Do perms still stink?

Author: Prof. Marta Mayert  |  Last update: Thursday, December 25, 2025

Perms change the structure of your hair by a chemical process, and those chemicals can leave a strong smell in your hair that can sometimes last for several days or weeks. Some hair rinses can help lift the smell from your hair and other products can help disguise the scent while the chemical odor fades.

Do perms still smell bad?

Depending on the kind of perm and your individual skin chemistry, the smell of a perm (and how long it smells) varies. In my experience, I don't think it would last longer than a week, but that may depend on how often you wash your hair. It will go away, it just may take a little more time.

Is there a perm solution that doesn't smell?

Final answer: The perm product with the least strong odor compared to others is the Acid perm, due to its lower pH and the use of glyceryl monothioglycolate which emits a milder scent.

How to remove relaxer smell from hair?

Unfortunately, while your hair is being relaxed you can't avoid the odor. However, after relaxing hair, shampooing well with a good neutralizing shampoo, like Isoplus Neutralizing Shampoo, will help remove the odor.

How do you freshen a perm?

Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to damp hair after washing. This can help define curls and reduce frizz. Avoid Heat Styling: Minimize heat styling tools, as they can damage permed hair and contribute to frizz.

Getting A Perm

How do I make my perm smell less?

Acidic Milk Rinse after a perm service actually masks the harsh smell of the alkaline perm formula. The Milk Rinse is applied after the neutralizer is rinsed from the hair. Not only does it eliminate the odor, it leaves your hair stronger and shinier.

How long does it take for a perm to stop smelling?

Perms change the structure of your hair by a chemical process, and those chemicals can leave a strong smell in your hair that can sometimes last for several days or weeks. Some hair rinses can help lift the smell from your hair and other products can help disguise the scent while the chemical odor fades.

How long does a perm last?

A perm typically lasts three to six months, depending on the type of perm you get, your hair type and how well you take care of it. 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.

How do you get rid of stinky hair smell?

Care and Treatment
  1. Change your hair care products: Try “clarifying” shampoo designed to prevent the buildup of hair products. ...
  2. Track your diet: See if cutting out certain foods causes your scalp to smell less. ...
  3. Wash your hair more or less often: Look for a balance between keeping your hair clean and removing excess oils.

Is down perm worth it?

A down perm is a fantastic hair treatment that makes your hair smooth and easy to manage. Scientifically, it involves using a special serum that changes how the keratin protein bonds in your hair are combined. It's like a magical potion that transforms your hair structure over time.

Is there a healthy perm option?

A Natural Perm is a modern, healthy way to prevent any hair- and scalp-related problems from occurring. All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins.

What makes a perm not last?

when hair is damaged and neglected, the hair bonds are generally broken. thus, hair will not have the elasticity and resilience to undergo digital (heat) perm. more often than not, the curls will turn out to be “lifeless” or even “fried”.

What is a no rinse perm?

The original patented technology

Prevents aching necks: there is no need to rinse the hair after the perm solution, customers can sit upright in the salon chair rather than sitting at the basin. Ideal for less mobile customers.

When should you not perm your hair?

Similarly, if your hair is already very dry or breakage prone because of frequent heat-styling, a dry climate, your genetics, or even illness, this may not be the best time to think about perming your hair. The best time to have a perm—rather, when the perm is most successful—is when you have healthy hair.

What shampoo gets rid of perm smell?

Pantresse Shampoo Locks In the Curl Pattern and Eliminates Your Hair's Perm Odor, Leaving Your Hair Smelling as Good as it Looks!

Which perm would be considered a low odor perm?

I have noticed that Acid Perms leave less odor and it fades faster but these may not be the right type for your hair or desired curl level.

Why does my hair smell bad after 1 day?

Sweaty hair

Sweat is perhaps the primary culprit if your scalp smells bad! If you work out frequently and rely solely on your dry shampoo to get rid of the oil and other gunk, your hair might start smelling bad in a few days.

Why does my hair smell like a wet dog after going outside?

The oil and damp hair traps in dirt, pollutants, smoke, and many different odours from the environment – making your head a hotspot for foul smell. There are other chemical reasons too – maybe some hormonal imbalance is causing the odour.

How to remove odor from hair without washing?

Choose Your Oils: Lavender, rosemary, or peppermint oils are great options. They not only smell fantastic but can also promote scalp health. Dilution is Key: Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil or water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your hair, focusing on the roots, and enjoy the fresh scent.

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 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 disadvantages of perming 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.

Do perms eventually wash out?

A permanent wave – or perm for short – is a chemical procedure that makes your hair curly. Waves and curls that are set into the hair can last for months – as long as your home care routine meets the recommendations!

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.

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