What could be the cause of a perm not lasting as long as?

Author: Otto Hermann  |  Last update: Saturday, August 23, 2025

The most likely cause of a perm not lasting as long as expected is incomplete neutralization. Other factors like overprocessing, uneven distribution, and excessive stretching can also play a role. Proper application and timing during the perming process are crucial for achieving lasting results.

Why did my perm go away so fast?

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.

Why is my hair not holding a perm?

Hair Condition: If your hair is damaged or overly processed from previous treatments (like coloring or straightening), it may not perm effectively. Timing: If the perm solution is not left on for the correct amount of time, it may not properly penetrate the hair shaft, leading to weak or nonexistent curls.

What could be the cause of a perm not lasting as long as expected?

A perm may not last as long as expected due to factors such as overprocessing, uneven distribution of the solution, excessive stretching of the hair, and incomplete neutralization. Following the correct procedure and aftercare is essential for achieving lasting results.

Why did my perm only last 2 months?

There are numerous reasons: a bad choice of perm or formula; too much water used during wrapping; not enough water blotted from hair before neutralizing; the stylist missed or skipped a step; hair had excess build-up; a poor consultation, in which the client forgot to tell the stylist something that could have affected ...

The Truth About Perming Your Hair!

How do I make my perm last longer?

If you want to make a perm last, here are a number of things you can do:
  1. Wait to wash your hair until your perm has set in for at least two days.
  2. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
  3. Avoid heat styling.
  4. Don't comb your hair for the first 24 hours.
  5. Don't dye your hair for two weeks before and after you get a perm.

Can I perm my hair again if it didn't take?

If it is not curly enough, wait at least a week to redo it. If your hair is not in good enough condition to re-perm, you may have to trim your hair and wait until your hair is ready to perm again.

Is it possible for a perm to not work?

when hair is damaged and neglected, the hair bonds are generally broken. thus, hair will not have the elasticity and resilience to undergo digital (heat) perm. more often than not, the curls will turn out to be “lifeless” or even “fried”.

Is it possible for a perm to last a year?

Most perms last 3-6 months, so if you need a touch-up at month 3, it may be safe to do so. Consult your hairstylist to be sure. Is a perm good for thin hair? Perms can give thin hair more volume.

Why won't my hair take to a perm?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a perm. After all, they “work best on hair that is naturally straight or has a slight wave,” says Grenia. “Hair that is already very curly may not take to the perm solution as well and could result in overly tight or frizzy curls.”

Can hormones affect perms?

Among the types of medications that affect perm results are hormones or high blood pressure medications which tend to make a perm "take" faster than normal. It is believed that these medications raise the temperature of the scalp which accelerates the perm process.

Why does my hair not hold a curl anymore?

Using The Wrong Products: The products you use—and how you use them—can make or break curls. Some formulas are designed for damp hair, while others work best on dry hair. Using the wrong one or applying products improperly can lead to issues like "wet spots," which can cause damage when exposed to heat.

What destroys a perm?

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

Why is my perm so slow?

Several factors contribute to the extended processing times for PERM applications: Increased Workload: A surge in applications has overwhelmed the DOL. Inadequate Funding: Limited resources have slowed down processing capabilities.

Which perm lasts the longest?

Spiral perm

Creates tight, corkscrew curls using long vertical rods. The hair is wound around the rods from scalp to tip, creating a spiral pattern. This style usually takes 2-3 hours to complete and can last 4-6 months. Spiral perms work best on longer hair and create a dramatic, voluminous look.

How to tell if hair is overprocessed?

Over processed hair often lacks elasticity, making it more prone to breakage and damage. Healthy hair has good elasticity, while over processed hair may feel stiff, brittle, or prone to snapping when stretched.

What can cause curly hair to go straight?

Hormones are the main culprit responsible for such drastic hair texture changes. During puberty, menopause and pregnancy, many people will find their will go from straight to curly or vice versa over a period of months.

What three tests are necessary before providing a perm service?

True or False - when conducting a perm service, you should take a test curl before the service and throughout the processing phase. Perform a patch test 24 to 48 hours before a service, also perform a metallic salts, porosity, and elasticity tests.

How to make perm last longer?

How To Care for Your Perm
  1. Immediately After Your Perm. After getting your perm, your hair will need some time to fully set. ...
  2. Nourish + Moisturize Your Hair. ...
  3. Shampoo Less. ...
  4. Get the Right Products. ...
  5. Dry Your Hair Correctly. ...
  6. Get Regular Trims. ...
  7. Avoid Heat Styling.

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.

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.

What causes a perm to fail?

Incorrect use of rollers

The rollers need to be rolled in the correct tension to have the desired effect. Rolling them too tight or too loose will determine how well your perm turns out. The longer the development of the hair, the tighter your curls will be, and the less the development, the looser the curls will be.

How long should a perm last?

On average, you can expect your perm to last anywhere from three to six months. However, this timeframe isn't set in stone. Various factors play a role in determining the longevity of your curls. Hair Type and Texture Your natural hair type significantly influences how long your perm will last.

Is my hair permanently damaged after a perm?

Hair perming involves breaking the cysteine bonds in your hair using this thioglycolic acid. The cysteine bond is what gives your hair its structure. It therefore needs to be undone in order to achieve the new shape. “If the product is left on for too long it can cause these bonds to break permanently.

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