Do perms ruin natural curls?

Author: Prof. Paris Bednar  |  Last update: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Do perms damage your hair? Contrary to popular belief, Bates says, a perm won't completely fry your mane—that is, as long as it's done the right way! “Any chemical services performed improperly can cause hair damage, but we now have pre and post-treatments to help strengthen and protect the hair,” Bates says.

Will a perm damage your naturally curly hair?

Hello.... Personally, I wouldn't recommend it. Perming hair that is already permed or naturally curly can create problems to the health of the hair.It can cause excessive damage to the hair and lead to breakage or hair loss. Overprocessing the hair can also result in an uneven or undesirable texture.

Will a perm bring back my natural curls?

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.

Is a perm good for natural hair?

If you want to switch things up, and are committed to the maintenance, a perm or relaxer might be a great choice for you. Be sure that your hair is healthy and unbleached before going through the process, as it could damage your hair further. It's important to remember that you don't need to alter your natural curls.

Will hair go 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.

The Truth About Perming Your Hair!

Can your hair stay permanently curly after a perm?

A perm, or permanent texture, isn't actually permanent. A good perm will last 3-6 months, depending on the length and texture of your hair. So the good news is, if you don't like it, it will grow out, and the curls will loosen over time.

How badly does a perm damage 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.

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.

How long does a perm last on natural hair?

A traditional perm that produces a uniform curl pattern can last 3-6 months, depending on how fast your hair grows and how you treat it. The same goes for a spiral perm, the only difference between the two is the variety of curl sizes or lengths with the spiral.

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.

Why are my curls falling out after a perm?

Don't wash your hair for 72 hours after a perm — Water can make your curls fall out, so avoid washing your hair (or getting it wet in any way) for at least three days (or five if your hair can handle it).

What does a perm do to straight hair?

The term 'perm' is short for 'permanent hairstyle', and this hairstyling technique uses chemicals to give straight hair curls, ringlets or waves. Modern perming techniques are more semi-permanent, depending on how well you take care of your hair after the perming process and how fast your hair grows.

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

Let's break it all down with 10 transitioning hair tips.
  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.

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.

Will a perm restore my curls?

Not only this they are also great for people with naturally wavy or curly hair whose curl pattern may have dropped over the years. Perms can be used to refresh your natural curls and help add the bounce back in.

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.

What is the difference between a perm and a spiral perm?

Basic Perms offer versatile curl patterns, while Spiral Perms deliver more distinctive ringlet curls. Lifestyle and Maintenance Requirements: Spiral Perms may require more attention and maintenance than Basic Perms. Reflect on your daily routine, lifestyle, and desire for upkeep when making a choice.

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.

What not to do after a 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.

Should I get a perm if I have naturally curly hair?

The only thing that matters is your hair's porosity and elasticity, which determine how well your curls will hold. So whether you have thick, curly hair or fine, wavy hair—or even just want some help maintaining your natural curls—perms are for you.

What is the best perm for natural-looking curls?

Multi-textured perm

This style is a great way to create natural-looking curls that vary in texture. Like a stack perm, your stylist can use different-sized rods and rolls to create a combination of tight and loose curls.

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.

What destroys a perm?

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

Can you get a perm without ruining your hair?

When done correctly and by a professional, with your specific hair type in mind, perms are relatively safe for the health of your hair. But those with damaged, dry, chemically processed, and colored hair should proceed with caution when considering a perm.

Does perm cause hair thinning?

However, when performed by an experienced professional, your perm shouldn't cause hair loss or damage your hair in any way. Unfortunately, when not performed correctly, the harsh chemicals used for a perm can damage your hair and possibly lead to thinning hair or hair loss.

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