Why is my perm going away so fast?

Author: Jewel Shanahan  |  Last update: Sunday, October 19, 2025

If you want your perm to last, you'll need to consider its exposure to water. 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 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 ...

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.

Why did my perm go away in 3 days?

Usage of The Wrong Conditioner/Shampoo

An example of an inappropriate shampoo is clarifying shampoo. Although clarifying shampoos are excellent for removing product buildup from natural hair, they are too harsh for freshly permed hair and cause the curls to give way too soon.

Why is my perm getting loose?

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.

Do NOT Get a Perm - TheSalonGuy

Why did my perm disappear?

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 does my hair not hold a perm?

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”.

How to revive a perm?

After your perm, your hair is fragile and is more prone to breakage, so avoid heat tools whenever possible. Instead, try using steam to your benefit. Wrap your hair in a few rollers and put on a shower cap. Then, get in the shower and let the steam from the warm water reactivate your curls.

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.

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.

How do you fix a bad perm?

Frequent micro trims will speed up this process, in addition to using a deep conditioning mask once a week to weigh down curls. If you want a more immediate solution, go back to your salon and ask for a creme perm to be applied over the permed outgrowth (to help “reverse” your perm).

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.

Does conditioner make perm last longer?

Use a conditioner which is meant for chemically treated hair as it will help to keep your perm softer and last longer. Conditioner not only closes the cuticle but also act as a detangler.

How to make a 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.

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.

How to relax a perm naturally?

Loosening Your Permed Curls

Begin by working canola or vegetable oil into your locks. Allow the oil to remain for five to 10 minutes before rinsing it away with water. Apply a thick layer of a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment to your damp hair. Allow it to penetrate for two to three minutes.

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.

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.

How can I make my perm straight again?

If you just want to temporarily remove your perm, a flat iron is the best route. It will not permanently remove the perm, but will allow your hair to temporarily straighten. Make sure you select the right flat iron for your hair type. If you have short, thick, or fine hair look for an iron with narrow plates.

Can a perm be ruined?

Humidity can cause frizz, ruining your new perm. Here are a few more tips to help your perm last longer: Moisturize. Chemical treatments cause damage and dryness, so keeping your hair moisturized will help prevent frizz and keep your hair looking shiny and healthy.

What neutralizes a perm?

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

What if I hate my perm?

Many home remedies also help with bad perms, like applying a canola oil treatment or coconut oil mask. Alternatively, talk to your stylist about getting a different haircut or re-perming your hair.

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.

What keeps a perm curly?

Avoid excessive heat

Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can damage permed hair. To maintain the integrity of your curls, minimise heat and opt for air drying or diffusing.

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