How can I make my curly perm last longer?

Author: Miss Dayna Mitchell  |  Last update: Sunday, November 9, 2025

If you want to make a perm last, here are a number of things you can do:
  1. Wait to wash your hair until your perm has set in for at least two days.
  2. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
  3. Avoid heat styling.
  4. Don't comb your hair for the first 24 hours.
  5. Don't dye your hair for two weeks before and after you get a perm.

How do I keep my permed hair curly?

Tips for managing excessively curly perms Use a detangling spray when hair is wet. Comb through to get rid of tangles. Shake the curls back in and scrunch a little. Use alligator clips for bangs. Let hair air dry. Have a good hair washing routine.

How do you make curly hair curls last longer?

For extra longevity, pin each curl to your scalp with a bobby pin after curling and let them cool completely before releasing. Try not to touch your curls too much after styling, as this can cause them to fall out. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can reduce friction and help curls maintain their shape overnight.

How to extend perm life?

Here are some essential tips to extend the life of your perm:
  1. Delay Washing: The first 24 hours after getting a perm are crucial for the chemicals to set and stabilize within your hair. ...
  2. Post-Perm Care: ...
  3. Hydration is Key: ...
  4. Protective Measures: ...
  5. Gentle Detangling: ...
  6. Avoid Heat Styling: ...
  7. Regular Trims:

How to maintain spiral perm?

  • Do not wash your hair for 48 hours after you perm your hair.
  • Do not touch your hair for 48 hours.
  • Keep your hair loose.
  • Protect your hair from the sun.
  • It is better to use products that are made for chemically treated hair.
  • Condition your hair.
  • Get regular touch-ups.

What To Do Right After A Perm (2022)

How can I make my perm curls last longer?

After getting a perm, it's important to give your hair time to set before washing it. This means waiting at least 48 hours before shampooing your hair. During this time, avoid getting your hair wet, and don't tie it back in a ponytail or bun. Doing so could disrupt the curl pattern and cause your perm to fall out.

How do you get spiral curls to stay?

One trick to getting your curls to last is using a product with hold before you put the iron on your hair. Whether it's a moose, a heat protectant, a hair spray, or a dry texture spray, your hair will already be prepared to hold onto the curl.

Why is my perm going away so fast?

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.

Does conditioner help perm last longer?

It is a myth that conditioner will relax and ruin your perm. Using the right conditioner is the trick. Use a conditioner which is meant for chemically treated hair as it will help to keep your perm softer and last longer. Conditioner not only closes the cuticle but also act as a detangler.

Can I wet my permed hair every day?

Wait before washing your hair

You can't get your perm wet, put it up or even touch it much while the chemicals reset your strands. 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.

Why does my hair not hold a curl anymore?

Using The Wrong Products: The products you use—and how you use them—can make or break curls. Some formulas are designed for damp hair, while others work best on dry hair. Using the wrong one or applying products improperly can lead to issues like "wet spots," which can cause damage when exposed to heat.

Why do my curls fall out so fast?

If the iron is too hot the curls will drop, if it's not hot enough the hair won't form a shape. There is no perfect temperature for every hair type. Thicker, curly, or coarse texture require higher heat while fine hair should be styled at a lower temperature. A good rule of thumb is to set temperature half way.

How to make your curls last overnight?

You don't want to sleep directly on your curls – that's a surefire way to flatten 'em out! Instead, to make curls last overnight, try either a loose braid(s) or loosely wrapping your hair into a bun at the crown of your head. Take care not to go too tight or you'll stretch out your curls.

How long does a perm stay curly?

Most perms last 3-6 months, so if you need a touch-up at month 3, it may be safe to do so. Consult your hairstylist to be sure. Is a perm good for thin hair? Perms can give thin hair more volume.

How do you moisturize a curly perm?

Conditioning Tips:

Deep condition your hair at least once a week after every wash. Use a nutrient-rich product with proteins to help restore and strengthen your hair. You can also try hair masks and leave-in conditioners to help hydrate your locks and keep them frizz-free.

Can I put leave-in conditioner on permed hair?

Using leave-in conditioner

They protect hair for blow drying and heat styling. They give dyed and permed hair extra nourishment and stop breakage. And leave-in conditioner is vital to support curly hair's shape, bounce, and texture.

How do I make my perm last longer?

If you want your perm to last as long as possible, consider the following options:
  1. Select smaller and tighter perm rods to create a tighter set that will last as long as possible. ...
  2. Wait 48-72 hours before shampooing your hair after applying the perm.
  3. Select a perm known to be the least damaging as possible.

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.

Why is my perm only curly when wet?

The disulphide bonds can only be broken with heat (as happens in 'permanent waving' hair treatment), but hydrogen bonds are affected by water, so the individual molecules can change their shape temporarily when wet.

What to do if my 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 refresh perm curls?

The Refresh Method
  1. Fill an empty spritz bottle with water and spritz all over the hair. You can do this in sections if you find this easier. ...
  2. Dispense some Enhancing Curl Gel in your hands, and rub together. ...
  3. Scrunch dry with the Curly Towel, then diffuse or air dry.

Do perms look better after you wash them?

After Leaving the Salon

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. For a week don't style other than scrunching your hair with your fingertips. Hair accessories can cause breakage – or result in unnatural shaping.

What holds curls all day?

Apply styling products to your hair, which will help hold the curls in place longer. Depending on what works with your hair, apply a tiny bit of mousse prior to drying your hair. Or, spray a bit of hairspray before, during and after curling.

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 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.

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