Smoothing and Color: Which One Should You Do First?
Smoothing goes first. With PuraLuxe, we recommend applying the treatment first and coloring any time after. The treatment isn't affected by highlighting or coloring, so your new color won't shorten your smoothing results. That order also means your colorist is working on smoother, more even hair, which makes placement and toning easier to read.
Key takeaways
- Do the PuraLuxe treatment first, then color any time after.
- Highlighting and coloring don't affect PuraLuxe results.
- Damaged, heavily lightened hair may need Repair and Heal before anything else.
- Tell us you're planning both when you book online.
Why does the smoothing treatment come before color?
Because PuraLuxe holds up to color, and doing it first protects the color you pay for. The treatment isn't affected by highlighting or coloring. So once it's on, you're free to color any time after without cutting its life short.
This applies to every smoothing version, including PuraLuxe Straight and Smooth. Working in that order also helps your colorist. Smooth hair shows tone and placement more clearly, so it's easier to judge how your color is landing.
Related guide: how PuraLuxe works and who it suits.
What goes wrong when color is done before smoothing?
The biggest risk is your tone shifting. Smoothing treatments use heat to set, and fresh color or toner can look different once hair has been through that process. A bright blonde can pick up warmth, or a gloss can lose some of its shine.
That's why many older smoothing systems ask you to plan color around them. With PuraLuxe, the fix is simple: smooth first, color after. If you already have fresh color and want smoothing, talk to us before booking so we can plan it.
Smoothing first vs color first
- Effect on smoothing. PuraLuxe first, then color: None, PuraLuxe isn't affected by color. Color first, then smoothing: None, but order isn't recommended.
- Effect on fresh color. PuraLuxe first, then color: Color goes on after, so tone stays as planned. Color first, then smoothing: Tone can shift during the smoothing process.
- Timing. PuraLuxe first, then color: Color any time after. Color first, then smoothing: Needs a conversation before booking.
- Our recommendation. PuraLuxe first, then color: Yes. Color first, then smoothing: Talk to us first.
How far apart should I book smoothing and color?
With PuraLuxe, you can color any time after the treatment. There's no long waiting period to sit through.
The easiest way to handle it is to tell us you're planning both when you book online. Some clients prefer separate visits so each service gets its own focus. Others want everything done close together before a trip or an event. Either works, as long as smoothing comes first. Let us know your dates and we'll help you map it out.
How to plan smoothing and color together
- Start with a consultation. Book a complimentary consultation in person or by video so we can check your hair's condition.
- Book PuraLuxe first. Choose the smoothing version that fits your texture and goal.
- Schedule color after. Color can follow any time after the treatment. Ask us whether both fit the same visit.
- Refresh with a gloss. Between bigger color visits, a gloss brings back tone and shine without touching your smoothing.
Does lightening or highlighting fade my smoothing results?
No, PuraLuxe isn't affected by highlighting or coloring. That includes full lightening and balayage, as well as glosses and single process color.
Your results typically last six to eight months either way. So you can keep your usual color schedule without worrying that each visit is eating into your smoothing. If you're still choosing your lightening style, read balayage, foilayage or highlights for help picking one.
Smooth first, color after, so your tone goes on last.
Dubé New York
What if my color treated hair is already damaged?
Then strength may need to come before smoothing or more color. Hair that has been lightened often can feel rough, stretchy or weak when wet. Smoothing won't fix that on its own.
PuraLuxe Repair and Heal is built for this. It's not a smoothing treatment. It packs overprocessed hair with amino acids and protects it for six to eight months, with no flat iron. Once your hair is stronger, we can plan smoothing and color from a healthier starting point.
Can a gloss refresh my color after a PuraLuxe treatment?
Yes, and it's one of the easiest ways to bring back shine and tone between bigger color visits. A gloss is a demi permanent deposit of tone or depth. It can refresh highlights and blend roots with one color.
Because PuraLuxe isn't affected by color, a gloss won't take away from your smoothing. If your curls are part of the plan, see removing frizz without losing your curls, or compare options in PuraLuxe vs a keratin treatment. Current pricing for every service lives on our Service Menu.
Your color and smoothing questions, answered
Will my highlights look different after a smoothing treatment?
If your highlights are already in and you add smoothing afterward, the tone can shift a little from the heat used to set the treatment. That's why we suggest smoothing first. If you already have fresh highlights and want PuraLuxe, tell us when you book and we'll plan a toner or gloss if needed.
Can I book smoothing and color for the same trip to the salon?
Ask us when you book. PuraLuxe allows color any time after the treatment, so it's possible to plan both close together. The right setup depends on your hair, your color goals and your schedule. Tell us your dates and we'll help you plan the order and timing.
Should I tell my colorist I've had PuraLuxe?
Yes. We recommend coloring any time after the treatment. Your colorist will read your hair on the day and adjust the formula as needed. If you've had other smoothing treatments in the past, share that history so we can plan around it.
I'm going darker this season. Does the same order apply?
Yes. Adding depth or adding brightness, the order stays the same: PuraLuxe first, color after. Going from light to dark usually means a tint back, which deposits color into lighter hair. Mention both services when you book, and we'll plan the steps with you.
What should I tell the salon when booking both services?
Tell us you want smoothing and color, which PuraLuxe version you're considering, and any recent color or treatments on your hair. Photos help. If you're unsure which smoothing version fits, start with a complimentary consultation in person or by video call, then book online once you have a plan.
Plan your smoothing and color the right way
Book a complimentary consultation in person or by video, and we'll map out your PuraLuxe treatment and color in the order that protects both.