Does perm lotion damage hair?

Author: Mrs. Zoe Gislason  |  Last update: Sunday, April 6, 2025

Washing the hair after a perm will not cause breakage unless the hair has been damaged to a severe extent by the perm lotion first. Hair damage can occur by a perm lotion in the following circumstances: The perm lotion has been over-processed. The was too much tension on the rods.

What effect does the perm lotion have on hair?

Perms work by affecting the keratin in your hair. Keratin is a protein that makes up about 95% of your hair and forms the structure of your individual hairs. The bonds between keratin molecules are what react to the perm treatment and allow your hair to hold a new shape.

Does perm solution damage hair?

Yes. Perms will damage your hair due the chemicals breaking the disulfide bonds; which holds the the proteins together. Once you get your hair permed there is no way back, those bonds cannot be reconstructed and you will have to wait until your hair grow back. I would suggest a keratin treatment for the frizz.

What is the least damaging way to perm your hair?

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 long does perm lotion stay on?

The curled hair is then saturated with a waving lotion that swells the hair and softens it by breaking the chemical bonds. The longer the waving lotion is left on, the more bonds that are broken. Times can range from a few minutes for a salon perm using stronger waving lotions to up to 40 minutes for a home permanent.

The Truth About Perming Your Hair!

How do you use perm lotion?

Shampoo and towel dry hair. It is important to note that the perm rods must be applied before the perm lotion. Select rod size for the amount of body and wave desired, wind in usual manner. Apply lotion to each curl, take a test curl after 7 minutes and every 5 minutes thereafter.

Should you wet permed hair everyday?

Wait before washing your hair

Even after getting your perm, washing it everyday will affect the longevity of your curls, so prolong the gap between washes as long as possible.

What ruins a perm?

Ongoing Perm Maintenance

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

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.

Can I perm my hair without damaging it?

Go to An Experienced Professional. A perm is a chemical treatment that should always be done by an experienced professional. Attempting a DIY perm at home can seriously damage your hair and potentially result in chemical burns.

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.

Can perm solution make your hair fall out?

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.

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 is it necessary to use the pre perm lotion?

Pre perm lotion is Indispensable before perming on porous, damaged or weakened hair. Reconstructs and equalizes the hairs' resistance, from root to end.

Does your hair go back to normal after a perm?

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

What chemicals are in perm lotion?

Chemicals commonly used to perm hair include glycerol monothioglycolate, which is acidic, and ammonium thioglycolate, which is alkaline. Alkaline perms are usually used for hair that is rough and strong, while acid perms are usually milder and are therefore used form more delicate, soft hair.

What is the least damaging perm for hair?

Another, more expensive, type of hot perm, called digital perms, uses rods that are temperature controlled by a machine to avoid heat damage to your hair. Cold perms: Also called alkaline perms, this type of perm uses a chemical solution of ammonium thioglycolate to produce curls without heat.

What is the safest hair relaxer to use?

No-lye relaxers, or calcium hydroxide, are formulated for those with sensitive scalps and can be used on all hair types. Ammonium thioglycolate isn't strong enough to straighten very coarse or coily hair, but is great for straightening fine, curly, or wavy hair.

Is a perm good for thin hair?

Thin hair is already delicate, and subjecting it to the chemical solutions and heat involved in perming can potentially lead to additional damage. The stress caused by the perming process may result in breakage, frizziness, and overall compromised hair health.

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.

How to relax a 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 wet my permed hair every day?

As Foster explains, the best way to maintain the look of a perm is “to avoid water.” 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.

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.

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 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.

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