Can You Flat Iron Permed Hair

Can You Flat Iron Permed Hair? – Permed Hair Straightening

The perm hairstyle first appeared in the late 1800s.

But it was the new availability of electricity and gas during this time that made it possible to use a more controlled and consistent source of heat.

Which led to the first chemical process for perming hair – what we now know as permanent waves.

But, what if you want your natural hair look and don’t want to wait months for permed hair to fade? Can you flat iron permed hair?

In this article, you’ll discover whether or not you can get permanently straightened permed hair.

Keep reading!

What is Permed Hair?

Permed hair is a hairstyle that has been chemically treated to create an artificial curl.

With the treatment, the hair becomes curly and wavy while retaining its flexibility and fullness.

This style of wearing long, straight hair has been around for decades but is not nearly as popular as it once was.

How Long Does a Perm Last?

As its name suggests, perm hair means permanent waves.

But indeed, the average lifespan of a straightened hairstyle is about three to six months.

Many people with curly hair want to be able to style their hair in a more manageable and flowing fashion and prefer to perm their hair.

Hair that has been chemically treated with a solution called a perm, is then rinsed for 20 minutes and is then washed and brushed through.

Can You Flat Iron Permed Hair?

Permed Hair Straightening

Many people with curly hair turn to perms to get their desired curls.

Once you have a perm, you never want to flat iron the hair unless it is out of necessity.

It is always best to avoid using a flat iron on permed hair because there’s a good chance your hair will be damaged and break off.

If you do use a flat iron on your hair, be sure to put it on low heat and use as little pressure as possible.

So, why flat ironing permed hair can be a bad idea?

Perms cause the hair to swell and stay curly, so the flat iron becomes a straightener of sorts.

As a result, it can damage the perm and lead to breakage.

In addition, heat from the flat iron is more likely to damage your dry or fragile locks that have been recently permed.

It also increases the risk of split ends.

Is It Bad to Straighten Permed Hair?

Perms are a way to add volume to otherwise straight or limp hair.

Straightening permed hair is bad because it causes the hair to become brittle and dry.

Furthermore, straightening or perming hair can cause split ends which can prolong the amount of time between haircuts.

Perming your hair is best done by professionals who know what they are doing for optimal results.

How to Safely Flat Iron Permed Hair?

Can You Permanently Straighten Permed Hair

Before flat ironing permed hair, it’s important to prepare your hair properly to ensure it stays healthy and doesn’t suffer from heat damage.

To start, it’s crucial to wash your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

Avoid using heavy styling products that can weigh down the hair or cause build-up, as this can affect the effectiveness of the flat iron.

Once your hair is clean, gently towel-dry it and detangle it with a wide-tooth comb or brush. It’s important to avoid using a fine-tooth comb, as this can cause breakage.

When flat ironing permed hair, it’s important to use the right heat settings to prevent heat damage.

Use a flat iron with temperature control settings, and choose a lower heat setting that’s appropriate for your hair type.

It’s also essential to use a heat protective spray or serum to shield your hair from the heat of the flat iron.

Apply the protectant to your hair in sections, starting at the roots and working your way down to the tips.

To ensure the product is evenly distributed, comb your hair after applying the protectant.

After flat ironing permed hair, it’s important to take steps to maintain its health and protect it from future damage.

One way to do this is to avoid washing your hair for at least 24-48 hours after flat ironing, as this will allow the hair to recover from the heat.

When washing your hair, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using hot water, as this can strip your hair of its natural oils.

And in addition to heat protectants, it’s also essential to use other hair care products that can help to prevent damage when flat ironing permed hair.

Products like deep conditioning treatments can help to keep your hair moisturized and prevent breakage, while oils can help to add shine and protect your hair from environmental damage.

It’s important to choose products that are specifically designed for permed hair, as these will help to keep your hair healthy and looking its best.

Can You Permanently Straighten Permed Hair?

Many people with naturally curly hair want to get perms to make their hair look wavier.

But what happens when you want back your straightened hair? Can you use a flat iron to permanently straighten permed hair?

There is no definite answer. Since it all depends on your perms’ age and the health of your hair.

If your perm is new, then it’s possible that the heat from the flat iron will damage the perm and may cause it to go limp or frizzy.

Alternatives to Flat Ironing for Permed Hair

Alternatives to Flat Ironing for Permed Hair

If you’re looking for alternatives to flat ironing your permed hair, there are several options available that can help you achieve a straighter look while minimizing any damage to your hair.

Here are some methods to consider.

Blow-Drying To Straighten Permed Hair

If you’re questioning “can you flat iron permed hair?” then blow-drying is a popular method for straightening permed hair.

  1. To do this, start by washing and conditioning your hair as normal.
  2. After towel-drying your hair, apply a heat protectant and divide your hair into sections.
  3. Use a round brush to blow-dry each section, pulling the hair taut as you go.
  4. This will help to straighten the hair and create a smooth, sleek finish.

The benefit of blow-drying is that it doesn’t involve direct heat like a flat iron, which can be damaging to permed hair.

However, it can be time-consuming, especially if you have thick or curly hair.

Additionally, you may need to touch up your hair with a flat iron or curling iron to get the desired look.

Roller-setting To Straighten Permed Hair

This method involves using rollers to set your hair in a straight style.

  1. After washing and conditioning your hair, apply a setting lotion or mousse to your hair and divide it into sections.
  2. Use rollers to set each section.
  3. Allow your hair to air-dry or sit under a hooded dryer until it’s completely dry.
  4. Once your hair is dry, remove the rollers and style as desired.

The benefit of roller-setting is that it’s a gentler method of straightening permed hair, as it doesn’t involve direct heat.

It can also help to add volume and body to your hair.

However, it can be time-consuming, and it may not work as well on very curly or thick hair.

Straightening Brush for Permed Hair

Another alternative method for straightening permed hair is using a straightening brush.

This tool looks like a regular hairbrush, but it has heated ceramic bristles that help to straighten the hair.

  1. To use a straightening brush, start by washing and conditioning your hair as normal.
  2. After towel-drying your hair, apply a heat protectant and divide your hair into sections.
  3. Brush each section with a straightening brush, pulling the hair taut as you go.
  4. The heat from the brush will help to straighten the hair and create a smooth, sleek finish.

The benefit of using a straightening brush is that it’s a quick and easy method of straightening permed hair.

It can also be less damaging than a flat iron, as the heat is distributed more evenly across the hair.

However, it may not work as well on very curly or thick hair, and you may still need to touch up your hair with a flat iron or curling iron to get the desired look.

And as with any other heat styling methods, it’s important to use a heat protectant to prevent damage to your hair.

Can You Flat Iron Permed Hair? – Conclusion

Permed hair (a process that involves applying an alkaline solution to the hair and then drying it) can be damaged when it is straightened, resulting in dry ends with split ends.

So, does this mean you should avoid straightening your permed hair? 

Generally speaking yes, especially if your perms are new. Straightening permed hair can lead to dryness, tangles, and breakage.

But, if you do use a flat iron on your permed hair, be sure to put it on low heat and use as little pressure as possible.

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