Top 5 Perms for Color Treated Hair: Your Guide

Dreaming of bouncy curls or playful waves, but worried about your colored hair? You’re not alone! Many people with vibrant hair colors wonder if getting a perm is even possible. It feels like a tough choice, right? You want that gorgeous texture, but you also want to keep your color looking fresh and healthy, not brassy or damaged.

Choosing the wrong perm for colored hair can lead to a real hair disaster. Imagine spending money on a perm only to have your color fade or your hair become dry and brittle. It’s a common fear, and it makes finding the right information super important. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of perms for color-treated hair today.

By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll understand exactly what to look for. We’ll cover the safest perm types, how to prepare your hair, and what to expect from the process. Get ready to learn how to achieve your dream curls without sacrificing your beautiful color!

Our Top 5 Perm For Color Treated Hair Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Perm For Color Treated Hair Detailed Reviews

1. Ogilvie Salon Styles Home Perm The Original – For Color Treated

Ogilvie Salon Styles Home Perm The Original - For Color Treated, Thin, or Delicate Hair - 1 Application

Rating: 8.8/10

Dreaming of bouncy curls but dreading salon prices? The Ogilvie Salon Styles Home Perm – The Original offers a way to get salon-quality waves right in your own bathroom. This kit is specifically designed for those with color-treated, thin, or delicate hair, making it a gentle yet effective option for transforming your look. It’s a popular choice for women who want to add beautiful curls without the salon fuss.

What We Like:

  • Gives you salon-quality curls at home.
  • Features a heat activator that makes waving easy.
  • Has a fresh scent and a drip guard for a cleaner application.
  • Works well on thin and delicate hair, even color-treated hair.
  • Saves you time and money compared to salon perms.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Results may vary depending on hair type and application.
  • Some users might find the scent a bit strong.
  • Requires careful reading of instructions for best results.

This home perm kit is a fantastic option for achieving beautiful curls at home, especially if you have sensitive hair. It’s a great way to refresh your style and enjoy gorgeous waves without leaving your house.

2. Zotos Texture EFX Color Perm

Zotos Texture EFX Color Perm, Treated

Rating: 9.3/10

Zotos Texture EFX Color Perm, Treated is a special hair perm designed for hair that has already been colored. It helps you get beautiful, lasting curls or waves while being gentle on your treated hair. This perm comes from the United States, so you know it’s made with care.

What We Like:

  • Creates lovely curls and waves.
  • Specially made for colored hair, so it’s gentler.
  • Provides long-lasting texture.
  • Easy to use for salon-quality results at home.
  • Made in the USA.

What Could Be Improved:

  • May require specific aftercare to keep hair healthy.
  • Results can vary depending on your hair type and condition.

If you want to add some bounce and style to your colored hair, Zotos Texture EFX Color Perm, Treated is a solid option. It offers a way to achieve great texture without being too harsh on your locks.

3. Ogilvie Salon Styles Precisely Right Professional Conditioning Perm Kit – Ideal for Color-Treated

Ogilvie Salon Styles Precisely Right Professional Conditioning Perm Kit - Ideal for Color-Treated, Normal Hair - 1 Application

Rating: 8.7/10

Dreaming of bouncy, beautiful curls without the salon price tag? The Ogilvie Salon Styles Precisely Right Professional Conditioning Perm Kit is your ticket to salon-quality waves right at home. This kit is designed to give you that perfect curl, making it easier than ever to achieve your desired look.

What We Like:

  • It’s a premium perm kit that gives you salon results at home.
  • The heat activator makes creating waves super easy.
  • It has a fresh scent and a drip guard to prevent messes.
  • It’s great for thin or delicate hair, making it a top choice for fine hair.
  • You can use it on color-treated hair, and your color will stay bright.
  • It saves you time and hassle by skipping the salon visit.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The kit is for one application, so you’ll need to buy more for multiple uses.
  • While it’s suitable for all hair types, users with very coarse or resistant hair might find results vary.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to get gorgeous curls at home, this Ogilvie perm kit is a fantastic option. It makes achieving beautiful, lasting waves achievable for everyone.

4. Quantum Classic Extra Body Acid Perm

Quantum Classic Extra Body Acid Perm

Rating: 9.2/10

Get ready for a hair transformation with the Quantum Classic Extra Body Acid Perm! This perm is designed to give your hair a noticeable boost in volume and bounce. It’s a great way to change up your look and add some lively waves or curls. You can achieve a more dynamic hairstyle with this product.

What We Like:

  • Adds significant extra body and volume to hair.
  • Creates beautiful, long-lasting waves and curls.
  • The acid formula is generally gentler on hair than some other perms.
  • Results in a natural-looking texture.
  • Easy to follow instructions for application.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The scent of the perm solution can be strong for some users.
  • May require a bit of practice to achieve perfect results.
  • Might be best suited for certain hair types, so checking compatibility is key.

Overall, the Quantum Classic Extra Body Acid Perm is a solid choice for anyone seeking to add volume and texture to their hair. It delivers on its promise of extra body, giving you a fresh and vibrant new style.

5. Zotos Quantum Extra Body Acid Permanent Unisex Treatment 1 Application

Zotos Quantum Extra Body Acid Permanent Unisex Treatment 1 Application

Rating: 8.8/10

Want to achieve bouncy, dependable curls that are also healthy and easy to manage? The Zotos Quantum Extra Body Acid Permanent Unisex Treatment is designed to give you just that. This one-application treatment is perfect for creating beautiful, lasting curls, and it’s made for both men and women. It’s especially great for shorter hairstyles, helping you get that perfect look with less fuss.

What We Like:

  • Creates dependable curls that last.
  • Leaves hair looking healthy and easy to style.
  • The improved fragrance gets rid of that typical perm smell.
  • Works wonderfully for short hair.
  • You get great-looking, manageable hair.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This is a permanent treatment, so results are long-lasting, which may not be ideal for everyone.

If you’re looking for a way to add body and curl to your hair while keeping it healthy, this Zotos treatment is a solid option. It delivers on its promise of great curls and a better scent experience.

Your Guide to Getting a Perm on Color-Treated Hair

Getting a perm can give you beautiful, bouncy curls. But if your hair is already colored, you might worry about damaging it. Don’t worry! You can still get a perm safely. This guide will help you choose the best perm products for your colored hair.

Key Features to Look For

When you buy a perm kit for color-treated hair, look for these important features:

  • Gentle Formulas: The perm solution should be mild. It shouldn’t be too strong. This helps protect your hair color.
  • Moisturizing Ingredients: Look for ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or keratin. These help keep your hair soft and healthy. They prevent dryness.
  • Neutralizing Solution: A good neutralizing solution stops the perming process. It also helps restore your hair’s pH balance. This is important for colored hair.
  • Bond Builders: Some perm kits include bond builders. These strengthen your hair. They reduce breakage. This is a big plus for colored hair.
  • Low Ammonia or Ammonia-Free: Ammonia can be harsh on hair. Look for kits with low ammonia or no ammonia at all.

Important Materials

Perm kits usually contain a few key things:

  • Waving Lotion: This is the main chemical. It breaks down the hair’s protein bonds to create curls.
  • Neutralizer: This solution stops the waving lotion. It reforms the hair’s bonds in the new curly shape.
  • Conditioner: A good perm kit includes a conditioner. It helps restore moisture after the perming process.
  • Perm Rods: You’ll need perm rods to wrap your hair around. They come in different sizes for different curl types.
  • Gloves and Applicator Bottle: These are for safely applying the chemicals.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Several things can make a perm kit work better or worse for your colored hair:

  • Improves Quality:
    • Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better-tested formulas.
    • Specific Formulas for Damaged/Colored Hair: Some brands make special kits. These are designed for hair that needs extra care.
    • Positive Reviews: Read what other people with colored hair say about the product.
  • Reduces Quality:
    • Harsh Chemicals: Perms with very strong chemicals can damage colored hair. They can fade your color.
    • Lack of Moisturizers: If a kit doesn’t have conditioning ingredients, your hair can become dry and brittle.
    • Old or Expired Products: Always check the expiration date. Old chemicals might not work well. They could also be harsher.

User Experience and Use Cases

People use perm kits for color-treated hair to achieve different looks:

  • Adding Volume: If your hair is flat, a perm can add body and bounce.
  • Creating Waves or Curls: You can get loose waves or tight curls. The size of the perm rods determines the curl size.
  • Easier Styling: Permed hair can be easier to style. You might need less heat styling.
  • Refreshing Color: While a perm can slightly alter color, gentle formulas are designed to minimize this. Some people perm their hair between coloring sessions to refresh its look.

Remember, always do a strand test first. This is super important for colored hair. It shows how the perm will affect your hair and color. If you’re unsure, visit a professional stylist. They can help you get the curls you want without damaging your hair.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I perm my color-treated hair?

A: Yes, you can perm color-treated hair. However, you need to be careful. Use a gentle perm kit designed for colored or damaged hair. Always do a strand test first.

Q: Will perming fade my hair color?

A: Perming can cause some color fading. Gentle formulas and proper aftercare can help reduce this. A strand test will show you how much your color might change.

Q: What kind of perm kit should I buy for colored hair?

A: Look for kits with mild formulas, moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or argan oil, and low or no ammonia. Kits specifically labeled for color-treated or damaged hair are best.

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

A: It’s best to wait at least two weeks between coloring and perming. This gives your hair time to recover. Some stylists recommend waiting longer.

Q: What is a strand test and why is it important?

A: A strand test is when you try the perm solution on a small, hidden piece of your hair. It checks how your hair will react to the chemicals. It also shows how your color will be affected and how the curl will turn out.

Q: Can I perm bleached hair?

A: Perming bleached hair is risky. Bleached hair is already fragile. It’s often best to avoid perming it. If you must, use the gentlest product possible and consult a professional.

Q: What are the signs of damage after perming colored hair?

A: Signs of damage include dryness, brittleness, breakage, and excessive frizz. Your hair might also feel gummy or rubbery.

Q: How do I care for my permed color-treated hair?

A: Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Deep condition regularly. Avoid heat styling as much as possible. Protect your hair from the sun.

Q: Can I use a perm kit for all types of hair color?

A: It’s generally safe for semi-permanent or demi-permanent colors. Permanent colors might be more affected. Always do a strand test.

Q: Where can I buy good perm kits for color-treated hair?

A: You can find them at beauty supply stores, large drugstores, and online retailers. Look for brands that specialize in hair care.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.