What is the best way to relax a perm?

Author: Jonas Beier  |  Last update: Sunday, September 21, 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 to relax a perm quickly?

First, condition hair immediately, then blow-dry hair using a large round brush. You may also need to set hair on large rollers. If your perm is still too curly, ask you stylist about a curl reducing service.

How long does it take for a perm to fully relax?

A- We will recommend waiting 48 hours before shampooing your hair to fully neutralize and relax. I always recommend a full 48 hours before shampooing.

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.

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.

Basic Haircare & Hairstyles : Getting Rid of a Perm

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.

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.

How to reverse a perm at home?

No amount of washing at home will get the perm out, and putting in a straightening at home relaxer will cause some serious hair damage. Either that, or wait until the perm grows out. It isn't permanent…it will grow out. Get a good conditioner and put on and leave 5–10 minutes after a shampoo.

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.

Will my perm calm down?

Perms do relax over time but not taking proper care of your curls will cause it to relax even faster.

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 to make perm less frizzy?

Pat your hair gently with a towel instead of rubbing it. For drying, either air dry to keep curls intact or use a diffuser in a low-heat setting if you're using a hair dryer. A diffuser will help maintain the shape and definition of your curls without causing frizz.

How do you 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.

What neutralizes a perm?

Neutralizer: a neutralising liquid for perms, containing hydrogen peroxide to restructure and strengthen the hair's bonds.

How do I get the best out of my perm?

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.

How can I loosen my perm 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.

Can you make a perm go away?

How to Get Rid of a Perm. Use professional treatments like a deep conditioner to decrease frizziness or a waving lotion to straighten your hair out. Many home remedies also help with bad perms, like applying a canola oil treatment or coconut oil mask.

Does salt water loosen perm?

Chlorine in swimming pools and salt in seawater can be harsh on permed hair. They can dry out your hair, leading to frizz, and in some cases, might even slightly alter the color. It's crucial to understand these effects when considering swimming after getting a perm.

How long until perm relaxes?

The size and strength of the S shape are the perm.

This is the reason most perms require a period of time (24-48 hours) before the hair should be shampooed so that the oxidation process can finish rebonding the hair. This is also why a perm relaxes during the first few shampoos after a perm.

What not to do 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 to get rid of perm hair faster?

Unfortunately you can't reverse a perm. It has chemically altered your hair. If your try to permanently straighten it with chemicals it will damage it. You just have to let it grow out and the curls will loosen over time.

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 is the curly girl method?

Here's how to do the Curly Girl Method step-by-step.
  • Step 0: Reset Wash. First up, do a reset cleanse to remove product build-up from your strands. ...
  • Step 1: Cleanse. Wash your hair with a co-wash conditioner or a sulfate-free, low-poo shampoo. ...
  • Step 2: Condition & Detangle. ...
  • Step 3: Style. ...
  • Step 4: Plop. ...
  • Step 5: Repeat.

Should I wet my perm 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.

Previous article
How long should a 70 year old be able to do a plank?
Next article
Is 15 or 30 incline bench press better?