Hair smoothening is one of the most popular hair treatments for achieving sleek, frizz-free, and manageable hair. But what if you also want to color your hair? Can you do both? Should you color your hair before or after smoothening? Will it damage your hair?
These are common questions for anyone planning to combine chemical treatments. While smoothening and coloring can enhance your hair’s appearance, doing them the wrong way—or at the wrong time—can lead to dryness, breakage, and disappointing results.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind both treatments, what professional stylists recommend, and how to safely enjoy the benefits of smoothened and colored hair together.
Understanding Hair Smoothening
Hair smoothening is a chemical process that works by relaxing the bonds in your hair to make it look smoother, shinier, and easier to manage. Popular smoothening treatments include:
- Keratin treatment
- Cysteine treatment
- Hair Botox
- Taninoplasty
These treatments coat the hair with proteins or amino acids and use heat (via flat ironing) to lock in the smooth texture. Smoothening does not permanently straighten hair but offers a semi-permanent transformation that lasts for 3 to 6 months, depending on hair type and aftercare.
Understanding Hair Coloring
Hair coloring involves depositing color pigments into the hair shaft. This can be done with:
- Permanent dyes, which use ammonia or other chemicals to open the hair cuticle and change the hair color at the cortex level
- Semi-permanent dyes, which coat the hair shaft without altering the natural pigment
- Bleaching, which removes natural melanin from the hair to lighten it before coloring
Because coloring affects the hair structure and can make it more porous, it’s important to time it right when combining it with other chemical treatments like smoothening.
Can You Color Hair After Smoothening?
Yes, you can color your hair after smoothening—but timing and method matter. Hair experts recommend waiting at least 2 to 3 weeks after a smoothening treatment before coloring your hair. This gives your hair time to recover from the chemical process, lock in moisture, and allow the smoothening effect to fully settle.
Coloring your hair too soon after smoothening can:
- Weaken the hair structure
- Dull the smoothening effect
- Cause dryness or brittleness
- Lead to uneven color results
Why Timing Is Important
When your hair undergoes a smoothening treatment, it becomes more fragile and sensitive. Applying color chemicals too soon can strip away the smoothening agents, reduce shine, and make your hair more vulnerable to damage. This is especially true if you’re using bleach or permanent dyes with strong chemicals.
Waiting for 2 to 3 weeks allows your hair cuticles to settle and your scalp to recover from any sensitivity caused by the smoothening process. It also gives you a better chance of achieving vibrant, even color results without compromising your hair health.
Should You Color Before or After Smoothening?
Option 1: Color Before Smoothening
This approach is often recommended if:
- You are doing highlights or global hair color
- You want a long-lasting color base before smoothening
When you color before smoothening:
- The smoothening process can help seal in the color
- It prevents color fading from the flat iron heat
- You avoid the risk of fading smoothened hair prematurely
However, if you bleach or lighten your hair before smoothening, your stylist must assess the hair’s strength to avoid breakage during heat application.
Option 2: Color After Smoothening
This is a better choice if:
- You are unsure about your final hair tone
- You want to refresh or tone your hair after seeing how it looks post-smoothening
- Your stylist suggests allowing some time for the hair to recover
In this case, just remember to wait for at least 2 to 3 weeks and use ammonia-free, nourishing dyes to minimize any damage.
What Stylists Recommend
Professional stylists generally suggest the following:
- Consult Beforehand
Let your stylist know if you are planning both treatments. They can assess your hair type, current condition, and recommend the best sequence and products. - Avoid Doing Both on the Same Day
Combining smoothening and coloring on the same day increases the risk of overprocessing your hair. Give your hair time to rest between treatments. - Use High-Quality Products
Whether coloring before or after smoothening, use professional-grade, ammonia-free dyes that are gentle on chemically treated hair. - Hydration Is Key
Both smoothening and coloring can dry out your hair. Use deep conditioning masks, leave-in conditioners, and hair oils regularly. - Opt for Safe Color Techniques
If coloring after smoothening, go for low-ammonia or semi-permanent options. Techniques like balayage or toning are less damaging than full bleach.
Safe Hair Care After Both Treatments
After undergoing smoothening and coloring, follow these tips to maintain your hair’s health and appearance:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
These gentle formulas help preserve both the color and the smoothening effects. - Avoid heat styling tools
Too much heat can strip away color and weaken hair strands. If needed, always use a heat protectant spray. - Deep condition weekly
Treat your hair to a moisturizing mask once a week to replenish lost moisture and restore softness. - Protect from the sun
UV rays can fade hair color and dry out smoothened hair. Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection when outdoors. - Avoid swimming without protection
Chlorine and salt water can ruin both your color and smoothening results. Use a protective hair serum or wear a swim cap when in the pool.
Common Myths About Coloring and Smoothening
Myth 1: You can color your hair immediately after smoothening
Truth: This can cause hair damage and fade the effects of both treatments. Always wait 2 to 3 weeks.
Myth 2: Hair color will not show on smoothened hair
Truth: Hair color can look even better after smoothening if applied correctly. In fact, smoothened hair reflects light better, enhancing color vibrancy.
Myth 3: Both treatments will ruin your hair
Truth: When done by professionals and spaced out properly, smoothening and coloring can be safe and even beneficial, making your hair more stylish and manageable.
Final Thoughts
You can absolutely color your hair after smoothening, as long as you follow expert guidance. The key is timing, the right products, and a good aftercare routine. Whether you choose to color before or after smoothening, always consult with a trained stylist who can evaluate your hair and help you achieve the best possible results.
By respecting the chemistry of your hair and giving it the care it needs, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—smooth, manageable hair with a vibrant color you love.
