Are perm chemicals bad for you?

Author: Efrain Rogahn Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Health problems that may be caused by chemicals in permanent waving solutions include: Central nervous system effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, restlessness. Nose and throat irritation: Runny nose, scratchy throat, burning, itching.

Do perms have harmful chemicals?

The most commonly used chemical in perms is ammonium thioglycolate. But most of the potential hair damage from getting a perm also happens because of this ingredient. If you have thin or fragile hair, gentler perms that are acid-balanced and use glyceryl monothioglycolate may be better options.

Why you shouldn't get a perm?

Perm weakens the hair dramatically, and makes the effects of other harmful elements such as dye and heat 10x greater. The weakening of the hair follicles then leads to split ends. Perm also destroys the volume of your hair, making it thin. Perming your hair over time causes your hair to fall out.

How does a perm affect the brain?

It has been reported that PERM acts on glia and neurons, decreases neurogenesis and causes a partial loss of neurons and mild inflammation. It increases proinflammatory cytokines, mainly Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and contributes to neuroinflammation underlying several neurodegenerative diseases.

How many times a year is it safe to get a perm?

We'd recommend waiting 8-10 months between each perm to give your hair a chance to recover. Ideally, you should only be perming your hair 1-2 times a year.

The Truth About Perming Your Hair!

What is the least damaging perm?

Cold perms, also known as acid perms, are often considered gentler on the hair compared to traditional heat-based methods. The process uses a milder acidic solution, which is less damaging to the hair's structure.

Can permed hair still be healthy?

Your hair may still look healthy after one, two, or even more perm treatments. But because the effects accumulate, you will do more harm to your hair with each perm treatment you get.

What is perm syndrome?

Introduction. Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) is a severe syndrome that presents with autonomic features, hyperekplexia (brainstem myoclonus or excessive startle), painful spasms and breathing problems [Carvajal-Gonzalez et al. 2014].

Is there a chemical free perm?

A Natural Perm is a modern, healthy way to prevent any hair- and scalp-related problems from occurring. All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins.

What hair cannot be permed?

Tip 1 - Bleached/Pre Lightened hair cannot be permed

Thus before each color, always be sure to ask your stylist what goes into your hair. Inform your stylist that you intend to perm your hair in the near future, thus your hair cannot be bleached or pre lightened.

What is Japanese perm?

Japanese digital perm is widely popular in and out of Japan as it offers more defined curls where heat is used. The heat is activated on dry hair to break down the hair molecules, only to have it rebuilt by mimicking the shape of the curling rods in the hair.

Does perm cause hair thinning?

However, when performed by an experienced professional, your perm shouldn't cause hair loss or damage your hair in any way. Unfortunately, when not performed correctly, the harsh chemicals used for a perm can damage your hair and possibly lead to thinning hair or hair loss.

Why you should not perm your hair?

"Over-bleached hair, highlighted hair, over-colored hair, and porous hair types should not get a perm," says James, "as the hair will disintegrate." While frizz can be smoothed with product, it can also be a sign of serious breakage caused by frayed cuticles.

How to remove perm from hair naturally?

If you want to undo the results of a perm, or relax a perm, wash your hair with Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair, and to help relax your curls. Apply a deep conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment, cover your curls with a shower cap, and leave on for several hours.

What is a Korean root perm?

The biggest difference is that while other perms focus on all of your hair, from root to tip, a root perm is concentrated on the roots alone. It won't change the shape of the rest of your hair, so you can still maintain your natural waves, curls, or pin-straight style.

What can I do instead of a perm?

For tight and bouncy curls, use either a 3/8" or 5/8" curling iron. These sized curling irons will give you tight spiral curls that will beautifully mimic the look of a perm. For springy, bouncy curls that are larger near your scalp and tighter near the ends, use a curling wand.

What is the curly girl method?

Here's how to do the Curly Girl Method step-by-step.
  • Step 0: Reset Wash. First up, do a reset cleanse to remove product build-up from your strands. ...
  • Step 1: Cleanse. Wash your hair with a co-wash conditioner or a sulfate-free, low-poo shampoo. ...
  • Step 2: Condition & Detangle. ...
  • Step 3: Style. ...
  • Step 4: Plop. ...
  • Step 5: Repeat.

What is the most natural perm?

What's the most natural-looking perm? The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.

Does perm affect the brain?

Health problems that may be caused by chemicals in permanent waving solutions include: Central nervous system effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, restlessness.

What is Ophelia's syndrome?

Ophelia's syndrome is the association of Hodgkin's Lymphoma and memory loss, coined by Dr. Carr in 1982, while it's most remembered for the eponym in reminiscence of Shakespeare's character, Dr. Carr he prefigured neuronal autoantibodies at least 4 years before the first association with limbic encephalitis.

What is a reverse perm?

The straight perm (or reverse perm) is a Japanese type of hot perm that applies heat (usually with a flat iron) and chemicals to straighten hair. The results are long-lasting, which is why some people choose this option instead of other hair straightening techniques.

Is it bad to get a perm every 3 months?

The normal time period between perms is three to four months for short to medium-length hair as long as hair is trimmed or cut two or three times within this period. Your stylist can help you make this decision.

How to get curly hair without a perm?

From foam rollers and rag rollers to braids, buns, and pin curling, there are plenty of no-heat methods for creating curls. To enhance curls and ensure the style lasts longer, gently work in a curl-defining gel, spray, or mousse before rolling or pinning small sections of your hair into coils, buns, rags, or rollers.

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