Can you straighten a perm without damaging it?

Author: Adelle Leannon  |  Last update: Monday, November 17, 2025

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.

Can you straighten permed hair without ruining it?

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 long do I have to wait to straighten my hair after perm?

Please wait 2 weeks and see what you think of it first. Your hair may be pretty healthy now but when you start layering chemical service on top of chemical service you're going to have some stress issues with your hair. Give it a break, it's going to relax some over the next 2 weeks naturally.

Is a straightening perm damaging?

Perms can damage your hair over time. If you don't take care of your scalp health, you could get hair loss. Scalp health is important because once a hair follicle gets damaged, you can't grow new hair from that follicle. It's important to get perms only from a trusted salon.

Can you get a non-damaging perm?

New perms are less chemical-y which means they leave hair softer and less damaged. (The modern chemicals in REF's perms are protected information). But they are so much gentler that people can get their hair dyed or bleached and permed on the same day without any fear of breaking or even damaging their hair.

the Japanese secret, to long lasting hair straightening!!! Natural and effective keratin!

What is the healthiest type of perm?

All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins. Caring for the environment while caring for your hair will leave you feeling great and looking just as stunning with your Natural Perm look.

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.

Can a curling iron ruin a perm?

Your permed hair is more susceptible to heat damage, so being able to control the temperature is essential. We recommend starting with a lower heat setting (around 200-300°F) and gradually increasing it only if needed.

What is the least damaging hair straightening 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.

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.

How to permanently straighten hair without damage?

“A keratin treatment is considered to be the safest way to permanently straighten hair because it does not rely on harsh chemicals as relaxers and permanent waves do.” How Does It Work? A stylist applies a keratin-based product that includes a formaldehyde derivative to your washed hair.

Can you use a curling iron right after a perm?

Using too much heat on your hair.

Permed hair is more prone to heat damage than natural hair, so you should limit the use of hot tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. If you need to use heat on your hair, apply a heat protectant product beforehand and use the lowest temperature setting possible.

Will my perm go back if I straighten it?

Choose the right flat iron, if you want a sleek look.

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.

What can ruin a perm?

Don't expose your hair to too much heat. Avoid using curling irons, hair straighteners, and other heat styling tools as much as possible, as they can damage your perm. If you must use heat styling, be sure to use a heat protectant spray first. Don't wash your hair too often.

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 healthiest permanent straightening?

Keratin treatments might be your best bet, adding smoothness and manageability without excessive damage. Thick or curly hair, on the other hand, might handle stronger treatments like Japanese straightening better, which permanently straightens hair, giving you that sleek look for longer.

What is the least damaging hair straightening method?

Blow Dry + Smoothing Serum:

By far the least damaging to your locks than the rest of the list, this easy-to-do process removes water from hair via heat styling and resets it straight. “Make sure to use a heat protecting serum to help seal the hair, and use a lower heat setting while blow drying,” says Dr.

Is Japanese straight perm damaging?

While permanent hair straightening offers many benefits that make everyone's lives easier, it's not without its drawbacks. One potential downside is the risk of damage or breakage, especially if the treatment is not performed correctly or if the hair is already damaged or weakened.

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.

How to fix frizzy permed hair?

First, use an anti-frizz serum or oil on your damp hair to remove moisture and flatten the cuticle layer. You could also use a leave-in conditioner occasionally – if not regularly – to keep the frizz at bay. Finally, try your best not to touch your hair throughout the day; that will help keep frizz at bay.

What to do if my 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.

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.

How to sleep with permed hair?

Keeping your permed hair safe overnight might be the most difficult task yet. Regular cotton pillowcases can cause friction that damages your hair. Sleep on a satin pillowcase instead to give your hair the freedom to move without damage. You could tie your hair up in a loose bun, braids, or do the plop method.

What is a cold perm?

The cold perm is the traditional process used for most hair types, which applies an alkaline solution to dry hair wrapped around plastic rods to make it curl. On the other hand, a hot perm uses a similar process, but with an acidic solution and the addition of heat.

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