How do I prep my hair for a perm?

Author: Alfonso Reilly  |  Last update: Sunday, December 21, 2025

Gently cleanse hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove oil, debris, and product build-up that could prevent absorption of the waving lotion—but do NOT use conditioner before perming. Finally, rinse thoroughly, apply a towel, and re-evaluate to make a final determination on whether hair is perm-able.

Should my hair be clean or dirty before a perm?

Actually, before any perm service you want to clean the hair thoroughly. In fact, most salons will shampoo the hair using a clarifying shampoo to remove any excess oils and residue from the hair so that the perm solution can better penetrate the hair.

What hair cannot be permed?

Hair Type: Some hair types, particularly very coarse, thick, or resistant hair, may not hold a perm well. Fine or overly processed hair can also struggle to maintain curls.

What not to do when getting 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.

Do you shampoo before or after a perm?

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.

Getting A Perm

How can I prepare my hair for a perm?

Gently cleanse hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove oil, debris, and product build-up that could prevent absorption of the waving lotion—but do NOT use conditioner before perming. Finally, rinse thoroughly, apply a towel, and re-evaluate to make a final determination on whether hair is perm-able.

Do you relax clean or dirty hair?

No matter what your regular cleansing routine is, do not shampoo your hair for at least one week before applying relaxer. In some circumstances, however, you might want to condition before your relaxer. "In addition to conditioning the hair after a relaxer service, a small amount of conditioner such as Olaplex No.

What ruins a perm?

Ongoing Perm Maintenance

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

What I wish I knew before getting a perm?

5 Things to Know Before Getting a Perm
  • Perms work best on healthy hair. ...
  • There is a perm learning curve. ...
  • You can't just color your hair whenever you want. ...
  • You'll have to minimize exposure to water. ...
  • Consider your current haircut carefully.

Why don't salons do perms?

“Perming doesn't get taught to hairstylists like it did in the 80s, so the technique has kind of died out a bit,” says Hersheson. “It's really important that the person you go to understands perms. You also need someone who will tell you not to have it done if your hair isn't in the right condition.

What is the most natural looking perm?

The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.

How to sleep with a new 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.

What hair type is bad for perms?

When done correctly and by a professional, with your specific hair type in mind, perms are relatively safe for the health of your hair. But those with damaged, dry, chemically processed, and colored hair should proceed with caution when considering a perm.

How to make perm last longer?

Here's what you can do to help your perm last as long as possible.
  1. Wait Before Washing Your Hair. After getting a perm, it's important to give your hair time to set before washing it. ...
  2. Use A Gentle Shampoo And Conditioner. ...
  3. Avoid Heat Styling. ...
  4. Don't Brush Your Hair When It's Wet. ...
  5. Get Regular Trims.

Should I clarify my hair before a perm?

Clarifying shampoo will remove any product build-up, sebum or other oils that would otherwise act as a barrier to the perm solution. Conditioner is also avoided in the pre wash stage for this same reason.

What is the difference between a cold perm and a digital perm?

There are two perm methods used to achieve a multi-textured perm: cold perm and digital perm. The curls from a cold perm are tighter and more voluminous, while those from a digital perm are nicely defined and looser. Multi-textured perms typically require touch-ups after 3 to 6 months as the curls loosen over time.

How to prep hair for a perm?

Hairstylist, Licensed Cosmetologist. Your hair must be washed before perm, with deep cleansing, clarifying shampoo in order to remove build up. For the best results, you want to make sure your hair is clean, and stripped of any deposits before applying perm solution.

Who is not a good candidate for a perm?

People who already have curly, wavy or otherwise naturally textured hair are not going to be good candidates for perms. Exchanging once permanent curl for another, unfortunately, isn't what perms were designed for. They also probably aren't right for a perm if they have already had one or have had their hair relaxed.

What are the cons of getting a perm?

The Negatives of a Hair Perm

For one, hair perms require incredibly strong chemicals to alter the hair's natural shape and texture, and these chemicals can cause long-lasting damage to the hair strand that can progressively weaken and degrade the hair strand with frequent treatments.

Do I wash my hair the night before a perm?

Deep Condition: In the weeks leading up to the perm, use deep conditioning treatments to strengthen and moisturize your hair. Avoid Washing Hair: Don't wash your hair 24-48 hours before the perm, as natural oils can protect the scalp during the chemical process.

What is a reverse perm?

The straight perm (or reverse perm) is a Japanese type of hot perm that applies heat (usually with a flat iron) and chemicals to straighten hair. The results are long-lasting, which is why some people choose this option instead of other hair straightening techniques.

What conditioner is good for permed hair?

Best Conditioner For Permed Hair
  • SuavecitoSuavecito Beard Conditioner 237ml. ...
  • Clever CurlClever Curl Rich Conditioner 450ml. ...
  • Clever CurlClever Curl Rich Conditioner 1000ml. ...
  • RedkenRedken All Soft 300ml Duo Pack. ...
  • GoldwellGoldwell Dualsenses Just Smooth 1 Litre Taming Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle.

How should I prep my hair for a relaxer?

My pre-relaxer wash day takes place no more than 3-5 days before my relaxer day. I start by washing my hair, in sections, with a clarifying shampoo. This ensures that there is no product buildup that will disrupt the straightening process. For this step, I use ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo.

Do hairdressers prefer your hair clean or dirty?

Short answer: Clean hair please! While we want you to feel pampered and enjoy the experience of a relaxing shampoo, it's ideal for first time clients to visit the salon with clean hair.

Can I wash my hair after perm?

Wait before washing your hair

You'll have to wait 48 hours after perming your hair before washing it. You can't get your perm wet, put it up or even touch it much while the chemicals reset your strands.

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