What causes hair breakage after a perm?

Author: Charles Hintz  |  Last update: Monday, December 15, 2025

This is usually caused by wrapping the perm rods too tight, causing undue stress on the hair while perming, or by placing the perm piks too tightly under the perm rod band, which prevents the hair from expanding naturally during the perm process.

How to stop hair breakage after a perm?

Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle hair after washing, then leave it to air dry. Minimise heat-styling — Try to avoid using a hairdryer, straighteners, or curling tongs for as long as you can. If you need to use these tools, wait for at least three days after your perm, and always use a heat protector spray or serum.

Does a perm cause hair breakage?

Perm weakens the hair dramatically, and makes the effects of other harmful elements such as dye and heat 10x greater. The weakening of the hair follicles then leads to split ends. Perm also destroys the volume of your hair, making it thin. Perming your hair over time causes your hair to fall out.

Can hair grow back after perm damage?

Yes, it'll grow back as it was before. Perms can only affect the hair the chemicals touch, not the hair that hasn't grown yet. My boyfriend, way back when, decided to perm his hair but didn't tell me he was going to do it.

Why is my hair falling out so much after a perm?

The chemicals used in the process penetrate the protective layer of your hair and alter it structurally. A perm can result in dry hair that is weak, brittle, and prone to breakage. As strands of hair break, you may experience thinning hair or temporary hair loss while new strands begin to grow back.

What Causes Hair to Break After a Perm? : Styles for Long Hair

How to prevent hair loss with a perm?

Tips for Avoiding Hair Loss When Getting a Perm
  1. Ensure your scalp is healthy.
  2. Avoid brushing your hair the day before.
  3. Avoid scratching your hair the day before.

How do I stop my permed hair from shedding?

What can be done to minimize or stop breakage and shedding?
  1. Make sure your hair is free from product buildup.
  2. Keep your hair moisturized.
  3. Stay away from heat styling tools.
  4. Don't wear tight hairstyles.
  5. Handle your hair with care.
  6. Determine if your hair needs more or less protein.

Can hair breakage grow back?

If your hair's natural growth cycle does what it is supposed to, new ones should grow to replace the hair strands you lost.

Can you reverse perm damage?

Yes, if you wash it right away.

Use a conditioner to hydrate your hair and protect it from any damage. If it's been longer than 2 days, you may not be able to undo a perm. The best thing to do for your hair is to use deep conditioning treatments for moisture.

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.

Why does my hair feel brittle after perm?

The perming process strips your hair of the cuticle layer and makes your hair more porous. Your hair will probably start to feel dry and brittle unless you use the right hair products. Use products that will nourish and protect your hair from root to tip.

Why does my hair break easily?

Rough, aggressive brushing – especially when your hair's fragile and wet. Using products which aren't suitable for your hair type – especially if you have thick hair which needs extra hydration. Wearing your hair in severe styles, such as tight ponytails or braids. Excessive heat styling without heat protection.

What damages permed hair?

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 do you rehydrate your hair after a perm?

Start with a gentle cleansing shampoo, as your newly permed hair needs a little extra TLC. Instead, use a moisturising and nourishing conditioner to keep your curls happy and hydrated. Remember to treat your tresses to regular deep conditioning sessions for that extra boost of moisture and shine!

What destroys a perm?

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

Does perm damage hair permanently?

Perms work by permanently waving your hair through shape memory. Though the name suggests these waves will last forever, they're temporary. Perms can damage your hair over time. If you don't take care of your scalp health, you could get hair loss.

Why is my hair thinning after a perm?

Perming may also lead to thinning hair as a result of breakage along the shaft rather than hair fall from the follicle. Because it is a drying treatment, perms can impair the strength of the hair shaft, leaving it weak, brittle and prone to breakage.

How do you fix your hair after a bad perm?

Moisturize your scalp with a lightweight hair oil to promote healthy growth. Wash hair no more than once weekly, using a sulfate-free shampoo like our Color Protecting Shampoo. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Use a deep conditioner or nourishing hair mask to keep your strands moisturized and pampered.

Which vitamin deficiency causes hair breakage?

Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is essential for creating the cells that develop into hair follicles. It also supports healthy bones and your immune system. If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements.

What is the best product for hair breakage?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $75.
  • Best Routine: Redken The Repair Set, $82.
  • Best Heat Protectant: Kérastase Defense Thermique Heat Protecting Spray, $46.
  • Best Pre-Shampoo Treatment: Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel Restructuring Nourishing Balm, $135.

Does hair breakage fix itself?

As we've noted, damaged hair repair isn't possible because the protein bonds and cuticles have been permanently altered. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining hair to prevent further damage.

How to fix relaxed hair breakage?

How to Repair Hair After Relaxer Damage
  1. Wash with a Nourishing Shampoo. ...
  2. Apply a Sumptuous Conditioner. ...
  3. Repair with a Leave-In Treatment. ...
  4. Moisturize and Seal Dry Relaxed Hair. ...
  5. Detangle with a Wide-Tooth Comb. ...
  6. Avoid Blow-Drying Soaking Wet Hair. ...
  7. Use the Gentlest Hair Color Products. ...
  8. Sleep with Silk Pillowcases and Hair Wraps.

How do I keep my hair healthy after a perm?

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

How do I stop breakage on my hair?

Changes that can help prevent hair damage:
  1. Brush and comb your hair only to style it. ...
  2. Use a wide-tooth comb, and use it gently to comb your hair.
  3. Avoid pulling and tugging on your hair as you brush, comb, or style it.
  4. Remove tangles gently, using a moisturizing conditioner if necessary.

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