Can you wash your perm if you don't like it?

Author: Jaquelin Hoeger  |  Last update: Friday, November 14, 2025

Don't wash your hair for 48-72 hours after a perm . During that time your perm is still technically forming and can be ruined or relax if you decide to wash it within that time frame.

What do I do if I don't like my 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...

What happens if you wash a new perm?

Washing your hair after a perm: If you wash your hair after getting a perm, the curls may loosen, but your hair will not fully return to its original state. You may still have a loose curl for some time until the perm fully grows out of your hair (2).

Can I wash my perm to loosen it?

Washing your hair after a perm will not loosen curls. If you want to loosen a fresh perm, work perm solution through wet hair for several minutes. When the curl is relaxed enough, rinse and shampoo Although most people still wait 2 or 3 days befor...

How to fix a perm that is too curly?

If a perm is too curly, get rid of the perm by shampooing the hair, applying a heavy conditioner and using a chemical straightener. Discover how hair salons can get rid of perms with this free video from an experienced hairdresser. Expert: Amelia Smith Bio: Amelia Smith has been styling all types of hair for more than.

Why you will never get ‘That Hair’. (I tried for 10 years, brutally honest)

Does showering loosen a perm?

Avoid washing your hair for the first 48 to 72 hours.

Water can deactivate your perm and make the curls fall apart. Make sure to keep your hair as dry as possible, especially if it's raining or snowing outside. Ask your stylist how long you should wait until washing your hair.

How to make curls looser?

Curling your hair in alternating directions will make your curls look more natural. It will also help to prevent your curls from clumping together, providing a softer, more bouncy look. The larger and thicker the strands of hair you wrap around your curling iron, the looser your curls will be.

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).

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.

Can you brush out a perm?

Post perm care

evaporates and the condensation contains chemicals that will go absorb into your hair shaft. Do not brush or pull hair for 24-48 hours.

How long does it take for a perm to relax?

Week 1-2: Your curls are at their tightest and most defined. Month 1-2: The curls begin to relax slightly but maintain their shape. Month 3-4: You may notice your curls loosening further. Month 5-6: For many, this is when the perm starts to fade noticeably.

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.

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.

Will I regret getting a perm?

Perm Results Can Be Unpredictable

You might end up with a different curl pattern than you expected or hair that is too curly or not curly enough. This unpredictability can lead to dissatisfaction with the results and make you regret getting the perm in the first place.

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.

What happens if you wash a perm too soon?

Washing your hair too soon can interfere with this stabilising process. Disturbing the Curls: The initial days after a perm are important. The curls are still settling and aggressive washing can pull and stretch them, leading to an uneven finish.

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 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 neutralizes a perm?

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

What to do if a 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!

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 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 do I relax my curls?

HOW TO MAKE TIGHT CURLS LOOSER
  1. Start with the Right Shampoo and Conditioner. ...
  2. Deep Condition Regularly. ...
  3. Detangle Gently with a Wide-Tooth Comb. ...
  4. Apply a Lightweight Curl Defining Cream. ...
  5. Use a Diffuser on a Low Heat Setting. ...
  6. Sleep on a Silk or Satin Pillowcase. ...
  7. Refresh Your Curls with a Hydrating Mist.

Is my hair 3a or 3b?

Type 3a hair has loosely curled strands that are s shaped, whereas type 3b and 3c are both tighter and springier. Type 3a hair tends to have fine to medium strands, we can be delicate and dry and can suffer from breakage. If you're unsure whether your strands are 3a, 3b, or 3c, an easy test is the curl size test.

Can curls get looser over time?

Over time, those with curly hair may notice looser curls or new curl patterns. If you have coily hair, it's possible for it to become frizzier as you age.

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