Do perms make your hair thinner?

Author: Marty Davis  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Perms can also cause significant hair breakage. While this isn't true hair loss — your hair snaps off mid-strand, rather than coming loose at the root — it still makes your hair look thin and frail.

Can perms cause hair thinning?

While perming is very drying on the hair and can affect its quality, it will not usually cause hair loss. It can, however, result in bald patches if the chemicals and heat used for the perm burn the scalp. Go to my Profile and you can find all Hair Loss Treatments material there...

Will perms ruin your hair?

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.

Does your hair grow back to normal after a perm?

Perms permanently change the hair. It will loosen a little with time. The hair will grow as before. You can't revert to what it was before.

How damaging is a perm to thin hair?

Perming thin hair can be risky as the chemicals involved can further weaken the hair shaft, leading to breakage and damage. However, if done carefully by a professional stylist using gentle formulas and techniques, it's possible to achieve voluminous curls without compromising hair health.

Permanent Beach Waves Tutorial

What is the healthiest 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.

What hair cannot be permed?

Tip 1 - Bleached/Pre Lightened hair cannot be permed

Thus before each color, always be sure to ask your stylist what goes into your hair. Inform your stylist that you intend to perm your hair in the near future, thus your hair cannot be bleached or pre lightened.

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 often should you perm your hair?

Modern perming methods and solutions are far less damaging than their 1980s counterparts, but they still can be damaging if you overdo it. We'd recommend waiting 8-10 months between each perm to give your hair a chance to recover. Ideally, you should only be perming your hair 1-2 times a year.

Will my hair ever be straight again after a perm?

Perming hair is a complicated chemical process, and curling hair is permanent and won't be straightened by washing. But the perm will definitely increase the curl, but it's not as if the hair will grow and become straight after a few washes.

Why you should not perm your hair?

"Over-bleached hair, highlighted hair, over-colored hair, and porous hair types should not get a perm," says James, "as the hair will disintegrate." While frizz can be smoothed with product, it can also be a sign of serious breakage caused by frayed cuticles.

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.

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 are the side effects of a perm?

Skin and eye burns. Skin irritation and dermatitis. Severe irritation of mouth, throat, and stomach if swallowed. Not all perm solutions contain these chemicals, and some may contain harmful chemicals not listed above.

Will a perm make thinning hair look thicker?

Moreover, perms can also impact the volume and body of thin hair. While perms can add texture and create the illusion of thicker hair, it's crucial to note that the process involves chemicals that can make the hair more porous.

What shampoo for permed hair?

Other options to consider(121)
  • Pert 2-in-1 Complete Clean Shampoo & Conditioner, for All Hair Types, 15.6 fl oz. ...
  • Pert 2-in-1 Complete Clean Shampoo and Conditioner, For Clean Manageable Hair, 33.8 fl oz. ...
  • L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Pre Shampoo Treatment, for All Hair Types, 5.1 fl oz.

What is the most natural looking perm?

The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.

What is Japanese perm?

The Japanese Digital Perm. This technique creates distinct and well-defined curls, making a noticeable change to your hair's texture. It's perfect for those seeking a more dramatic transformation. The key difference is that Japanese digital perms use lower temperatures, resulting in less hair damage.

What not to do after perm?

Post perm care
  1. Wait 48-72 hours before shampooing your hair. ...
  2. Do not stand under a shower head for 48 hours. ...
  3. Avoid getting into a swimming pool or hot tub for 7 days. ...
  4. Do not brush or pull hair for 24-48 hours. ...
  5. Do not use a flat iron, curling iron or blow dryer for 48 hours. ...
  6. Avoid coloring your hair for 3 to 7 days.

Can you get your hair back to normal after perm?

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

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.

What destroys a perm?

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

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.

Can you put your hair in a ponytail with a perm?

Instead air dry or use a diffuser with a cool setting. Avoid using comb through your hair in the first 48 hours. Instead use your fingers to comb through your hair and then comb with a wide toothed comb. Do not tie your hair into a ponytail or a bun.

Why you should not get a perm?

The chemicals used in perms can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased frizz. Without proper hydration and care, the hair can become more difficult to manage, losing its natural shine and suppleness.

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