I am a black woman who is half white and half black. How long should I wait to color my hair after I put a relaxer it it?

How to Color Ethnic Hair

Talk about dying ethnic hair color and you'll get about as many different views about the subject as there are hair colors. Most people will dissuade you from dying hair that has been previously relaxed or from relaxing hair that has been previously dyed. (The general rule is always color a relaxer, never relax a color.) You'll also hear that people with naturally black hair (no one's hair color is actually black) should never go blonde. There are a thousand rules, some of them helpful and some of them not.

However, one rule that generally rings true is whenever you are lightening or darkening your hair more than one or two shades, always consult a professional colorist. You don't have to, of course, but you and your hair (maybe not your wallet) will be very thankful that you did. Remember that even going to a professional might not give you the exact results you desire. We've all heard of those dreadful horror stories, but it's best to trust a professional who has been taught and trained on hair color over a dear inexperienced friend. Dying hair is often a tricky task, but nonetheless, when done correctly, it can be fun.

Know the Different Kinds of Hair Color Changing Processes:

Hair or Color Rinse: The most inoffensive, gentle way to deposit hair color. It won't lighten the hair because it does not contain any ammonia or peroxide. It adds incredibly shine and adds color depth. It washes out, so you have to reapply after a few weeks. Because it's so gentle, it can also be used with a relaxer. This is also very easy to execute and maintain at home without the help of a professional.

Temporary Color: The name speaks for itself. Temporary colors wash out after the first shampoo. Like a rinse, there are no color lifting properties in temporary color, no chemicals, and the temporary color only coats the hair, so you don't have to worry about any negative chemical reactions when you use other processes on your hair.

Semi-permanent Color: In the book Beautiful Black Hair: Real Solutions to Real Problems, author Shamboosie says “temporary colors are placed under a plastic cap, then under a warm dryer for 30 minutes. The heat causes the color to penetrate and stay on the hair a bit longer, 1 or 2 shampoos. Again, these color will only deposit and have no developer or ammonia in the formula.” This process is safe to use with a relaxer and can be done at home.

Demi-permanent Color: Also known as a Long-Lasting Semi-permanent Color is, again, self-explanatory. It also involves a low volume developer of 10 or less and will allow you to change or lift your natural hair color just enough to notice, according to Shamboosie.

Permanent Color: Obviously, a permanent color is forever or until a) your hair grows out or b) you dye your hair a different color. Permanent hair color usually uses ammonia and peroxide in the oxidation process to lift the hair to a different color. This is what you typically think of when you think of hair dye. You have to be very carefully when permanently coloring relaxed hair, so seeing a professional is advised. Even when dying natural hair, having a professional to conduct the process properly is advised.

Bleach: Bleach is used to dramatically lighten hair from say a dark brown to a light blonde. It's the only way to get darker hair blonde. If you have a relaxer (or any other permanent process), it's best to avoid bleach because it literally destroys your hair and “always over-processes” it, according to Shamboosie. You can still bleach your hair if you want, of course, but your hair will most likely fall out. According to Shamboosie, bleaching extremely short hair that's 2-3 inches is fine. You've got less to lose anyway. Also, natural hair can be bleached if your hair is in excellent condition, but it should still be done professionally


Taken from: How to Color Ethnic Hair: What You Need to Know About Dying Dry and Extremely Curly Hair (http://hair-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/ethnic_hair_color)

Also see: http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/haircolordyet_sjhx.htm

MRS.S

Wait at least 2 weeks for permanent

Semi-permanent or temporary, you can do the same day as they only deposit color rather than lift it