Perming Bleached Hair

Woman with short bleached hair
Photo: Vectorfusionart/Shutterstock
Q: I have short bleached hair. There used to be a product by Matrix called Vavoom that functioned similarly to a perm but was much gentler. It gave my hair body and volume without causing damage. Unfortunately, it was discontinued. Can you recommend a similar product that might provide the same or comparable results?
 
Since I wear my hair short, it doesn’t have significant damage, but it has been thinning, possibly due to hormonal changes and blood pressure medication. I’ve come across conflicting advice on this topic. Some sources say it’s possible to perm bleached hair, while others strongly advise against it. What’s your take?
 
A: The Vavoom you initially mentioned was actually Matrix’s line of volumizing shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, and not a perm treatment. Its purpose was to cleanse the hair of residue and buildup that can weigh hair down, making it appear flat and lifeless. Vavoom helped hair look lighter, fuller, and thicker by removing excess product accumulation and enhancing natural volume.
 
Since Matrix no longer produces Vavoom, they have introduced their Amplify shampoo and conditioner line, which is designed to add volume and thickness. If you prefer Matrix products, this could be a good alternative. Otherwise, you might explore volumizing shampoos and conditioners from other reputable brands such as Pantene, Revlon, L'Oréal, or even budget-friendly options like Suave.
 
Regarding perming bleached hair, the most important factor is your hair’s current condition. If your hair is healthy and not overly compromised from the bleaching process, perming is possible. Though you should be aware that it may slightly lighten your hair color. To minimize risk, ask your stylist to perform a strand test first. This will help determine whether your hair can withstand the chemical process without excessive damage.
 
The safest approach is to consult a trusted stylist who can assess your hair in person. If they advise against perming after evaluating its strength and integrity, it’s best to follow their recommendation. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether bleached hair can be permed depends entirely on its individual health and condition.
 
Follow-Up:
 
Q: Thank you for the information! Just to clarify, Matrix did produce a Vavoom perm in addition to their haircare line. It required perm rods, lotion, and a neutralizer, and it added subtle waves and volume. It was particularly effective on short hair because of its gentle formulation. Unfortunately, it was discontinued due to low demand. My real question is: Do you know of any similar perm products available today?
 
A: I appreciate the clarification, and I apologize for the misunderstanding! This situation underscores how important clear communication is between stylists and clients. The Vavoom perm you’re referring to wasn’t just similar to a perm. It was a real perm. The confusion arose from the term product, which stylists typically associate with shampoos, conditioners, and styling products rather than chemical treatments like perms.
 
As for alternatives to the Vavoom perm, you might want to explore modern permanent wave solutions specifically formulated for high-lift or color-treated hair. These gentler perms are designed to minimize damage while still providing texture and volume. The best course of action is to consult your stylist, explain the results you’re looking for, and have them recommend the most suitable perm formula for your hair’s specific needs.
 
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See also: Perms and perming hair