How do I get my hair back straight after a perm?

Author: Mr. Okey Ferry PhD  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Your only choice really is to straighten it until all the hair is cut off. Heat can cause damage absolutely, but if you use a good quality heat protectant and don't crank the iron up way too high, the damage in comparison to chemically straightening is minimal.

How do I get my hair back to normal after a perm?

Restoring hair after a bad perm involves patience and proper care. Start by trimming damaged ends, then nourish your hair with deep conditioning treatments and avoid heat styling. Consider using products formulated to repair and strengthen hair. Additionally, consult with a professional stylist for personalized advice.

What to do if your perm is too curly?

If a perm is too curly, get rid of the perm by shampooing the hair, applying a heavy conditioner and using a chemical straightener. Discover how hair salons can get rid of perms with this free video from an experienced hairdresser. Expert: Amelia Smith Bio: Amelia Smith has been styling all types of hair for more than.

Can you straighten a perm if you don't like it?

If you absolutely do not like the curl and you want to go back to your straight hair, you can go to the salon and they can run perm solution through your hair for a few minutes, then neutralizer, and it will be straight again.

How to reverse a perm at home?

No amount of washing at home will get the perm out, and putting in a straightening at home relaxer will cause some serious hair damage. Either that, or wait until the perm grows out. It isn't permanent…it will grow out. Get a good conditioner and put on and leave 5–10 minutes after a shampoo.

WATCH MY HAIR REVERT! | From Silk Press Back to Curly with No Damage!!!

How to get rid of a perm asap?

Frequent micro trims will speed up this process, in addition to using a deep conditioning mask once a week to weigh down curls. If you want a more immediate solution, go back to your salon and ask for a creme perm to be applied over the permed outgrowth (to help “reverse” your perm).

How to make permed hair straight again?

Steps
  1. Wash your hair. Choose a smoothing conditioner and a gentle shampoo. ...
  2. Apply a straightening product. Choose a product that works for your hair type. ...
  3. Dry your hair for a blown-out look. ...
  4. Choose the right flat iron, if you want a sleek look. ...
  5. Find the appropriate heat setting. ...
  6. Straighten your hair.

What to do if you hate your 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.

Does a perm go back to straight?

Perming hair is a complicated chemical process, and curling hair is permanent and won't be straightened by washing. But the perm will definitely increase the curl, but it's not as if the hair will grow and become straight after a few washes.

How to reverse permanent hair straightening?

How do I get it back to the way it was before? If it was temporarily straightened, you can just wash it and it should go curly. If it was permanently straightened, then you could either braid it to hide the straightness, or get it curled properly.

What neutralizes a perm?

Neutralizer: a neutralising liquid for perms, containing hydrogen peroxide to restructure and strengthen the hair's bonds.

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.

How do you reset permed hair?

Unfortunately you can't reverse a perm. It has chemically altered your hair. If your try to permanently straighten it with chemicals it will damage it. You just have to let it grow out and the curls will loosen over time.

How to relax a perm that 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.

Does conditioner undo 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.

Can you get your hair back to normal after perm?

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

What not to do straight after a perm?

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 to fix frizzy permed hair?

First, use an anti-frizz serum or oil on your damp hair to remove moisture and flatten the cuticle layer. You could also use a leave-in conditioner occasionally – if not regularly – to keep the frizz at bay. Finally, try your best not to touch your hair throughout the day; that will help keep frizz at bay.

What destroys a perm?

Once you've made it through the first 2 days, you should steer clear of chlorine, heat styling, and products with alcohol in them to make your perm last longer. Humidity can cause frizz, ruining your new perm. Here are a few more tips to help your perm last longer: Moisturize.

How do I fix my perm in my hair?

Nourish the lengths and ends with shampoos and products designed for dry hair in order to hydrate them as much as possible. You can also try keratin-based products. These penetrate the hair's fibre to regenerate the hair.” Oils are also a good option, as long as you're careful not to apply too much.

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.

How do I set my hair 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 do you get your curls back after a straight perm?

Moisturize your hair to bring back that bounce: To get your curls back, moisture is your best friend. The more hydrated your hair is, the more manageable your curls become, which means less wear and tear on your precious curls helping prevent any further damage and help preserve the elasticity of each hair strand.

How to straighten hair without heat?

How To Straighten Hair Without Heat
  1. Wrap your hair at night. One of the easiest ways to straighten hair without heat is to wrap your hair at night. ...
  2. Wet-wrap your hair. ...
  3. Blow-dry with cool air. ...
  4. Opt for large rollers. ...
  5. Try the banding method. ...
  6. Style hair in a twist hair bun. ...
  7. Use smoothing hair care products.

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