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.
Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after getting a perm to allow the curls to set properly. Choose a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to prevent stripping moisture from your hair. Look for products specifically designed for curly or permed hair. Use a moisturizing conditioner every time you wash your hair.
Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle hair after washing, then leave it to air dry. Minimise heat-styling — Try to avoid using a hairdryer, straighteners, or curling tongs for as long as you can. If you need to use these tools, wait for at least three days after your perm, and always use a heat protector spray or serum.
It's generally not necessary to wash your hair the night before a perm. In many cases, your stylist will actually cleanse your hair with a specific shampoo right before the perming process to ensure proper product application.
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. Trim Damaged Ends: Get a trim to remove split ends and ensure even curling. Conduct a Patch Test: A patch test can determine if you have allergies to the perm solution.
Don't comb thru your hair during the first 48 hours. Leave it alone as much as possible. Don't use any products in your hair especially leave ins and conditioners. You want to try to keep your hair on the same ph level until the waiting period is up.
Don't use products that contain parabens, sulphates, or alcohol as these can ruin your 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.
when hair is damaged and neglected, the hair bonds are generally broken. thus, hair will not have the elasticity and resilience to undergo digital (heat) perm. more often than not, the curls will turn out to be “lifeless” or even “fried”.
Straight perm
Straight perms are low maintenance on a day-to-day basis but the treatment itself usually takes between six to eight hours, so plan accordingly.
Start with a gentle cleansing shampoo, as your newly permed hair needs a little extra TLC. Instead, use a moisturising and nourishing conditioner to keep your curls happy and hydrated. Remember to treat your tresses to regular deep conditioning sessions for that extra boost of moisture and shine!
Wet refreshing entails using mostly water to clump and redefine your curls. For this method, you'll want to grab your trusty spray bottle, flour sack towel, and your favorite gel. Simply section your curls to target frizzy or undefined sections, using your water bottle to totally drench each section as you go.
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.
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.
Cold perms, also known as acid perms, are often considered gentler on the hair compared to traditional heat-based methods. The process uses a milder acidic solution, which is less damaging to the hair's structure.
“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.
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.
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.