Here's why:
* Damage: Both perms and hair color treatments are damaging to the hair. Doing them too close together can lead to significant dryness, breakage, and frizz.
* Chemical reactions: Perms and hair color involve different chemical processes. Combining them too soon can lead to unpredictable results, such as uneven color, or further damage to the hair structure.
* Hair's porosity: Perming changes the porosity of your hair, which can affect how the color is absorbed. Waiting allows the hair to stabilize somewhat after the perm.
Best practices:
* Consult a professional: The best course of action depends on your hair's condition and the types of perm and color you're using. A professional stylist can assess your hair and provide personalized advice.
* Deep conditioning: After getting a perm, use deep conditioning treatments regularly to help restore moisture and strength to your hair.
* Wait longer for highlights: If you're planning on getting highlights or a drastic color change, it's best to wait longer than two weeks.
* Strand test: Before applying color all over, do a strand test to see how your hair reacts. This can help prevent unwanted results.
Waiting as long as possible between perming and coloring will help minimize damage and ensure the best possible results for your hair.