Henna and Perms:
Henna and perms can happen together, but we think it’s better not to perm your hair at all because of the strong chemical solutions which are used. However, you may use pure plant based henna hair colour and continue to perm. But we recommend you try to avoid using henna immediately before a perm. And we recommend you wait at least two weeks after a perm before you henna – the longer the better. Always do a strand test. This is strongly advised for any chemically treated hair. Once you’re satisfied with the result you may proceed.
Indigo and Perms
Have a look through our natural hair colour galleries for information about potential interactions between indigo and residual chemicals left in hair from perm solutions, even after many years. Thankfully, there are ways to deal with these potential colour interaction issues. The bottom line is there are some colour interaction risks you need to be aware of with indigo – read on for the takeaway .
Henna & Perms
“What is glyceryl monothioglycolate and where is it found?
Glyceryl monothioglycolate is a chemical substance that is used in permanent wave (perming) solutions. The use of glyceryl monothioglycolate in perming solutions was developed in the 1970s. Known as an acid perm, glyceryl monothioglycolate works by breaking the disulfide links between the polypeptide bonds in the keratin (the protein structure) in the hair wrapped in rods. Heat is applied via a hairdryer and this activates the perm process causing the bonds to reform in the shape of a curl.
Glyceryl monthioglycolate contains no ammonia, hence this type of perm is not associated with the smell that alkaline perms have. In addition, acid perms are gentler to the hair, hence more suitable for delicate or thinner hair.
What are the reactions to glyceryl monothioglycolate allergy?
People working with glyceryl monothioglycolate such as hairdressers may develop allergic contact dermatitis on their hands and fingers; patch testing usually reveals hypersensitivity to the chemical.
Clients receiving perms whom are sensitive to glyceryl monothioglycolate may also suffer contact dermatitis on the neck, scalp and ears. Often exposure is much less intense and frequent than in hairdressers, hence the allergy is less commonly found in clients. However, the chemical can remain active in hair shafts for months thus causing long-lasting dermatitis.”
The Takeaway – indigo is the risk factor for you if you’ve previously permed your hair
If you’ve previously used hair dyes and especially if you’re ever bleached or permed your hair, do not use indigo for at least 6 to 8 weeks since the last dye or bleach application. Indigo over bleached and dyed and permed hair can turn it green. In the unlikely event of green hair, apply tomato sauce or ketchup in the hair, cover the hair with plastic wrap, leave in for up to an hour and shampoo out. Repeat applications may be necessary but the tomato sauce should get rid of any green. You can also apply henna again, straight after indigo, to correct the colour.
