What can I use to relax my perm?

Author: Mrs. Elva Gulgowski  |  Last update: Thursday, September 18, 2025

If you want to undo the results of a perm, or relax a perm, wash your hair with Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair, and to help relax your curls. Apply a deep conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment, cover your curls with a shower cap, and leave on for several hours.

How do you relax a tight perm?

If your perm is too tight, there are a few methods you can try to loosen the curls: Wash Your Hair: Gently wash your hair with a mild shampoo. This can help relax the curls. Avoid using hot water; lukewarm water is best. Conditioning Treatment: Apply a deep conditioner or a moisturizing hair mask after washing.

Can I relax my hair after a perm?

Do NOT use relaxer. Your hair will disintegrate. Talk to your stylist about this. I have ``reversed'' a perm with the same perm solution I used to do the initial perm. Just don't use rods, comb the solution through and process for the same amount of time.

How do you calm down a frizzy perm?

Use a deep conditioner at least once a week. Do not brush your hair, only use a pick while it's wet. Use product meant for your curls, like a gel or mousse. A good trim helps too if it's damaged from the perm. I tend to get a trim at least one month after the perm.

Will washing a perm relax it?

Now that you've got your brand new perm the question is : How do I take care of my perm? 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.

Pro Hair Relaxers vs. Box Kits: Which One Is Better for Your Hair?

Why is my perm frizzy and not curly?

You want to check for ingredients like alcohol, which can cause your hair to dry out. A shampoo, conditioner, or any product really, with an excessive level of alcohol in the ingredients can bring damage and frizz to your perm.

How long does it take for my perm to relax?

Are permanent waves actually permanent? Yes, the are, until the hair grows (at the rate of 1/2 inch per month, on average). Remember, however, that perms usually loosen up to 25% within the first two weeks after a perm with shampooing and ordinary attention.

What to do if you don't like your 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.

How to sleep with permed hair in the first 48 hours?

Overnight Care For Permed Hair

Before going to bed, braid or loosely twist your hair to avoid tangling and preserve the contour of the curls. Next, wear a silk or satin hat or scarf to shield your hair from rubbing and reduce frizz.

Does conditioner relax a perm?

After shampooing, it is very important that you condition your hair. It is a myth that conditioner will relax and ruin your perm.

Does shampoo relax perm?

Shampoo your hair weekly after getting your perm.

Cleaning your hair can keep your curls fresh and bouncy. But washing it too often can strip your already delicate hair of essential oils and make your perm relax faster.

What not to use after a perm?

Post perm care
  • Wait 48-72 hours before shampooing your hair. ...
  • Do not stand under a shower head for 48 hours. ...
  • Avoid getting into a swimming pool or hot tub for 7 days. ...
  • Do not brush or pull hair for 24-48 hours. ...
  • Do not use a flat iron, curling iron or blow dryer for 48 hours. ...
  • Avoid coloring your hair for 3 to 7 days.

Does hot water loosen perm?

Avoid Water and Heat: Do not wet or wash your hair for at least 48 hours after getting a perm. Heat can also loosen curls, so avoid using hot tools like straighteners or curling irons too frequently.

What conditioner is good for permed hair?

Best Conditioner For Permed Hair
  • SuavecitoSuavecito Beard Conditioner 237ml. ...
  • Clever CurlClever Curl Rich Conditioner 450ml. ...
  • Clever CurlClever Curl Rich Conditioner 1000ml. ...
  • RedkenRedken All Soft 300ml Duo Pack. ...
  • GoldwellGoldwell Dualsenses Just Smooth 1 Litre Taming Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle.

How do you relieve a perm?

If your perm was done within the last 72 hours, you can shampoo it with a clarifying shampoo and condition it. This will relax the perm a little bit. It's not recommended to reverse a perm, doing so requires an additional chemical service and the hair will never look the way it did prior to the perm.

How do you loosen a tight perm?

If you want to undo the results of a perm, or relax a perm, wash your hair with Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair, and to help relax your curls. Apply a deep conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment, cover your curls with a shower cap, and leave on for several hours.

Will my perm loosen up after I wash it?

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. Remember if you go swimming to always wear a cap.

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 make curls looser?

Curling your hair in alternating directions will make your curls look more natural. It will also help to prevent your curls from clumping together, providing a softer, more bouncy look. The larger and thicker the strands of hair you wrap around your curling iron, the looser your curls will be.

Can you get a relaxed perm?

The body wave perm creates a relaxed look with larger, looser waves using large rollers. This is a great option for people with straight hair that doesn't typically curl. Body wave perms typically last about 3-5 months.

Can I wet my permed hair every day?

Wait before washing your hair

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.

How to calm a frizzy perm?

First, use an anti-frizz serum or oil on your damp hair to remove moisture and flatten the cuticle layer. You could also use a leave-in conditioner occasionally – if not regularly – to keep the frizz at bay. Finally, try your best not to touch your hair throughout the day; that will help keep frizz at bay.

Can I use curl cream right after a perm?

Absolutely! Applying curling cream after a perm is not only permissible but is, in fact, highly recommended. Curling creams are designed to enhance and define curls, providing the necessary moisture, structure, and styling support that permed hair often requires.

Can I air dry permed hair?

Leaving your newly permed hair to air-dry will lead to frizz and unruly curls. Blow-drying in a twisting motion helps define the curls to your desired style and keep them looking smooth.

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