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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Natural Perm is a modern, healthy way to prevent any hair- and scalp-related problems from occurring. All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins.
Perms should always be performed by a professional who knows what they're doing—and who will be able to tell you if your hair won't be able to hold up to the treatment. “If done correctly by a professional on hair that is healthy and not overly processed, though, there shouldn't be any damage,” says Flete.
Apply a weekly moisturizing mask to your hair and leave it on for 10 minutes. Once a week, give your hair a deep hydrating session. Buy a nourishing hair mask that's designed to hydrate your hair. Look for one that has coconut or argan oil, shea butter, or avocado oil, for instance.
If you're worried about hair damage or have fine, brittle hair, opt for Japanese airwave or cold perm, as they are the least damaging perm techniques across all types of perm. Both methods are quick and affordable to retain the look and subtlety of natural curls without the use of heat.
Modern perming methods and solutions are far less damaging than their 1980s counterparts, but they still can be damaging if you overdo it. We'd recommend waiting 8-10 months between each perm to give your hair a chance to recover. Ideally, you should only be perming your hair 1-2 times a year.
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.
Since perming is inherently a drying process, if done so incorrectly can result in damage to the strands of hair making them weak and brittle. This causes the strands to break, leaving thinning or bald patches. The good news is that this type of hair loss is temporary, and new strands will grow back in time.
"Over-bleached hair, highlighted hair, over-colored hair, and porous hair types should not get a perm," says James, "as the hair will disintegrate." While frizz can be smoothed with product, it can also be a sign of serious breakage caused by frayed cuticles.
The normal time period between perms is three to four months for short to medium-length hair as long as hair is trimmed or cut two or three times within this period. Your stylist can help you make this decision.
Luckily, there are ways to get bouncy curls, soft waves, or gorgeous waves without causing any harm. If you've been wanting a head full of gorgeous curls without the damage, using rag curlers, foam curlers, a curling iron, or scrunching your hair could be the perfect options for you.
Texture EFX Cysteamine Perm for Color-Treated or Previously Permed Hair is a patented thio-free, damage-free, cysteamine system. With a smaller molecular size and positive magnetic charge, this formula easily and gently penetrates the hairshaft leaving the cuticle damage-free.
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.
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.
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.
At Kimage Salon, a digital perm by Senior Stylists ranges from $230 to $290, while a digital perm by Junior Stylists costs between $140 and $180.