So you’ve just walked out of the salon with silky, smooth, frizz-free hair — thanks to your keratin treatment. You’re loving the shine, the softness, and that effortless “just styled” look. But now you’re thinking… can I color it?
The short answer is yes — but not so fast. Coloring keratin-treated hair requires a bit of timing, care, and technique to keep both your treatment and your color looking flawless.
Here’s everything you need to know before you pick up that dye brush.
What Happens During a Keratin Treatment
A keratin treatment works by infusing your hair with a protein (keratin) that smooths out the strands, seals the cuticle, and locks in shine. It tames frizz, adds softness, and gives your hair a glossy, polished finish.
However, this process also creates a protective barrier around the hair shaft. That means when you try to apply color too soon, the pigment can have trouble penetrating — leading to uneven color or fading faster than expected.
That’s why timing is everything.
When to Color — Timing Matters
If you’ve already had a keratin treatment, experts recommend waiting at least two weeks before coloring your hair.
Here’s why:
- This window gives the keratin enough time to settle into the hair shaft.
- It ensures your color absorbs evenly.
- It prevents the treatment from breaking down prematurely.
On the flip side, if you plan to color first and then get keratin, that’s actually ideal. The keratin will seal in your fresh color, making it last longer and look shinier.
So, the best sequence is:
👉 Color first, keratin second.
But if you’re going in reverse, patience pays off.
Choosing the Right Hair Color
Not all hair color formulas are created equal — especially for keratin-treated hair.
Avoid harsh dyes or anything that contains ammonia, sulfates, or alcohol, as these can strip away your keratin treatment and dry out your strands.
Instead, opt for:
- Ammonia-free or demi-permanent dyes.
- Natural or organic hair color formulas.
- Gloss or toner-based color refreshers for shine without damage.
If you’re not sure which shade or brand works best, ask your colorist for a keratin-safe formula — many professional lines now make color specifically for treated hair..
Protecting Your Hair from the Aussie Elements
If you live in Australia, your hair faces a few extra challenges — sun, humidity, and saltwater.
UV rays can fade your color and weaken your keratin seal. So before heading outdoors, apply a leave-in UV protectant or a hair serum with SPF.
And when swimming, wet your hair with fresh water and apply a light conditioner before diving in. It acts as a barrier against salt or chlorine, which can strip away both color and keratin.
A little prep goes a long way in keeping that glossy, beach-ready look all summer long.
Expert Tip: Gloss Over Dye
If you’re craving a color refresh but don’t want to risk your keratin, go for a color gloss instead of a full dye.
Gloss treatments deposit a sheer layer of pigment and shine without lifting or damaging your hair. They’re perfect for maintaining tone, boosting radiance, and reviving your look between coloring sessions.
It’s like giving your hair a mini makeover — minus the stress.
The Final Word
Coloring keratin-treated hair isn’t off-limits — it just requires a little strategy.
✅ Wait at least two weeks after your keratin treatment.
✅ Choose gentle, ammonia-free formulas.
✅ Protect and nourish your hair daily.
When done right, color and keratin can be the ultimate power duo — delivering hair that’s smooth, vibrant, and effortlessly beautiful.
Because great hair isn’t just about what you do at the salon — it’s how you care for it afterward.
And once you master the balance? You’ll never have to choose between silky strands and stunning color again.