Can a perm permanently make your hair curly?

Author: Prof. Amir Mosciski PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Actually no. A perm, or permanent texture, isn't actually permanent. A good perm will last 3-6 months, depending on the length and texture of your hair. So the good news is, if you don't like it, it will grow out, and the curls will loosen over time.

Can your hair grow curly after a perm?

You don't have to worry about perms; curls are formed by the shape of your hair follicle, and perms can't change that. Some people start growing curlier or straighter hair during different phases of their life. It happened to me after I had my babies.

Can a perm bring back natural curls?

Yes, perming just the nape will help give you a more uniform curl in that section but it will be a temporary fix. You'll probably get 4 to 6 months (depending on how quickly your hair grows) where the straight regrowth from your roots start to be noticeable again.

Will my hair ever be straight again after a perm?

Unfortunately you can't reverse a perm. It has chemically altered your hair. If your try to permanently straighten it with chemicals it will damage it. You just have to let it grow out and the curls will loosen over time.

Can a perm become natural?

No, the appearence of your natural hair fibers is determined genetically and it cannot be changed by anything you apply on the scalp, to already grown hair. If your hair is naturally wavy, your new hair will always grow wavy.

The Truth About Perming Your Hair!

Can a perm permanently curl your hair?

The perm works on a molecular level, where chemicals react with your hair's proteins and bond to form the curl. Perms work by permanently waving your hair through shape memory. Though the name suggests these waves will last forever, they're temporary.

Are perms still a thing in 2025?

As we step into 2025, the world of hairstyling is witnessing a resurgence of perms, with modern twists that cater to diverse hair types and personal styles. At Charles Ifergan Salons, our expert stylists are embracing this trend, offering a variety of perm styles designed to enhance texture, volume, and individuality.

Can permed hair go back to normal?

For most people, perm curls fall out within three to six months, reverting to your normal hair texture.

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 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.

How to make your hair naturally curly permanently?

Is it possible to make my hair naturally curly permanently? While permanently changing your hair's natural texture is impossible, it is good to know that you can enhance your curls using regular deep conditioning treatments.

How damaging is a perm?

When done correctly and by a professional, with your specific hair type in mind, perms are relatively safe for the health of your hair. But those with damaged, dry, chemically processed, and colored hair should proceed with caution when considering a perm.

Can straight hair turn curly permanently?

Can you make straight hair curly permanently? A perm can give you long-lasting curls, but remember that this is a chemical treatment that can damage your hair if not done correctly.

Will a perm help my natural curls come back?

Not only this they are also great for people with naturally wavy or curly hair whose curl pattern may have dropped over the years. Perms can be used to refresh your natural curls and help add the bounce back in.

Can hair get curlier with age?

If you have straight hair, your hair may become slightly curlier as you age. This is because the shape of hair follicles changes over time.

Is curly hair rare?

According to Curlkeeper, less than 20% of people have curly hair, making it a rare hair type. However, curly hair comes in all kinds of different styles starting with super coiled curls to slightly wavy. Curly hair requires work to maintain and take care of it, making it hard for some to stick to the routine.

What do you avoid for Curly Girl Method?

For hair care products to be considered as Curly Girl-friendly is their ingredients to avoid in the INCI list of the hair care products. A Curly Girl-friendly hair care product must not contain sulfates, silicone, drying alcohol, parabens, and certain waxes and mineral oils.

Can a perm permanently change your hair type?

Actually no. A perm, or permanent texture, isn't actually permanent. A good perm will last 3-6 months, depending on the length and texture of your hair. So the good news is, if you don't like it, it will grow out, and the curls will loosen over time.

What to do if you hate your perm?

If you are unhappy with your perm service, go back to your stylist and discuss the alternatives. If it is too curly, your stylist can relax it. If it is not curly enough, wait at least a week to redo it.

What is Korean perm?

First, while traditional perms usually involve using chemical solutions as part of a “cold perming” technique, Korean perms involve the use of specially formulated solutions that help to carefully restructure the shape of your hair, creating a more subtle appearance, while minimizing hair damage.

Do Gen Z get perms?

What's old is new again, when it comes to hair. But it turns out that Gen Z boys are the ones embracing the perm this time around. Their parents or grandparents may remember back when the tight, coily perms were popular for women back in the 1980s and early 90s.

Why do hairdressers not do perms anymore?

“Perming doesn't get taught to hairstylists like it did in the 80s, so the technique has kind of died out a bit,” says Hersheson. “It's really important that the person you go to understands perms. You also need someone who will tell you not to have it done if your hair isn't in the right condition.

What hair part is in 2025?

Side Parts

Don't worry if you've already trained your side part to finally be in the middle. Middle parts will continue to also be part of the hair trends in 2025. For those of you embracing the side part, it pairs perfectly with the aforementioned 90s blowout for an effortless vibe.

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