Does a perm grow out or wash out?

Author: Valentin Denesik  |  Last update: Monday, August 25, 2025

On average, perms can last between 3-6 months, depending on the starting condition of your hair, how you treat it after it's permed, and how quickly your hair grows out. Virgin, unprocessed hair will 'hold' its perm pattern longer than thinner, drier hair which has been chemically-treated before.

Do perms grow out or fall out?

as far as perms go, they are permanent hence the name, or at least until your hair starts to grow out. so straightening and washing your hair will not make it go back to ``normal''.

Does permed hair ever go back to normal?

In short, no. A perm (which is short for “permanent”) is a harsh chemical process to change the texture of one's hair. Permed hair can be removed but not reverted to its original texture besides temporarily, through flat-ironing or blow-drying. If...

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 long does it take for perm to loosen?

Are permanent waves actually permanent? Yes, the are, until the hair grows (at the rate of 1/2 inch per month, on average). Remember, however, that perms usually loosen up to 25% within the first two weeks after a perm with shampooing and ordinary attention.

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How to grow out a perm?

Trim 12–1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) off your ends every 4-6 weeks. If you like the length of your hair and don't want to chop it all off to get rid of your perm, practice patience and cut off just a bit every month. This way, you'll progressively cut off your permed hair without sacrificing length.

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.

Will my hair ever be the same after a perm?

Perms work by permanently waving your hair through shape memory. Though the name suggests these waves will last forever, they're temporary. Perms can damage your hair over time. If you don't take care of your scalp health, you could get hair loss.

Is my hair permanently damaged after a perm?

Hair perming involves breaking the cysteine bonds in your hair using this thioglycolic acid. The cysteine bond is what gives your hair its structure. It therefore needs to be undone in order to achieve the new shape. “If the product is left on for too long it can cause these bonds to break permanently.

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 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.

Does hair get thinner after a perm?

Perming may also lead to thinning hair as a result of breakage along the shaft rather than hair fall from the follicle. Because it is a drying treatment, perms can impair the strength of the hair shaft, leaving it weak, brittle and prone to breakage.

Does a perm go away when your hair grows out?

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 to do if 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.

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.

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.

Do perms ruin natural curls?

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.

Why did my perm go away so fast?

Usage of The Wrong Conditioner/Shampoo

An example of an inappropriate shampoo is clarifying shampoo. Although clarifying shampoos are excellent for removing product buildup from natural hair, they are too harsh for freshly permed hair and cause the curls to give way too soon.

How can I loosen my perm 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.

Can I pull my hair back after a perm?

Post perm care

Do not brush or pull hair for 24-48 hours. Use a wide tooth comb or pick to untangle your hair. relax your curl. Use a towel scrunching method to dry your locks.

Can you get rid of a perm?

Honestly you have to cut it off. Or you could just straiten it every day. But even using chemicals to straiten it is very dangerous for your hair that has been permed.

Do perms grow out weird?

A perm always has to grow out—but, thankfully, they typically grow out as natural-looking waves.

How do I get the best out of my perm?

How To Care for Your Perm
  1. Immediately After Your Perm. After getting your perm, your hair will need some time to fully set. ...
  2. Nourish + Moisturize Your Hair. ...
  3. Shampoo Less. ...
  4. Get the Right Products. ...
  5. Dry Your Hair Correctly. ...
  6. Get Regular Trims. ...
  7. Avoid Heat Styling.

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