Thinking of refreshing your hair colour and getting a keratin treatment? Both can work together, but the order and timing matter. Getting it right can help protect your colour, reduce frizz and keep your hair looking its best for longer.
The best approach depends on your hair condition, the colour service and the type of keratin treatment you're having.
TLDR: Yes, you can have keratin treatments and colour done close together, but timing and order matter a lot. Generally, colouring first and keratin second gives the best results, with a short gap between the two. Get the order wrong and you risk patchy colour, a treatment that doesn't take properly, or colour that fades fast.
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Why Order Matters When Combining Keratin and Colour
Keratin treatments and colour both work by altering the structure or surface of your hair, just in different ways. Colour opens the hair cuticle to deposit pigment, while keratin treatments coat and smooth the hair shaft. Doing them in the wrong order can mean one process undoes or interferes with the other.
What Happens If You Colour After Keratin
Keratin treatments seal the cuticle, which is great for frizz but not so great for colour absorption. If you colour straight after a keratin treatment, the colour may not penetrate evenly, leading to patchy or faded results.
Some colours simply won't grab onto sealed hair the way they would on untreated strands. This is especially frustrating if you're after a vibrant or dramatic colour change.
What Happens If You Keratin After Colour
Doing colour first and keratin second tends to work much better. The colour has already penetrated the hair shaft, and the keratin treatment then seals and smooths over the top, helping to lock in shine and reduce frizz.
Many clients find their colour actually looks glossier and lasts longer when a keratin treatment follows shortly after.
The Best Timing Gap Between Colour and Keratin Treatments
There's no single rule that fits every hair type, but there are some general guidelines worth knowing before you book.
Same-Day Appointments
Some salons will colour and then apply keratin treatment in the same visit, often with a short break in between. This works well for many clients but does depend on the strength of the colour service and how your hair responds on the day.
Ideal for subtle colour changes or toners
Works well if hair isn't overly porous or damaged
Reduces the number of salon visits needed
Waiting a Few Days to Two Weeks
For more intense colour services, like bleaching or a significant colour correction, it's often better to wait a few days to two weeks before the keratin treatment. This gives your hair and scalp time to settle after the chemical process of colouring.
Recommended after bleach or lightening services
Allows scalp irritation (if any) to calm down
Gives you a chance to see how the colour settles before adding keratin
When Keratin Should Come First
If you're only after a very subtle colour shift, or you're mainly chasing smoothness and frizz control, keratin first with a light colour glaze afterward can sometimes work. This is less common and really depends on your hair goals, so it's worth chatting to your colourist about what you're trying to achieve.
Hair Health Factors That Affect Keratin and Colour Combinations
Beyond timing, your hair's current condition plays a big role in how well colour and keratin treatments work together.
Porosity and Damage Levels
Hair that's already damaged or highly porous absorbs product differently to healthy hair. If your hair has been through a lot of colour changes, heat styling, or previous chemical treatments, it may need extra care before combining services.
A good colourist will assess your hair's condition before recommending whether to do both services close together or space them further apart.
Scalp Sensitivity
Both colouring and keratin treatments can involve chemicals that may irritate a sensitive scalp. Doing both in quick succession increases the chance of irritation, so some people benefit from a short break regardless of hair type.
Hair Goals and Desired Outcome
Chasing vibrant, bold colour? Colour first, keratin after a short gap
Mainly wanting smoothness with a subtle colour refresh? Possibly combinable in one visit
Coming from bleach or lightening? Allow more recovery time before keratin
What to Expect When Booking Both Services
Walking into a salon unsure of the right order can feel overwhelming, but a good consultation makes this simple. Expect your stylist to ask about your hair history, recent treatments, and what result you're after before suggesting a plan.
Questions a Stylist Will Likely Ask
Have you coloured your hair recently, and with what type of product?
Do you have any scalp sensitivity or allergies?
What's your main goal, smoothness, colour vibrancy, or both?
Are you open to two separate appointments if that gives better results?
At Tyco, these sorts of conversations happen before any chemical service, because getting the sequencing right from the start saves you from disappointing results and unnecessary touch-ups down the track.
Planning a Hair Colour and Keratin Treatment?
Getting both treatments done takes a little planning. The right timing can help maintain your colour, manage frizz and keep your hair looking healthier for longer.
At Tyco, our team can assess your hair condition and recommend the best approach based on your colour and treatment goals.
Ready for your next hair refresh? Book a consultation with Tyco today.
Key Takeaways
Colouring first and keratin treatment second generally gives the best results
Keratin treatments can seal the cuticle, making colour harder to absorb if applied afterwards
Same-day appointments can work for subtle colour changes but aren't ideal for bold transformations
Waiting a few days to two weeks after bleach or colour correction is often recommended before keratin
Hair porosity, scalp sensitivity, and your end goal all affect the best approach
A proper consultation before booking helps avoid patchy colour or treatments that don't last
FAQ
Will a keratin treatment change the colour of my hair?
No, keratin treatments aren't designed to alter your hair colour. Some formulas can very slightly affect tone over time, particularly on lighter or previously lightened hair, but it's not a colour change in the way dye or toner works.
How long does a keratin treatment typically last once it's done?
Most keratin treatments last between two and five months, depending on your hair type, how often you wash it, and the products you use at home. Using sulphate-free shampoo tends to help the treatment last longer.
Can I still get highlights if I've already had a keratin treatment?
Yes, but it may take a little longer and your colourist might need to adjust their approach since the cuticle is sealed. It's worth mentioning your keratin treatment history during your colour consultation so they can plan accordingly.
Is it more expensive to book colour and keratin as separate appointments?
It can cost a little more overall since you're paying for two separate visits, but many people find it worth it for better, longer-lasting results. Ask your salon whether there's a package price for combining the two services across visits.
What should I avoid doing in the days after getting both treatments done?
Avoid washing your hair for at least 24 to 72 hours after a keratin treatment, as this can affect how well it sets. It's also best to steer clear of tight hair ties, clips, or tucking hair behind your ears straight after, since this can create unwanted kinks.
