Can I get a perm with damaged hair?

Author: Luis Schroeder  |  Last update: Thursday, September 25, 2025

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.

Is my hair too damaged for a perm?

  • Assess Hair Health: If your hair is significantly damaged (e.g., from chemical treatments, heat styling, or environmental factors), it may not be suitable for a perm.
  • Consult a Professional: A hairstylist can assess the condition of your hair and determine whether it can handle a perm.

What hair cannot be permed?

Hair Type: Some hair types, particularly very coarse, thick, or resistant hair, may not hold a perm well. Fine or overly processed hair can also struggle to maintain curls.

What is the best perm for damaged hair?

BONPLEX® Cysteamine Thioglycolate perm solution offers a milder treatment suitable for damaged and severely damaged hair, reducing further harshness. It aims to minimize damage, preventing over-processing and weakening of the hair structure.

When shouldn't you get a perm?

Your hair has to be in a good condition in order for the curl to come out pretty.'' So if your hair has been treated and colored, or is extremely dry, it's probably best to skip the perm, or wait for your hair to regain it's good condition again.

I GOT A CURLY PERM AGAIN....

What would cause a perm not to take?

when hair is damaged and neglected, the hair bonds are generally broken. thus, hair will not have the elasticity and resilience to undergo digital (heat) perm. more often than not, the curls will turn out to be “lifeless” or even “fried”.

What I wish I knew before getting a perm?

5 Things to Know Before Getting a Perm
  • Perms work best on healthy hair. ...
  • There is a perm learning curve. ...
  • You can't just color your hair whenever you want. ...
  • You'll have to minimize exposure to water. ...
  • Consider your current haircut carefully.

How do you save damaged hair with a perm?

Nourish the lengths and ends with shampoos and products designed for dry hair in order to hydrate them as much as possible. You can also try keratin-based products. These penetrate the hair's fibre to regenerate the hair.” Oils are also a good option, as long as you're careful not to apply too much.

What does damaged hair look like?

1.HAIR LOOKS AND FEELS DRY AND BRITTLE

It's lacking in shine, it's permanently parched, and it's more difficult to style as a result. Hair strands can dry out for a whole raft of reasons, whether it's because of heat damage Opens in a new tab, bleach damage Opens in a new tab, or just simple genetics.

What is the least damaging perm?

If you're worried about hair damage or have fine, brittle hair, opt for Japanese airwave or cold perm, as they are the least damaging perm techniques across all types of perm. Both methods are quick and affordable to retain the look and subtlety of natural curls without the use of heat.

What ruins a perm?

Ongoing Perm Maintenance

Don't use products that contain parabens, sulphates, or alcohol as these can ruin your perm.

How do I prepare my hair for a perm?

Avoid Heat Styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools before perming to prevent additional stress on your hair. Prepare Your Hair: Use a clarifying shampoo a few days before the perm to remove any residue, but avoid heavy styling products right before the treatment.

What can I use instead of a perm?

Luckily, there are ways to get bouncy curls, soft waves, or gorgeous waves without causing any harm. If you've been wanting a head full of gorgeous curls without the damage, using rag curlers, foam curlers, a curling iron, or scrunching your hair could be the perfect options for you.

Will a perm make hair loss worse?

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.

How expensive is a perm?

If you have shorter hair, a perm can cost between $30 and $150. Short-hair perms are the least expensive because they take less time and product. For medium-length hair perms, you can expect to pay between $60 and $200; perms for long hair can range from $80 to $400.

Which is more damaging, perm or color?

Colored Hair

Although not as dangerous as perming overly bleached and highlighted hair, if your hair is colored, you may want to give more thought to a perm. It will be in your best interest to allow two to three weeks before and after your perm to color your hair.

Does damaged hair ever heal?

As we've noted, damaged hair repair isn't possible because the protein bonds and cuticles have been permanently altered. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining hair to prevent further damage. If your hair is severely damaged, the most extreme solution is to cut it off and start fresh.

How do you know if your hair is permanently damaged?

8 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Damaged
  1. 01 of 08. Hair Isn't Shiny or Bouncy. ...
  2. 02 of 08. You're Dealing with Breakage. ...
  3. 03 of 08. Ends are Thinned Out. ...
  4. 04 of 08. There's Lots of Tangling. ...
  5. 05 of 08. It's Not Growing. ...
  6. 06 of 08. Hair is Crunchy or Stiff When Wet. ...
  7. 07 of 08. Your Hair Feels Brittle. ...
  8. 08 of 08. It's Hard to Manage.

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.

When can I perm my hair again if I didn't get a perm?

If it is too curly, your stylist can relax it. If it is not curly enough, wait at least a week to redo it. If your hair is not in good enough condition to re-perm, you may have to trim your hair and wait until your hair is ready to perm again.

How to fix relaxer damaged hair?

How to Repair Hair After Relaxer Damage
  1. Wash with a Nourishing Shampoo. ...
  2. Apply a Sumptuous Conditioner. ...
  3. Repair with a Leave-In Treatment. ...
  4. Moisturize and Seal Dry Relaxed Hair. ...
  5. Detangle with a Wide-Tooth Comb. ...
  6. Avoid Blow-Drying Soaking Wet Hair. ...
  7. Use the Gentlest Hair Color Products. ...
  8. Sleep with Silk Pillowcases and Hair Wraps.

Who is not a good candidate for a perm?

People who already have curly, wavy or otherwise naturally textured hair are not going to be good candidates for perms. Exchanging once permanent curl for another, unfortunately, isn't what perms were designed for. They also probably aren't right for a perm if they have already had one or have had their hair relaxed.

Who should not get a perm?

But those with damaged, dry, chemically processed, and colored hair should proceed with caution when considering a perm. Otherwise, perms are a hairstyling hack for a range of benefits for your hair. From changing hair's texture to styling and adding volume and body, these are the pros of permed hair.

How do I know if my hair can handle a perm?

Perms work best on healthy, strong hair which hasn't been bleached, dyed, or chemically-treated. If you're concerned your hair may be too damaged to perm, speak to your stylist - they'll be able to give you the best advice.

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