How to get a perm without damaging your hair?

Author: Teresa Prohaska  |  Last update: Friday, May 16, 2025

To reduce the potential for damage, it's important to go to a professional stylist who specializes in perms, use hair care products designed for chemically treated hair, and follow a good hair care routine that includes regular conditioning and minimal use of heat styling tools.

Can you perm your hair without damaging it?

It will cause irreparable damage. The chemicals in perms actually break down the bonds in your hair and tries to restructure them. You cannot avoid damage. And if ``silky'' actually means fine, she can expect a ton of damage as time goes on. Perming is even worse for hair than double process bleaching.

What is the least damaging perm for hair?

There are a ton of different ways to get a perm. The safest way is a digital perm, also called a hot perm. They're a little more expensive than regular perms, but digital perms are less harmful to your hair.

What is the healthiest type of perm?

All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins. Caring for the environment while caring for your hair will leave you feeling great and looking just as stunning with your Natural Perm look.

How do you prevent hair damage from a perm?

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.

PERM HAIR CARE ROUTINE | + Tips

How do I keep my hair healthy with a perm?

8 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Permed Hair
  1. Gentle Cleansing for Delicate Curls.
  2. Conditioning is Key.
  3. Say Yes to Heat Protection.
  4. Air Dry for Natural Bounce.
  5. Regular Trims for Healthy Ends.
  6. Minimize Chemical Exposure.
  7. Sleep Smart for Curl Care.
  8. Hydration from Within.

How much do perms cost?

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.

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.

Can you get a non-toxic perm?

Perms are a popular way for women to achieve that specialty style that will last for more than just a few days. At Ippodaro Natural Salon, we're proud to offer our organic perm that has no fumes yet produces long-lasting results.

Is it bad to get a perm every 3 months?

Wash your hair first with shampoo, add leave-in conditioner, and blow-dry it before straightening it. Is it bad to get a perm every 3 months? Most perms last 3-6 months, so if you need a touch-up at month 3, it may be safe to do so.

What destroys a perm?

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

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 can I do instead of a perm?

For tight and bouncy curls, use either a 3/8" or 5/8" curling iron. These sized curling irons will give you tight spiral curls that will beautifully mimic the look of a perm. For springy, bouncy curls that are larger near your scalp and tighter near the ends, use a curling wand.

Why you should not perm your hair?

"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.

What is Japanese perm?

Japanese digital perm is widely popular in and out of Japan as it offers more defined curls where heat is used. The heat is activated on dry hair to break down the hair molecules, only to have it rebuilt by mimicking the shape of the curling rods in the hair.

Can you get a soft wave perm?

Body wave perm

Adds volume and soft, loose waves to hair, creating a natural, fuller look. This technique uses larger rods to create a gentler curl pattern. The process typically takes 2-3 hours and results can last 3-5 months. Body wave perms are ideal for those wanting movement and volume without tight curls.

Is there a healthy perm option?

Modern, Healthy hair perms are much softer on your hair than perms of the past. While women were looking for bold, voluminous shapes in the 80's, today, most women are looking for more natural results and our modern hair perm is formulated with that in mind.

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.

What is a healthy alternative to hair relaxer?

A nonchemical hair relaxer may use oils or products like shampoos, conditioners or serums to straighten hair, allowing added freedom with styling. These products can allow for straighter hair with minimal damage or harmful chemical exposure. Heat is another main nonchemical relaxer for natural 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 Korean perm?

First, while traditional perms usually involve using chemical solutions as part of a “cold perming” technique, Korean perms involve the use of specially formulated solutions that help to carefully restructure the shape of your hair, creating a more subtle appearance, while minimizing hair damage.

How much does getting a perm cost?

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.

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.

How much should I pay for perm?

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a perm, depending on the salon's location, the stylist's experience, and the complexity of the procedure.

How many years does a perm last?

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.

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