Can you redo a bad perm?

Author: Laura Denesik MD  |  Last update: Monday, October 6, 2025

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.

Can you re-perm a bad 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.

How to fix a bad perm?

The quickest way to get rid of a bad perm is to go back to the stylist who gave you the perm and ask for the perm to be reversed. You could go to a beauty school and request the perm be reversed. If the perm has damaged your hair, then perhaps it would be wise to cut the hair off. If t...

Can I perm my hair a second time?

Yes, you can get a re-perm, even if your hair has permed bits. Just think about it, someone with long hair isn't not gonna wait years till all their permed hair grows out before a re-perm.

How can I make my perm straight again?

If you just want to temporarily remove your perm, a flat iron is the best route. It will not permanently remove the perm, but will allow your hair to temporarily straighten. Make sure you select the right flat iron for your hair type. If you have short, thick, or fine hair look for an iron with narrow plates.

PART 1: HOW I FIXED EXTREMELY DAMAGED HAIR

Is it OK to straighten a perm?

Permed Curlies have been warned, "When hair undergoes a perming process, its natural structure gets altered. Adding heat to the equation can further destabilise it." The direct impact of heat on the hair shaft, especially on already processed hair, can lead to severe damage.

How to revitalize a perm?

After your perm, your hair is fragile and is more prone to breakage, so avoid heat tools whenever possible. Instead, try using steam to your benefit. Wrap your hair in a few rollers and put on a shower cap. Then, get in the shower and let the steam from the warm water reactivate your curls.

Can you touch up a perm?

Virgin, unprocessed hair will 'hold' its perm pattern longer than thinner, drier hair which has been chemically-treated before. If you want to re-do your perm, your stylist will give you a root perm touch-up to keep your hair texture looking uniform.

How long should you wait to redo a perm?

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.

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 if my perm looks bad?

botched perms can be rectified via a re-perm or relaxer service, only if the hair is not badly damaged. any re-worked has to be technically precise and this requires a lot of experience and knowledge. there are no room for errors!

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 to do with over-processed permed hair?

Use a Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner

There is no question that over-processed hair needs all the TLC it can get. Why not try out a nourishing shampoo and conditioner? After all, nothing beats a system that's formulated to seal in moisture and improve the overall look and feel of your hair.

How do you reverse a bad perm?

Frequent micro trims will speed up this process, in addition to using a deep conditioning mask once a week to weigh down curls. If you want a more immediate solution, go back to your salon and ask for a creme perm to be applied over the permed outgrowth (to help “reverse” your perm).

What to do if you regret a perm?

Use professional treatments like a deep conditioner to decrease frizziness or a waving lotion to straighten your hair out. Many home remedies also help with bad perms, like applying a canola oil treatment or coconut oil mask. Alternatively, talk to your stylist about getting a different haircut or re-perming your hair.

Does conditioner undo a perm?

After shampooing, it is very important that you condition your hair. It is a myth that conditioner will relax and ruin your perm.

What if I don't like my 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.

Can a perm go back to normal?

Will my hair go back to normal after a perm? For most people, perm curls fall out within three to six months, reverting to your normal hair texture. You may find that the perm has made your hair frizzier or drier than before.

What happens to a perm if you wash it too soon?

When you wash your hair after getting a perm, if it is done too soon you risk your perm falling out and losing all the money and time put into perming your hair. After the initial perm, your hair needs time to rest and the chemicals need time to set.

How to refresh perm curls?

The Refresh Method
  1. Fill an empty spritz bottle with water and spritz all over the hair. You can do this in sections if you find this easier. ...
  2. Dispense some Enhancing Curl Gel in your hands, and rub together. ...
  3. Scrunch dry with the Curly Towel, then diffuse or air dry.

Can you mess up a perm?

You should also avoid heavy workouts or showering without a cap to protect your curls. Once you've made it through the first 2 days, you should steer clear of chlorine, heat styling, and products with alcohol in them to make your perm last longer. Humidity can cause frizz, ruining your new perm.

What to do if perm is too curly?

First, condition hair immediately, then blow-dry hair using a large round brush. You may also need to set hair on large rollers. If your perm is still too curly, ask you stylist about a curl reducing service. Never use chemical straighteners or relaxers on permed hair because they could damage it.

How do you recover from a bad perm?

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.

What neutralizes a perm?

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

What happens if I perm my hair twice?

Perming your hair the first time usually isn't the problem, it's perming multiple times over already damaged hair. You may notice that your hair becomes drier and frizzier as you get more perms.

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