Can my hair go back to normal after a perm?

Author: Wyatt Littel  |  Last update: Monday, June 16, 2025

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

Does permed hair ever go back to normal?

In short, no. A perm (which is short for “permanent”) is a harsh chemical process to change the texture of one's hair. Permed hair can be removed but not reverted to its original texture besides temporarily, through flat-ironing or blow-drying. If...

Can my hair recover from a perm?

Yes, it'll grow back as it was before. Perms can only affect the hair the chemicals touch, not the hair that hasn't grown yet.

How do I get my natural hair back after a perm?

Restoring hair after a bad perm involves patience and proper care. Start by trimming damaged ends, then nourish your hair with deep conditioning treatments and avoid heat styling. Consider using products formulated to repair and strengthen hair. Additionally, consult with a professional stylist for personalized advice.

Can a hair perm be reversed?

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.

The Truth About Transitioning From Relaxed to Natural Hair

What do I do if I don't like my 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 a reverse perm called?

Straight perm

This last style is for those who already have curly hair naturally or through a perm and want to reverse the process. 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.

How do I get my straight hair back after a perm?

Steps
  1. Wash your hair. Choose a smoothing conditioner and a gentle shampoo. ...
  2. Apply a straightening product. Choose a product that works for your hair type. ...
  3. Dry your hair for a blown-out look. ...
  4. Choose the right flat iron, if you want a sleek look. ...
  5. Find the appropriate heat setting. ...
  6. Straighten your hair.

Can I pull my hair back after a perm?

Post perm care

Do not brush or pull hair for 24-48 hours. Use a wide tooth comb or pick to untangle your hair. relax your curl. Use a towel scrunching method to dry your locks.

What neutralizes a perm?

Neutralizer: a neutralising liquid for perms, containing hydrogen peroxide to restructure and strengthen the hair's bonds.

Will hair loss from perm grow back?

Since perming is inherently a drying process, if done so incorrectly can result in damage to the strands of hair making them weak and brittle. This causes the strands to break, leaving thinning or bald patches. The good news is that this type of hair loss is temporary, and new strands will grow back in time.

Will my perm loosen up after I wash it?

It's highly recommended that you wait three days before washing your hair. And try not to get caught in the rain! Not washing your hair will keep water from deactivating the perm and making the curls fall apart. Remember if you go swimming to always wear a cap.

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.

Is my hair permanently damaged after a perm?

Hair perming involves breaking the cysteine bonds in your hair using this thioglycolic acid. The cysteine bond is what gives your hair its structure. It therefore needs to be undone in order to achieve the new shape. “If the product is left on for too long it can cause these bonds to break permanently.

Will my hair ever be the same after a perm?

Perms work by permanently waving your hair through shape memory. Though the name suggests these waves will last forever, they're temporary. Perms can damage your hair over time. If you don't take care of your scalp health, you could get hair loss.

How do you restore permed hair?

Steps
  1. Buy products that include nourishing ingredients like argan oil and glycerin. ...
  2. Shampoo your hair with a hydrating product that doesn't contain sulfates. ...
  3. Use conditioner after you shampoo to hydrate and repair your hair. ...
  4. Work leave-in conditioner into your hair to give it long-lasting moisture.

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.

How long does it take to reverse a perm?

Most perm formulas need 28 hours to neutralize, which is why stylists typically recommend waiting 48 hours before shampooing. 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.

Why did my perm go away so fast?

Continuously subjecting a perm to activities like swimming, frequent shampooing or wet weather will damage the longevity of your perm. Getting it wet opens your hair's cuticle, releasing the chemicals used to set the perm.

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.

How can I get my permed hair back naturally?

How To Transition To Natural Hair
  1. Be patient. ...
  2. Cut when necessary. ...
  3. Deep condition often. ...
  4. Plan out your protective styles. ...
  5. Cut back on heat styling. ...
  6. Don't stress the shedding. ...
  7. Avoid drying ingredients. ...
  8. Focus on scalp health.

How much do perms cost?

At Kimage Salon, a digital perm by Senior Stylists ranges from $230 to $290, while a digital perm by Junior Stylists costs between $140 and $180.

How to get back normal hair after permanent straightening?

Some Additional Tips:
  1. Intensive moisturizing and protein treatments are essential to managing the damaged hair.
  2. Try the L.O.C. ...
  3. Try a silk wrap or pillowcase to avoid friction.
  4. Get regular trims until all the chemically straightened ends are gone.

What is the least damaging hair treatment?

Brazilian straightening is the least damaging hair straightening method thanks to the use of keratin and gentle formulas that respect the natural structure of the hair. By offering long-lasting results and improving the overall health of the hair, Brazilian straightening stands out from other straightening techniques.

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