Is there a way to perm your hair without damaging it?

Author: Myra Ratke  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

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.

How can I perm my hair without damaging it?

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 get a non-damaging perm?

New perms are less chemical-y which means they leave hair softer and less damaged. (The modern chemicals in REF's perms are protected information). But they are so much gentler that people can get their hair dyed or bleached and permed on the same day without any fear of breaking or even damaging their hair.

Is there a healthy version of a perm?

NATULIQUE Natural Curl Creator is an innovative professional perming system containing far less chemicals, to create permanent natural curls, or smoothen hair. Formulated with added natural ingredients to match natural pH levels, the hair and scalp are left protected, healthy and undamaged.

What is the least damaging type of 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.

How Can I Perm My Hair Without Damaging It Too Much?

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.

Are digital perms damaging?

Like any chemical treatment, a digital perm can potentially cause damage to the hair if not done properly or if the hair is already compromised.

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.

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 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 the most natural-looking perm?

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

What ruins a perm?

Ongoing Perm Maintenance

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

Is there a gentle way to perm hair?

Hot perms: The acidic chemical glyceryl monothioglycolate breaks down the disulfide bonds in your hair, while heat is added to create the shape of your curls. Although this method takes longer to set, it's gentle compared to alternatives and is best for finer hair.

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.

How can I relax my hair without a perm?

Some of the non-toxic and safer alternatives that you can use to straighten your hair include:
  1. Blow-drying. Rather than using a hair relaxer, blow-drying your hair might prove helpful. ...
  2. Heat styling. ...
  3. Keratin treatments. ...
  4. Oil treatment. ...
  5. Silicone cream.

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 to straighten hair without perm?

Brushing wet hair until it dries and using large rollers can help straighten hair naturally without heat or chemicals. Wrapping wet hair tightly or using overnight hair bands can also help create a straighter look while avoiding heat damage.

How to relax curls without chemicals?

Using natural hair masks or conditioners filled with rich, nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado can make a world of difference. A regular routine of deep conditioning treatments or gentle leave-in creams can subtly transform the texture of your hair, promoting elasticity and softness.

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 least damaging perm?

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.

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.

How often can you get a perm without damaging your hair?

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.

What is a princess perm?

Princess perms tend to focus on creating loose and lovely texture that look everyday. Also very long lasting compared to cold perm as over 6 months to 12 months 👍 Are you ready for to be princess 😍😍😍😍 or yes 👍

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