Is it bad to get a perm if you have curly hair?

Author: Pinkie Beatty  |  Last update: Monday, June 2, 2025

You can absolutely perm your already curly hair to make it even more curly. However, and I say this very circumspectly, it is necessary to understand that perming your hair can be damaging and should be done cautiously.

Can I get a perm if I have curly hair?

Yes, you can get a perm on hair that is already permed or naturally curly, but there are some important considerations: Hair Health: If your hair is already permed, it may be more susceptible to damage. It's crucial to assess the health of your hair before applying another perm.

Does a perm ruin your natural curls?

Straightening a fresh perm can ruin your curls, leaving them limp and lifeless.

What hair cannot be permed?

Hair Type: Some hair types, particularly very coarse, thick, or resistant hair, may not hold a perm well. Fine or overly processed hair can also struggle to maintain curls.

How long does a perm last on already curly hair?

How Long Does a Perm Last? Perm may be short for 'permanent,' but its lifespan can vary. 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.

Do NOT Get a Perm - TheSalonGuy

Will a perm help my curls come back?

Not only this they are also great for people with naturally wavy or curly hair whose curl pattern may have dropped over the years. Perms can be used to refresh your natural curls and help add the bounce back in. Another great thing about the perm is its versatility.

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 hair type is bad for perms?

When done correctly and by a professional, with your specific hair type in mind, perms are relatively safe for the health of your hair. But those with damaged, dry, chemically processed, and colored hair should proceed with caution when considering a perm.

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.

How damaging is a perm?

Perms can damage your hair over time. If you don't take care of your scalp health, you could get hair loss. Scalp health is important because once a hair follicle gets damaged, you can't grow new hair from that follicle. It's important to get perms only from a trusted salon.

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 is the least damaging perm?

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.

Do perms stay curly after shower?

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.

What is the best perm for curly hair?

Works best for: Similar to the partial perm, a spiral perm works best if you have curly or thin hair. Timeline: Once achieved, your spiral perm look will last about six months.

How much does a perm cost for curly hair?

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.

Who is not a good candidate for a perm?

People who already have curly, wavy or otherwise naturally textured hair are not going to be good candidates for perms. Exchanging once permanent curl for another, unfortunately, isn't what perms were designed for. They also probably aren't right for a perm if they have already had one or have had their hair relaxed.

Will I regret getting a perm?

Perm Results Can Be Unpredictable

You might end up with a different curl pattern than you expected or hair that is too curly or not curly enough. This unpredictability can lead to dissatisfaction with the results and make you regret getting the perm in the first place.

Can curly haired people get a perm?

The answer is yes! You can absolutely perm your already curly hair to make it even more curly. However, and I say this very circumspectly, it is necessary to understand that perming your hair can be damaging and should be done cautiously.

Will a perm ruin my natural curls?

Contrary to popular belief, Bates says, a perm won't completely fry your mane—that is, as long as it's done the right way! “Any chemical services performed improperly can cause hair damage, but we now have pre and post-treatments to help strengthen and protect the hair,” Bates says.

When should you not perm your hair?

Similarly, if your hair is already very dry or breakage prone because of frequent heat-styling, a dry climate, your genetics, or even illness, this may not be the best time to think about perming your hair. The best time to have a perm—rather, when the perm is most successful—is when you have healthy hair.

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.

Is curly hair rare?

According to Curlkeeper, less than 20% of people have curly hair, making it a rare hair type. However, curly hair comes in all kinds of different styles starting with super coiled curls to slightly wavy. Curly hair requires work to maintain and take care of it, making it hard for some to stick to the routine.

How to make your hair naturally curly permanently?

Is it possible to make my hair naturally curly permanently? While permanently changing your hair's natural texture is impossible, it is good to know that you can enhance your curls using regular deep conditioning treatments.

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