Should I stop getting perms?

Author: Gonzalo Corkery  |  Last update: Monday, March 24, 2025

The perming process breaks structural bonds within your hair, making it more vulnerable to dryness, chemical penetration, and breakage [1]. At worst, perms and hair relaxers can lead to hair becoming so dry and brittle that it breaks off in bulk, jeopardising the thickness and appearance of your hair.

Is it bad to keep getting perms?

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.

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.

Why should I not get a perm?

Cons: -harsh chemicals break the strongest bonds in your hair, and if the stylist doesn't know what they're doing, this can cause irreparable damage. -maintenance is a pain, especially if your hair grows fast. -can't use most brands of perm on hair that is over 30% lightened. -honestly, the smell.

Do perms affect future hair?

Nope, perms only affect the texture and condition of the portion of your hair that's actually permed, and won't affect new growth. I've been perming my (long) hair every 8 months or so since 2010 and can confirm that my new growth is exactly the same as my natural hair.

YOU NEED TO STOP GETTING PERMS...

How many times a year is it safe to get a perm?

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.

Which is more damaging, perm or color?

Colored Hair

Although not as dangerous as perming overly bleached and highlighted hair, if your hair is colored, you may want to give more thought to a perm. It will be in your best interest to allow two to three weeks before and after your perm to color your 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.

Who shouldn't get a perm?

If your hair has already been subjected to a chemical process such as relaxing or bleaching, you may want to wait to get a perm. Doubling up on the chemicals can lead to severe damage, dryness, and breakage.

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.

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.

Does permed hair ever go back to normal?

For most people, perm curls fall out within three to six months, reverting to your normal hair texture.

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 ruin a perm?

Don't expose your hair to too much heat. Avoid using curling irons, hair straighteners, and other heat styling tools as much as possible, as they can damage your perm. If you must use heat styling, be sure to use a heat protectant spray first. Don't wash your hair too often.

How to get curly hair without a perm?

From foam rollers and rag rollers to braids, buns, and pin curling, there are plenty of no-heat methods for creating curls. To enhance curls and ensure the style lasts longer, gently work in a curl-defining gel, spray, or mousse before rolling or pinning small sections of your hair into coils, buns, rags, or rollers.

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.

Why should you not get a perm?

The chemicals used in perms can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased frizz. Without proper hydration and care, the hair can become more difficult to manage, losing its natural shine and suppleness.

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.

Does anyone look good with a perm?

If your hair is flat, a perm can add movement and volume. It's a fun way to change things up from the style you've had your whole life. The perfect candidate is someone who enjoys creating texture and waves with a curling iron or rollers. Perms also offer benefits to people with curly or wavy hair.

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.

What to do if you regret a perm?

Use professional treatments like a deep conditioner to decrease frizziness or a waving lotion to straighten your hair out. 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.

Should I get a haircut or perm first?

Consider A Haircut First

Cutting your hair after a perm can affect the curl – so, if you need a trim, it's best to do that first. Perms look better when you have layers rather than a blunt cut, as they add more volume. You also need to account for your hair getting shorter during the process, too.

What is the most damaging hair treatment?

Chemical Perms

They work by breaking the bonds of the hair shaft in order to reform it, leaving your hair vulnerable and susceptible to damage. Still craving curls? We vote “go professional” and have an expert apply a perm for you—that way you can avoid over damaging your hair.

Does your hair go back to normal after a perm?

This chemical treatment will soften or grow out over time. Your perm should last around three to six months, although this depends on your hair type (fine waves or curls may drop out quicker), as well as how well you take care of it after your treatment.

Which hair color is the least damaging?

9 Best Hair Colors Without Bleach to Minimize Damage
  • 01 of 09. Chocolate Brown. ...
  • 02 of 09. Beige Bronde. ...
  • 03 of 09. Toffee. ...
  • 04 of 09. Copper. ...
  • 05 of 09. Burgundy. ...
  • 06 of 09. Golden Light Brown. ...
  • 07 of 09. Chestnut Highlights. ...
  • 08 of 09. Caramel Blonde.

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