What perms don't damage your hair?

Author: Arely Donnelly DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, November 20, 2025

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.

What is the least damaging perm for hair?

There are a ton of different ways to get a perm. The safest way is a digital perm, also called a hot perm. They're a little more expensive than regular perms, but digital perms are less harmful to your hair.

What is the healthiest type of perm?

All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins. Caring for the environment while caring for your hair will leave you feeling great and looking just as stunning with your Natural Perm look.

How to perm hair without damaging it?

To reduce the potential for damage, it's important to go to a professional stylist who specializes in perms, use hair care products designed for chemically treated hair, and follow a good hair care routine that includes regular conditioning and minimal use of heat styling tools.

Is there a damage free perm?

Texture EFX Cysteamine Perm for Color-Treated or Previously Permed Hair is a patented thio-free, damage-free, cysteamine system. With a smaller molecular size and positive magnetic charge, this formula easily and gently penetrates the hairshaft leaving the cuticle damage-free.

thinking about GETTING A PERM? | detailed perm experience and your perm questions answered

Can you get a perm without ruining your hair?

When done correctly and by a professional, with your specific hair type in mind, perms are relatively safe for the health of your hair. But those with damaged, dry, chemically processed, and colored hair should proceed with caution when considering a perm.

What can I do instead of perm?

Luckily, there are ways to get bouncy curls, soft waves, or gorgeous waves without causing any harm. If you've been wanting a head full of gorgeous curls without the damage, using rag curlers, foam curlers, a curling iron, or scrunching your hair could be the perfect options for you.

What is the easiest perm to maintain?

Straight perm

Straight perms are low maintenance on a day-to-day basis but the treatment itself usually takes between six to eight hours, so plan accordingly.

How can I relax my hair without a perm?

Some of the non-toxic and safer alternatives that you can use to straighten your hair include:
  1. Blow-drying. Rather than using a hair relaxer, blow-drying your hair might prove helpful. ...
  2. Heat styling. ...
  3. Keratin treatments. ...
  4. Oil treatment. ...
  5. Silicone cream.

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 is the most natural-looking perm?

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

Can you get a non-toxic perm?

Perms are a popular way for women to achieve that specialty style that will last for more than just a few days. At Ippodaro Natural Salon, we're proud to offer our organic perm that has no fumes yet produces long-lasting results.

Should I get a regular perm or digital perm?

The best choice for you depends on various factors, including your natural hair type, desired curl pattern, and preferred amount of upkeep. But with that in mind, those with longer hair may see better results from a digital perm, as the length can showcase the full shape of the waves.

Is there a healthy perm option?

Modern, Healthy hair perms are much softer on your hair than perms of the past. While women were looking for bold, voluminous shapes in the 80's, today, most women are looking for more natural results and our modern hair perm is formulated with that in mind.

What destroys a perm?

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

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 way to perm your hair?

If you're worried about hair damage or have fine, brittle hair, opt for Japanese airwave or cold perm, as they are the least damaging perm techniques across all types of perm. Both methods are quick and affordable to retain the look and subtlety of natural curls without the use of heat.

What is a healthy alternative to hair relaxer?

A nonchemical hair relaxer may use oils or products like shampoos, conditioners or serums to straighten hair, allowing added freedom with styling. These products can allow for straighter hair with minimal damage or harmful chemical exposure. Heat is another main nonchemical relaxer for natural hair.

How can I straighten my hair without a perm?

How To Straighten Hair Without Heat
  1. Wrap your hair at night. One of the easiest ways to straighten hair without heat is to wrap your hair at night. ...
  2. Wet-wrap your hair. ...
  3. Blow-dry with cool air. ...
  4. Opt for large rollers. ...
  5. Try the banding method. ...
  6. Style hair in a twist hair bun. ...
  7. Use smoothing hair care products.

Is it bad to get a perm every 6 months?

Modern perming methods and solutions are far less damaging than their 1980s counterparts, but they still can be damaging if you overdo it. We'd recommend waiting 8-10 months between each perm to give your hair a chance to recover. Ideally, you should only be perming your hair 1-2 times a year.

What does a Japanese perm look like?

Korean perms offer a variety of curl patterns, including S-shaped and C-shaped curls. Japanese perms provide more subtle, wave-like patterns.

What perm lasts the longest?

Multi-Textured Perm

This technique involves wrapping the entire head with different-sized perm rods to mimic that natural wave pattern. The result: effortless supermodel waves that last up to six months.

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.

How do I keep my hair healthy with a perm?

8 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Permed Hair
  1. Gentle Cleansing for Delicate Curls.
  2. Conditioning is Key.
  3. Say Yes to Heat Protection.
  4. Air Dry for Natural Bounce.
  5. Regular Trims for Healthy Ends.
  6. Minimize Chemical Exposure.
  7. Sleep Smart for Curl Care.
  8. Hydration from Within.

What is Korean perm?

First, while traditional perms usually involve using chemical solutions as part of a “cold perming” technique, Korean perms involve the use of specially formulated solutions that help to carefully restructure the shape of your hair, creating a more subtle appearance, while minimizing hair damage.

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