Does showering loosen a perm?

Author: Mrs. Rubye Klocko  |  Last update: Sunday, September 28, 2025

After Leaving the Salon 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.

Does a perm go away when you shower?

If you get a perm and shower, your hair will not completely go back to how it was before. The effects of a perm are intended to be long-lasting and permanent, so washing your hair will not fully revert it to its original state. However, the curls or waves may relax over time with regular washing and styling.

Will my perm loosen up after I wash it?

If you get a perm and shower, your hair will not completely go back to how it was before. The effects of a perm are intended to be long-lasting and permanent, so washing your hair will not fully revert it to its original state. However, the curls or waves may relax over time with regular washing and styling.

Does water weaken a perm?

If you want your perm to last, you'll need to consider its exposure to water. 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.

What causes a perm to loosen?

Running your hands through the perm constantly is going to leave these body oils on your hair and, boom, relaxation. It is also common for a perm to loosen up just a little over the first 48 hours IF you don't follow the stylist's instructions.

Do NOT Get a Perm - TheSalonGuy

How long does a perm stay tight?

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 relaxes a perm?

Deep conditioning will help loosen tight curls from your latest perm and tame frizz on overly processed hair. If you only have a few, short fishtail pieces sticking out of your curls, remove them carefully with a little trim.

What destroys a perm?

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

Will sleeping ruin my perm?

You'll also make your perm last longer with the right sleep routine. Make sure to sleep on your stomach or side instead of your back, which will put pressure on your permed hair. You could also use a silk cap for sleeping to help keep your hair from matting.

Are perms more curly when wet?

Digital Perms

A traditional perm will likely look more curly when wet but the curls will loosen as the hair dries.

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 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.

How to sleep with permed hair in the first 48 hours?

Overnight Care For Permed Hair

Before going to bed, braid or loosely twist your hair to avoid tangling and preserve the contour of the curls. Next, wear a silk or satin hat or scarf to shield your hair from rubbing and reduce frizz.

Will washing a perm relax it?

Now that you've got your brand new perm the question is : How do I take care of my perm? Donts: Don't wash your hair for 48-72 hours after a perm . During that time your perm is still technically forming and can be ruined or relax if you decide to wash it within that time frame.

Can you shower after a straight perm?

It usually takes an average of 3-4 hours depending on the length, thickness and condition of the hair. How soon can I wash my hair after the treatment? You cannot shampoo, wet your hair, nor exercise within 48 hours after the treatment.

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.

Does getting a perm stink?

One of the biggest complaints about perms is the smell—a strong ammonia odor that emanates from the alkaline perm solution formula. The odor often lingers in the salon and in your hair.

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.

How to shower after a perm?

Once you do wash it, just wash it normally like you did before you got it permed, no special methods needed. Because perm solution is very drying on the hair, it is a good idea to not shampoo it everyday, because that can dry out your hair even more, so just wait until your hair is visibly dirty/oily to shampoo it.

How to relax a perm quickly?

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.

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.

Will a perm loosen up?

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.

Does conditioner relax a perm?

After shampooing, it is very important that you condition your hair. It is a myth that conditioner will relax and ruin your perm.

Does heat help a perm?

Hot perms result in loose, soft curls. A hot perm is a more modern way to perm hair. The process is similar to a cold perm, but instead of using plastic rods, heated rods or a heat dryer help form the curl.

Previous article
How do you wash your hair after oiling without conditioner?
Next article
What is the generic version of Botox?