opt for at-home keratin treatments because they can be more convenient and affordable. However, you need to be cautious when coloring your hair after infusing it with keratin.

• Wait at least two weeks before dyeing your hair.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to get the best results.
• If your hair still looks frizzy or unruly, it probably needs more time to settle before you apply color. This helps prevent damage to your hair and ensures optimal results.
• Always perform a patch test with your chosen hair color, even if you have used it before.
• Use color products specifically made for chemically treated hair.  

Why You Need to Time Things Right

Timing is crucial to get the best results from hair coloring after a keratin treatment. Waiting allows the keratin to fully bond, creating a smooth base for color application. If you color your hair too soon, it may look patchy and uneven, increasing the potential for damage. Waiting also helps ensure the dye will last longer.

Just a little patience helps ensure the beautiful results you have been looking for.

What Happens When You Color Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment?

When you finally proceed with hair coloring after your keratin treatment, you’re set to enjoy a blend of vibrant color and healthy, resilient hair.

The process unfolds as follows:

• Even Dye Application: Thanks to the smooth, sealed cuticle, the dye is absorbed evenly, resulting in a uniform hue.
• Enhanced Texture: The protective keratin layer helps maintain your hair’s softness and shine even after coloring.
• Long-Lasting Results: With proper aftercare, the color stays vivid, resisting fading and dullness.

How Does Hair Coloring Work?

Understanding the basics of hair coloring can demystify the process and help you appreciate the expertise behind every salon application. This gives you a better understanding of the importance of putting your hair in the hands of an experienced stylist who is committed to giving you the flawless results you have been looking for.

The Process for Coloring Your Hair

• Opening the Cuticle: Stylists lift the outer layer of hair so the dye can penetrate.
• Dye Enters the Hair Shaft: Dye molecules enter the hair shaft and react with the natural pigments in your hair.
• Color Development: The chemical process locks in the color, ensuring it remains vibrant over time.

When you combine coloring with keratin treatment, the color should be uniform and dynamic.

Do you want to color your hair after keratin treatment? Contact Societe Salon to see how our expert stylists can help you achieve that stunning look you have been dreaming of.

What if You Have Really Fine Hair?

You need to be careful when styling and treating thin or fine hair. Stylists must take care to help preserve volume and strength while providing the treatment clients are seeking.

The problem with fine hair is that it is much more vulnerable to over-processing. If you have fine hair and want a keratin treatment, your stylist should only use products that are specifically formulated for fine hair. This way your hair is not weighed down, increasing the potential for damage.

Many stylists recommend doing a keratin treatment before bleaching or lightening fine hair.

Additional Tips on Coloring and Keratin Treatment for Fine Hair:

• Choose treatments that emphasize volume and lightness.
• Gently apply color to minimize stress of your hair
• Regularly consult your stylist about the health of your hair and any steps you need to take

Dye After Keratin Treatment if You Avoid Formaldehyde Treatments

Formaldehyde-free keratin treatments are especially appealing if you plan to color your hair. These formulations reduce potential chemical conflicts and help maintain the integrity of your color.

Advantages of Formaldehyde-Free Treatments:

• Safer for Hair Health: Lower risk of adverse reactions during subsequent coloring.
• More Compatible With Hair Dye: Harsh chemicals are less compatible with hair dye.
• Longer-Lasting Color: There is less chance of the color fading.

Coloring Before You Get Keratin Treatment

Coloring your hair before a keratin treatment is another option. Coloring before keratin has specific benefits. For instance, dyeing your hair first may allow keratin to lock in the color and helping smooth any rough edges. Keratin could also elevate the gloss and vibrancy of your pre-colored hair.

Kera Mane Keratin Hair Treatment: What You Need to Know

Kera Mane is one of the more noteworthy keratin treatments, as it can make hair much smoother and more manageable.

Here’s what makes this treatment unique:

• Designed to provide essential proteins without compromising the natural texture of your hair.
• Several months of shiny, easier to manage hair.
• Excellent at reducing frizz, even if you live in a humid area, like South Florida.
• Acts as a solid base for professional hair coloring as the dye is going to be absorbed evenly.

This is an ideal option if you want high-performance treatment that smooths and prepares your hair for styling and coloring.

Can You Bleach Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment?

Bleaching your hair after keratin treatment is like walking a tightrope. You can do it, but you need to use finesse and caution.

Bleaching is a more aggressive form of hair coloring, which is why you should be cautious with it, especially if you just received keratin treatment. Bleach can strip away the protective layer if you do not handle it correctly. Bleach can also weaken your hair’s structure.

Keratin treatment wraps your hair strands in a protective cocoon of proteins, smoothing the cuticle and reducing frizz. However, bleach is the rebel of the hair world, opening cuticles and stripping color away. This can often cause significant damage to your hair.

Safe Practices for Bleaching After Keratin:

• Extended Wait Time: It may be wise to wait longer than the standard two weeks before bleaching.
• Professional Application: Always have bleaching performed by a trained stylist who can assess the condition of your keratin-treated hair. It may be more convenient to do it at home, but you risk significant damage.
• Aftercare: Follow up with intensive conditioning treatments to restore moisture and strength. Your hair essentially needs a spa treatment.

Is It Better to Color Hair First, Then Get Keratin?

You’ve probably come across conflicting advice online about whether to color your hair before or after a keratin treatment. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your hair’s current condition and your personal goals. There are pros and cons with each sequence, and you should discuss each option with your stylist to determine what is best for you:

Coloring First:
Some people choose to color their hair before getting a keratin treatment. The idea is that keratin can help lock in the new color and smooth out frizz.

Despite what you may have heard, coloring your hair is not going to undo the positive effects of keratin treatment. You may even notice a smoother, more polished finish.

Despite the benefits, keratin could slightly alter the intensity or evenness of your dye job.

Keratin First:

Alternatively, you might choose to get the keratin treatment first. This approach gives your hair a smooth, healthy base, which can help with even color absorption later on and ensure your color lasts longer.

Getting keratin first ensures:

• Smooth, healthy base that enhances color absorption and evenness
• Protecting your hair, ensuring the color stays in your hair longer

The downside here is that you will need to wait a little longer before changing your hair color, which delays that look you are going for.

So, What Should You Do?

The decision is ultimately about the condition of your hair and your long-term goals for styling your hair. Often, those who are using color to cover grey hair apply it after keratin treatment. Many stylists recommend waiting up to 3 weeks before coloring hair after keratin treatment, or getting keratin treatment after coloring.

Given the many factors in the decision about when to color your hair, you should consult an experienced stylist to determine the right order for keratin treatment and coloring your hair.

At Societe Salon, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional hair. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, so we can discuss what you are looking for and the best way to achieve your goals, while protecting the health of your hair.

Can I Use At-Home Keratin Treatment If My Hair is Bleached?

Yes, but you need to be extra cautious. Bleaching depletes the natural proteins in your hair, which makes your hair more sensitive and porous.

You may need to use a gentler, more protein-rich formula to avoid causing more damage to your hair. Look for an at-home keratin treatment kit that is specially formulated for bleached or chemically treated hair.

This is yet another situation where it makes sense to consult with an expert to make sure keratin will strengthen your hair without compromising its color.

Can a Brazilian Smoothing Treatment Fade My Hair Color?

Brazilian smoothing treatments, are sort of like keratin. They are meant to change the texture of your hair and make it more manageable. However, these treatments can interact differently with your hair color. Some Brazilian smoothing formulas can fade your hair color, especially if the treatment was not designed for color-treated hair.

However, there are steps you can take to protect your hair color:

• Use treatments that say they are safe for colored hair.
• Use color-protecting products to preserve your hair’s vibrancy.

FAQs on Dyeing Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment

Have more questions about coloring your hair after keratin treatment? Here are some frequently asked questions that may provide the answers you are looking for:

Can You Do a Keratin Treatment and Color Your Hair the Same Day?

This is generally a bad idea. Your hair needs time to settle after either one of these procedures so you need to space them out:

• Keratin treatments need time to bond with the hair fibers.
• Coloring your hair right after keratin treatment can compromise the treatment and the effectiveness of the dye.

Most stylists recommend schedule keratin treatment first and allowing two weeks for the treatment to fully settle. Then you can safely color your hair and get the brilliant results you have been dreaming of.

How Long After Keratin Can You Tone Your Hair?

Toning your hair after a keratin treatment is a nuanced process that can help refine your color and add depth. You should generally wait at least 2 weeks. However, this is something else your stylist can advise you on.

Naturally Covering Grey Hair After a Keratin Treatment

Keratin treatment helps make it easier to elegantly blend grey hair with your natural hair color. You can use tinted shampoos and conditioners to gradually blend grey hair without the use of harsh chemicals. You can also use semi-permanent dyes for a softer transition. This helps your hair’s natural texture to shine through. You can keep grey coverage consistent by periodically using color refreshers.

Ready for keratin treatment or post-keratin-treatment color?

Contact Societe Salon. We are dedicated to delivering top-quality hair so you can achieve Beauty with Confidence.