Whatever your hair type, length, and texture, it’s important to have a grooming routine that accommodates your new hairstyle.
And for those of us with permed hair, we know how important it is to take care of our locks to keep them away from dryness and frizziness.
In this article, I’ll share some tips on how to care of permed hair.
I’ll cover topics like shampooing, conditioning, and styling. By following these tips, you can keep your permed hair healthy and beautiful.
What Is a Permed Hair?
A perm is a hairstyle produced by setting the hair in waves or curls and then applying chemicals to preserve the new shape.
The word “perm” comes from the word permanent wave, which is another name for this type of hairstyle.
Permed hair can last for several months, although the length of time depends on how often you wash and style your hair.
There are two main types of perms: acid perms and alkaline perms.
Acid perms use thioglycolic acid to break the bonds of the hair shaft, while alkaline perms use ammonium thioglycolate.
Both types of perms will result in curled or wavy hair, but acid perms tend to create softer, looser curls than alkaline perms.
Perming your hair at home is possible, but it is risky and can easily damage your hair if not done correctly.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a perm, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- First, perms work best on healthy hair that isn’t damaged from over-processing.
- Second, you should be prepared to style your hair daily to maintain your perm.
- Finally, make sure you go to a professional stylist — a bad perm can damage your hair or give you an unflattering style.
How to Take Care of Permed Hair? – 7 After Hair Perm Care Routine Tips
Although perms may make life a bit easier, think of it like all you really have to do is scrunch a bit of product on them and your hairstyle is ready instead of spending time every morning manipulating your hair to get your desired results.
It is important to remember that it is a chemical process that can leave your hair a bit more fragile than normal.
Thus, perms require a bit of care and specific types of products to maintain your hair’s health and the look you want. That being said, here are 5 tips on how to take care of permed hair.
1. Get The Right Products
When you get a perm, you’re committing to take care of your hair. That means using the right products to keep your hair healthy and looking its best.
Many products are too harsh and can damage your hair. So here are some tips for choosing the right products to take care of your permed hair:
Avoid Sulfates
Sulfates are harsh chemicals that can strip away the natural oils in your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Look for sulfate-free shampoos. I recommend this one from Davines NOUNOU.
Choose a Quality Moisturizing Conditioner
Permed hair is more susceptible to dryness, so it’s important to use a conditioner that will help keep your hair hydrated.
This conditioner replenishes moisture and protects frazzled strands, which is ideal for bleached, permed, or relaxed hair.
Use a Deep Conditioning Treatment Once a Week.
If you have permed hair, it’s important to take extra care of it to maintain its healthy appearance.
One way to do this is by using a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
Deep conditioning treatments like this one help to replenish moisture and nutrients that may be lost due to chemical processing. They can also help to repair the damage, such as split ends.
To get the most out of your deep conditioning treatment, apply it after shampooing and leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing.
You can also cover your hair with a shower cap to help the treatment penetrate deeper.
2. Shampoo Less
Shampooing less often will help to preserve your perm and keep your hair healthy.
This is because shampoo can strip away the natural oils that protect your hair and cause further damage.
When the time comes for wash day, be sure to use a mild formula, moisturizing and sulfate-free shampoo that’s designed for permed or damaged hair.
And always follow up with a conditioner to help replenish lost moisture.
3. Moisturize More
When it comes to permed hair, moisturizing is key to keeping it healthy and strong. Without proper hydration, permed hair can become dry, brittle, and difficult to manage.
Moisturizing not only helps to keep your hair looking its best but also prevents damage and breakage.
There are a few things to keep in mind when moisturizing permed hair.
First, be sure to use a quality conditioner and shampoo that are designed for permed or chemically treated hair.
Second, avoid using hot water when washing your hair, as this can strip away natural oils and further dry out your strands.
Third, use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to help lock in moisture and make combing through your hair easier.
4. Dry Your Hair Correctly
There are a few different methods that you can use to dry your hair after you have gotten a perm. These methods will help to keep your perm looking its best for as long as possible.
One way that you can dry your hair is by using a diffuser.
A diffuser is an attachment that you can put on your blow dryer. It helps to distribute the heat evenly, which can help to prevent damage to your hair.
Another way to dry your hair is by using low heat settings. This is especially important if you have thin or damaged hair.
By using low heat settings, you can help to avoid further damage to your hair.
Also, it is important to avoid rubbing your hair with a towel after you have gotten out of the shower.
This can cause frizz and can also lead to damage to the perm itself.
The best option to dry your perms is to let them air dry. After combing and detangling your hair with a wide-tooth comb, apply a leave-in conditioner and let it air dry.
5. Avoid Heat Styling
The chemicals in the perm solution break down the protein bonds in your hair, and then the reformation of those bonds during the curling process weakens them.
That’s why it’s so important to take extra care of permed hair, and one of the best ways to do that is by avoiding heat styling.
Heat styling can further damage already weakened hair, making it more prone to breakage and split ends. It can also make your perm look frizzy and unruly.
If you absolutely must heat style your hair, be sure to use a heat protectant product first and use the lowest setting possible.
Permed hair requires special care to keep it looking its best. Avoiding heat styling is one of the best things you can do for your perm – and your hair!
6. Get Regular Trims
If you have permed hair, then you know that it is important to take extra special care of it. One of the best ways to do this is by getting regular trims. Here are a few reasons why:
It helps keep your hair healthy and strong.
When you get rid of split ends, you are also getting rid of weak points in your hair that can lead to breakage.
It prevents your hair from looking damaged and unhealthy.
If you don’t trim your hair regularly, the split ends will start to work their way up the shaft of your hair, making it look dry and brittle.
It keeps your perm looking fresh.
Getting a trim every 3-4 weeks helps prevent your perm from becoming overgrown and unmanageable. It also helps give your perm a nice, even shape.
7. Upgrade Your Sleep Routine
If you’re new to permed hair care, sleeping with curls can be pretty daunting.
There are some tips to help you catch the beauty of sleep without waking up with messy or tangled tresses:
Put Your Hair Up at Night
Just like natural curls, permed hair benefits from being kept up while you’re asleep, so any method that leaves the back of your hair smooth and restrained will work.
If your hair is too short to gather it all at the top of your head, make two or three smaller buns or ponytails on the top and sides.
Sleep on Silk or Satin
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will minimize the amount of friction on the cuticle (outside) of the hair, reducing the appearance of texture and frizz.
If you don’t have a silk pillowcase, a silk scarf wrapped around your pillow (or loosely around your hair) is also a suitable option when it comes to taking care of permed hair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maintaining Permed Hair
Are you thinking about getting a perm, but still in doubt about how to take care of permed hair?
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that may help you make your decision.
How Long Do Perms Last For?
A perm is a hairstyle created when chemicals are used to break and reform the bonds of the hair. The hair is then wound around rods and heated, creating a permanent wave.
Depending on the type of perm you get, it can last anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks.
There are different types of perms, such as body wave, spiral, root perm, and partial perm.
The type of perm you get will determine how long it lasts.
For example, a spiral perm will last longer than a root perm because the chemicals used to break and reform the bonds in your hair are different.
The type of hair you have will also affect how long your perm lasts. If you have thin or fine hair, your perm will likely not last as long as someone with thick or coarse hair.
Last but not least is your after-hair perm care routine. Though, curls require a new set of products and techniques that can get a little overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start.
By following the above tips on how to care of permed hair, you will surely maintain your perms for a longer period of time.
What Should You Not Do After a Perm?
When you get a perm, it’s important to take care of your hair to maintain the style. There are a few things you should avoid doing after a perm to keep your hair looking its best.
First, don’t wash your hair for at least 24 hours after getting a perm. This gives the chemicals time to set and prevents your hair from becoming too frizzy.
Second, avoid using products with alcohol or sulfates in them. These can dry out your hair and make it more difficult to style.
Finally, don’t tie your hair back too tightly. This can cause breakage and make your perm look less defined.
Can I Towel Dry Permed Hair?
Yes, you can towel dry permed hair, but it’s not recommended. Towel drying can cause frizz and can also lead to your perm getting damaged or not lasting as long as it should.
If you must towel dry your hair, be sure to use a soft, absorbent towel and blot your hair gently. You should also avoid rubbing your hair with the towel, as this can cause further damage.
How Often Should You Wash Your Permed Hair?
Washing your permed hair too often can strip away the natural oils that it needs to stay healthy and moisturized.
Try washing your permed hair every 3-4 days, or every other day if it gets very oily.
Whenever you do wash your permed hair, be sure to use a mild shampoo and conditioner that is designed for chemically treated hair.
Avoid using hot water, as this can further damage your already fragile locks.
In between washings, you can freshen up your permed hair with a dry shampoo or an oil-absorbing powder.
Can You Comb Your Hair After a Perm?
Yes, you can comb your hair after a perm. In fact, it’s important to comb your hair after a perm to help distribute the chemicals evenly and avoid damaging your hair.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to avoid damaging your hair.
- Start from the bottom and work your way up.
- Be gentle when combing to avoid breaking your hair.
Finally, don’t forget to use a conditioner after you comb out your perm. This will help keep your hair hydrated and healthy-looking.
How To Properly Take Care of Permed Hair – Final Thoughts
Now that you have new charming perms, you’ll need to take care of them to keep them looking their best.
Whilst the above products and styling tips on how to take care of permed hair would certainly help you lock in the curls for a long period without worrying about frizziness and dryness; you should always consult with your stylist.
The stylist that treated your hair knows exactly the texture and condition of your hair pre and post-treatment and will give you feedback on what your next styling steps are.
The bottom line is, sure, a perm is a great time saver when it comes to styling your hair.
Plus, you can count on your permed hair always looking effortlessly bouncy.
But maintenance is still extremely important, so don’t expect it to be a one-and-done kind of treatment.
Want an extra edge on your perms? Check out this 3-second hair ritual that brings back shiny, luscious hair fast!
