What does perm solution do to the hair?

Author: Prof. Kadin Abbott  |  Last update: Saturday, July 26, 2025

A perm involves the use of chemicals to break down the bonds in the hair and re-form them in a new shape. This process is typically done in two steps: the application of a chemical relaxer, which breaks down the bonds in the hair, and the application of a neutralizer, which sets the new shape of the hair.

What are the side effects of perm solution?

Eye irritation: Redness, burning, watering, itching. Lung irritation: Breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, coughing, swelling of lung tissue. Burns: Chemicals in some perm solutions can cause burns if they get on your skin or in your eyes.

Are perm chemicals bad for your hair?

Yes. Perms will damage your hair due the chemicals breaking the disulfide bonds; which holds the the proteins together. Once you get your hair permed there is no way back, those bonds cannot be reconstructed and you will have to wait until your hair grow back. I would suggest a keratin treatment for the frizz.

Is perm damaging to hair?

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.

How long does perm solution stay on hair?

The Perming Process

Your hair is then wrapped around the perm rods using a technique that affects the final curl pattern. The perm solution is applied and left for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your hair type and desired curl intensity, to restructure your hair's natural bonds.

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Does perm solution lighten hair?

Perms could lighten your hair color. The perming solutions may lighten your hair color about one shade providing you a natural sun kissed look. If you color your hair, make sure to speak with your Hairzoo stylist about combining a color treatment with your perm.

What not to do after 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.

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.

Can my hair go back to normal after a perm?

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

What is perm solution made of?

Chemicals commonly used to perm hair include glycerol monothioglycolate, which is acidic, and ammonium thioglycolate, which is alkaline. Alkaline perms are usually used for hair that is rough and strong, while acid perms are usually milder and are therefore used form more delicate, soft hair.

Do perms help thin hair?

Moreover, perms can also impact the volume and body of thin hair. While perms can add texture and create the illusion of thicker hair, it's crucial to note that the process involves chemicals that can make the hair more porous.

How to remove perm from hair naturally?

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.

Why you should not perm your hair?

"Over-bleached hair, highlighted hair, over-colored hair, and porous hair types should not get a perm," says James, "as the hair will disintegrate." While frizz can be smoothed with product, it can also be a sign of serious breakage caused by frayed cuticles.

Is there a healthy perm option?

A Natural Perm is a modern, healthy way to prevent any hair- and scalp-related problems from occurring. All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins.

Do perms cause hair thinning?

Using too much of the perm solution, or applying it in the wrong areas could cause excessive damage to your hair and scalp with may ultimately result in hair loss, breakage, or thinning.

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?

Cold perms, also known as acid perms, are often considered gentler on the hair compared to traditional heat-based methods. The process uses a milder acidic solution, which is less damaging to the hair's structure.

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.

How do I get my natural hair back after a perm?

Let's break it all down with 10 transitioning hair tips.
  1. Be patient. ...
  2. Cut when necessary. ...
  3. Deep condition often. ...
  4. Plan out your protective styles. ...
  5. Cut back on heat styling. ...
  6. Don't stress the shedding. ...
  7. Avoid drying ingredients. ...
  8. Focus on scalp health.

What ruins a perm?

Ongoing Perm Maintenance

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

What is the most natural looking perm?

The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.

How to sleep with permed hair?

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.

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.

Can I put leave-in conditioner on permed hair?

Using leave-in conditioner

They protect hair for blow drying and heat styling. They give dyed and permed hair extra nourishment and stop breakage. And leave-in conditioner is vital to support curly hair's shape, bounce, and texture.

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.

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