Q&A for How to Care for Permed Hair

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  • Question
    Do perms damage your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Getting perms regularly can damage hair, especially if it is long because the chemicals are applied to the entire strand every time. Your hair is much less likely to become damaged if you avoid other chemical services like highlighting or permanent color.
  • Question
    How long do you have to wait to wet your hair after a perm?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    It's best if you can wait at least 48 hours. This allows the cuticles to close and re-harden and the hair's pH to return to normal which will mean a longer-lasting result.
  • Question
    What products should you use on permed hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    For permed hair, you want to use hydrating products that help your hair retain moisture. Mousse and curl-enhancing creams are great choices.
  • Question
    How do I reduced frizz?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Use water to activate the curls, or ask your stylist to recommend a curl activator.
  • Question
    Can you perm relaxed hair?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    This is not recommended because of the chemicals involved. Relaxers contain sodium hydroxide while perms contain ammonium thioglycolate. Those two chemicals combined will break the hair off. It would be best to cut off all of the relaxed hair before getting a perm, and vice versa.
  • Question
    Will I prevent damage by applying coconut oil daily?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Coconut oil is used to restore luscious locks and deeply moisturize hair. If the chemicals from the perm dry out your hair, that's definitely an option.
  • Question
    How can I safely remove my perm?
    Community Answer
    The safest way to remove your perm is to let it grow out. Otherwise, speak to your stylist about safe ways to undo the perm. Remember, these may cause further damage to your hair.
  • Question
    What ingredients in hair products should I avoid?
    Community Answer
    It's best to not use products with sulfates or parabens.
  • Question
    Can natural treatments like coconut oil, yogurt, honey, or olive oil to add shine to my hair damage my perm?
    Community Answer
    They shouldn't. Oils, yogurt, and honey are always good for hair. If there aren't many chemicals in the product, especially the ones on the list, you definitely have nothing to worry about.
  • Question
    I permed my hair 24 hours ago and the sides have gone flat. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    It's best to see your stylist in this case. He or she may be able to suggest what went wrong and what you can do to get the curl back without damaging your hair.
  • Question
    What is the best conditioner for permed hair?
    Community Answer
    Any condition formulated for permed or chemically treated hair is going to be a good option.
  • Question
    How should I sleep on my fresh perm to keep the curls from going flat?
    Community Answer
    Wrap a silk scarf over your hair at night before bed. It helps protect against friction during sleep.
  • Question
    I just got a perm, but I don't know what to do to take care of it.
    Community Answer
    Don't stress too much. Just try to be gentle with your hair; avoid getting it wet and brushing it for at least 24 hours (it's always good to wait 48 hours, just to be safe). Avoid ponytails or buns for the next week, as your hair is still settling in. If you really need to have your hair out of your face use a clip to pull a few strands away from your face.
  • Question
    When can I use a deep conditioning hair treatment mask after my perm?
    Community Answer
    Do it a week after you get the perm. This allows time for the perm to settle into the shape it will be, and then you can work on getting any damage under control. Use specially formulated shampoo and conditioner for chemically treated hair until then, but make sure it has no sulfate or silicon in it.
  • Question
    Can I put shampoo on my hair after two days with my perm?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can - although use a very small amount. A good idea is to distribute the shampoo into your hands, mix into a lather, then wash the scalp. Try not to be too vigorous with the ends of your hair.
  • Question
    Can I wet my hair the day after a perm?
    Community Answer
    No. Wetting it can cause the hair to lose its shape. It won't sit right afterwards.
  • Question
    I want big curls with my perm, how do I get them?
    Community Answer
    Have your stylist use the purple rollers. These are the biggest ones, and they give a very nice large wave. If you hair is shorter, it is like ringlets. For longer hair, you might was to go one size smaller on the perming rod.
  • Question
    After I shower my perm is so curly, but the next day it's not. How can I fix it?
    Community Answer
    When you're getting ready in the morning, spray your hair with enough water to make it damp and scrunch the ends (or diffuse it). This should bring back the curl for the day.
  • Question
    How do you prevent damage to hair when getting a perm?
    Community Answer
    The chemicals in a perm can be damaging to your hair, so make sure your hair is healthy. I wouldn't recommend perming colored hair, especially if you are concerned with damage.
  • Question
    Community Answer
  • Question
    Can I use baby oil for my hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    Will using coconut oil in the first 24 hours after a perm affect the curls?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it will. It's best to wait 72 hours before using coconut oil so the perm can be settled.
  • Question
    When can I use a leave-in conditioner?
    Community Answer
    You can use a leave-in conditioner after you wash your hair. It is especially helpful after you've done something damaging to your hair, like going swimming in a chlorine-treated pool or heat styling.
  • Question
    I just washed my perm with shampoo only 8 hours after getting it. Have I ruined it and wasted money?
    Community Answer
    Your hair should still remain slightly curly, but it won't stay like that for as long as it was due to, as washing it would have gotten rid of the chemicals that make it curl.
  • Question
    I permed my natural salt and pepper hair. It has no curl, just frizz. Will cutting my hair short allow the perm to curl, or will it still be frizzy?
    Community Answer
    It probably ended up frizzy because of the initial application of the perm. There is no way of introducing a curl pattern if the initial perm turned out frizzy (I know this from experience). Your only options are: redoing the perm, or using products to defrizz and/or define the curls.
  • Question
    I put coconut oil in my permed hair, and it made my hair break off. And a stylist has cut my hair several times, but it is still frizzy. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Are you sure your hair broke off because of the coconut oil? Instead. it sounds like your hair broke and was damaged from the perm. This is especially likely if you had dry or damaged hair before the perm (even more so if it was bleached or colored). Not all hair takes perms. If still frizzy, try using treatments to moisturize and check out YouTube videos for styling to eliminate frizz. It's not just which products you use, but what is in the products (e.g. no sulfates, no parabens, etc. is best). Strengthening hair also takes time, so be patient (easier said than done, I know).
  • Question
    Is there a product I can use to keep my hair curled yet very soft?
    Community Answer
    Use deep conditioning masks for your hair. You may be able to find hair mayonnaise or different coconut oil products at your local hair supply store.
  • Question
    Can I put a serum or mousse on my hair right after perming?
    Community Answer
    Not directly after perming, you should wait a day or two and then start using products. However, it varies for every hair type. I would recommend calling your hair stylist to ask.
  • Question
    Do you have to do anything special for sleeping?
    Zoey MacDonald
    Community Answer
    You don't have to, but I would recommend getting a silk pillowcases. This is because it will reduce the static and help stop your perm from fizzing up.
  • Question
    Can I go swimming in a lake 24 hours after my perm?
    Zoey MacDonald
    Community Answer
    No, you should wait 48 hours before doing anything with your perm. This is because the lake water will lessen your perm, and possibly cause it to lose the shape.
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