How much does a perm loosen up?

Author: Katlynn Ferry MD  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

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 my perm loosen up after I wash it?

If you get a perm and shower, your hair will not completely go back to how it was before. The effects of a perm are intended to be long-lasting and permanent, so washing your hair will not fully revert it to its original state. However, the curls or waves may relax over time with regular washing and styling.

Does a perm get loose?

Perms typically last for several months, and refreshing the curls can help prevent them from loosening.

What to do if you don't like 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.

How long until perm relaxes?

The size and strength of the S shape are the perm.

This is the reason most perms require a period of time (24-48 hours) before the hair should be shampooed so that the oxidation process can finish rebonding the hair. This is also why a perm relaxes during the first few shampoos after a perm.

10 Incredible Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Perms and Frizzy Hairs

Will my perm calm down?

Perms do relax over time but not taking proper care of your curls will cause it to relax even faster.

How long does a perm stay tight?

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. The same goes for a spiral perm, the only difference between the two is the variety of curl sizes or lengths with the spiral.

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.

What is the most natural-looking perm?

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

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.

What is the average cost of a hair perm?

Perms for short hair can cost $30 to $150, medium-length hair can cost $60 to $200, and perms for long hair can cost $80 to $400. Short hair is the least expensive since it uses the least amount of product and the least amount of time to prep and install the perm rods.

Is 3 inches of hair enough for a perm?

"Generally, two inches is the minimum length of hair for a perm because it is enough to be wrapped onto the perm rod. The perm result varies on the length of the hair for example, if you have 2-3 inch long hair, a super slim sized rod can fit there but your curls will be super tight.

How can I loosen 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.

How to sleep with permed hair?

Keeping your permed hair safe overnight might be the most difficult task yet. Regular cotton pillowcases can cause friction that damages your hair. Sleep on a satin pillowcase instead to give your hair the freedom to move without damage. You could tie your hair up in a loose bun, braids, or do the plop method.

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.

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 go away so fast?

Usage of The Wrong Conditioner/Shampoo

An example of an inappropriate shampoo is clarifying shampoo. Although clarifying shampoos are excellent for removing product buildup from natural hair, they are too harsh for freshly permed hair and cause the curls to give way too soon.

Can I tie my hair up after a perm?

Do not tie your hair into a ponytail or a bun. Let your hair open for 1 day or 2 days. It will avoid any deformation in your curls and help to maintain its shape. Also trim your hair every 4-5 weeks.

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

A- We will recommend waiting 48 hours before shampooing your hair to fully neutralize and relax. I always recommend a full 48 hours before shampooing.

What type of perm lasts the longest?

Digital Perm

The addition of heat makes this technique a bit longer-lasting than other types of perms—you can expect the results to hold for three months up to a year with proper care. While anyone can get a digital perm, it's especially well-suited for those with ultra-thick, straight strands.

What if I hate my perm?

Many home remedies also help with bad perms, like applying a canola oil treatment or coconut oil mask. Alternatively, talk to your stylist about getting a different haircut or re-perming your hair.

What's the difference between a loose perm and a tight perm?

The end result is that a cold perm results in tight, defined curls while a hot perm results in looser, softer curls. Almost all perms use the cold process, but a few notable hot perm types include digital and straight perms.

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.

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