Continuously subjecting a perm to activities like swimming, frequent shampooing or wet weather will damage the longevity of your perm. Getting it wet opens your hair's cuticle, releasing the chemicals used to set the perm.
After you initially get your perm, you shouldn't get it wet for 2-3 days while the bonds are re-forming. However after that period is over, you are free to get it wet as much as you like.
Because perm solution is very drying on the hair, it is a good idea to not shampoo it everyday, because that can dry out your hair even more, so just wait until your hair is visibly dirty/oily to shampoo it. Conditioning everyday is fine.
If you have just received a perm, it is crucial to avoid getting your hair wet for at least 48 hours. During this time, your hair is still in the process of setting, and any exposure to water can cause the curls to weaken or become less defined.
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.
Donts: Don't wash your hair for 48-72 hours after a perm . During that time your perm is still technically forming and can be ruined or relax if you decide to wash it within that time frame.
Continuously subjecting a perm to activities like swimming, frequent shampooing or wet weather will damage the longevity of your perm. Getting it wet opens your hair's cuticle, releasing the chemicals used to set the perm.
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.
Straight perm
Straight perms are low maintenance on a day-to-day basis but the treatment itself usually takes between six to eight hours, so plan accordingly.
Condition To Retain Moisture:
Stop using shampoos laced with heavy chemicals and use special shampoos meant for permed hair thrice a week. Deep conditioning of the treated hair is a must after every wash to retain the moisture and alter the damage by making the hair look healthy and bouncy.
The disulphide bonds can only be broken with heat (as happens in 'permanent waving' hair treatment), but hydrogen bonds are affected by water, so the individual molecules can change their shape temporarily when wet.
Treat your permed hair gently – washing just once a week with warm water is perfectly adequate. And use dry shampoo between washes if your roots get dirty – formulas are available for chemically treated hair that can add volume and moisture.
There is no need to wet your hair daily. Depending on your scalp and hair nature, you may wash it frequently. If you have oily or greasy hair then you may wash your hair more frequently when compared to normal scalp.
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.
Deep conditioning will help loosen tight curls from your latest perm and tame frizz on overly processed hair. If you only have a few, short fishtail pieces sticking out of your curls, remove them carefully with a little trim.
You'll also make your perm last longer with the right sleep routine. Make sure to sleep on your stomach or side instead of your back, which will put pressure on your permed hair. You could also use a silk cap for sleeping to help keep your hair from matting.
This time is the time when your curls are at their most fragile, after all. If you mess with them too much, you may accidentally ruin the shape and structure of your new perm. This will result in curls that are not nearly as uniform as they would be otherwise, and can even ruin the perm altogether.
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.
You'll have to wait 48 hours after perming your hair before washing it. 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.