How long does it take for a perm to fully relax?

Author: Louvenia Buckridge  |  Last update: Friday, August 22, 2025

Most perm formulas need 28 hours to neutralize, which is why stylists typically recommend waiting 48 hours before shampooing.

How long does it take for a perm to loosen?

Are permanent waves actually permanent? Yes, the are, until the hair grows (at the rate of 1/2 inch per month, on average). Remember, however, that perms usually loosen up to 25% within the first two weeks after a perm with shampooing and ordinary attention.

Will a perm relax over time?

Perms normally relax a little bit over time. Most perms will hold up for about 3 months. 6 months from now you will have 3 in of new hair that has grown in to the root area that will be normal and not permed. So if you're expecting to have root lift after three months you can forget that.

How long does a perm relaxer last?

Healthy relaxed hair types require regular touch-ups—reapplications of relaxers to newly grown hair. Without touch-ups, hair is prone to breakage. Ask your stylist how frequently you should get touch-ups. The need can range from two weeks to three months, depending on your hair type.

How long does it take for a perm to look normal?

A perm typically lasts three to six months, depending on the type of perm you get, your hair type and how well you take care of it. A traditional perm that produces a uniform curl pattern can last 3-6 months, depending on how fast your hair grows and how you treat it.

Do NOT Get a Perm - TheSalonGuy

How to relax a tight perm?

If you want to undo the results of a perm, or relax a perm, wash your hair with Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair, and to help relax your curls. Apply a deep conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment, cover your curls with a shower cap, and leave on for several hours.

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 long does it take for a perm to neutralize?

As per the perm directions, neutralizer should be on the hair for 5 minutes. If left on longer, Zotos cannot verify results. Neutralizer is a chemical, and it is not advisable to leave it on longer then 5 minutes.

Which perm lasts the longest?

Spiral perm

Creates tight, corkscrew curls using long vertical rods. The hair is wound around the rods from scalp to tip, creating a spiral pattern. This style usually takes 2-3 hours to complete and can last 4-6 months. Spiral perms work best on longer hair and create a dramatic, voluminous look.

What's the difference between relaxing and perming?

Perms add curls or waves to hair while relaxers straight the already existing waves.

What if I hate my 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 showering loosen a perm?

Avoid washing your hair for the first 48 to 72 hours.

Water can deactivate your perm and make the curls fall apart. Make sure to keep your hair as dry as possible, especially if it's raining or snowing outside. Ask your stylist how long you should wait until washing your hair.

Does heat speed up perm?

The type of perm that processes the fastest is the exothermic perm. This is due to the fact that exothermic perms generate their own heat which accelerates the chemical process and results in quicker hair curling.

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.

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 did my perm loosen so much?

Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, which may lead to frizz and loosening of curls. Limit Washing: Try to wash your hair less frequently, as frequent washing can cause the curls to relax. Consider using dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair fresh.

What hair cannot be permed?

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.

What perm looks the most natural?

Multi-textured perm

This style is a great way to create natural-looking curls that vary in texture. Like a stack perm, your stylist can use different-sized rods and rolls to create a combination of tight and loose curls. This results in a layered style that closely resembles natural curls that vary in tightness.

How long does it take for a perm to fully go away?

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 long does it take for a perm to calm down?

Now that you've got your brand new perm the question is : How do I take care of my perm? Donts: 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.

How do you reverse a bad perm?

Apply a canola oil treatment.

Using this treatment should loosen the perm to make it more manageable to re style, but you may need to repeat the treatment for a few weeks to really see results if your perm is acting stubborn and will not relax after one treatment.

Why did my hair not perm?

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”.

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.

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.

Should I wet my perm 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.

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