Why won't my hair hold a perm?

Author: Everett DuBuque  |  Last update: Friday, April 18, 2025

If your hair is damaged, overly processed, or has a lot of split ends, you may not be the best candidate for a perm,” he warns. “The chemicals in the perm solution can further weaken damaged hair.”

Why doesn't my hair hold 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.

Why is my perm not lasting?

A perm will dry out your hair, so it will need more moisture and less heat. Embrace air drying or using a diffuser when blow-drying. This also helps activate your curls, which will maintain the perm for longer. And if you must use heat, at least prep your strands with heat protection.

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.

Do perms not work on some people?

sometimes hair just doesn't respond to the perm chemicals. you could always try the perm again, but it is quite damaging to the hair and there's no guarantee it would come out the way you want it since your hair didn't react much this time.

Do STRONG adhesives like Ultrahold work for everyone?!

What could cause a perm not to take?

Top 7 Common Reasons Why Your Perm Can Go Very Wrong
  • highlighted hair (high lift colour)
  • pre-lightened hair.
  • henna-treated hair.
  • keratin (formaldehyde) treated hair.
  • chemically permed hair in the last 1 year.
  • chemically straightened hair in the last 1 year.
  • pretty much dry, damaged, and neglected hair.

Why is my hair hard to perm?

“If your hair is damaged, overly processed, or has a lot of split ends, you may not be the best candidate for a perm,” he warns.

What destroys a perm?

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

What hair type is bad for perms?

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.

How do I make my perm last?

After getting a perm, it's important to give your hair time to set before washing it. This means waiting at least 48 hours before shampooing your hair. During this time, avoid getting your hair wet, and don't tie it back in a ponytail or bun. Doing so could disrupt the curl pattern and cause your perm to fall out.

Why do perms fail?

If the chemical overstays, then the hair becomes over processed. If the chemical is left for less time than intended, then the hair becomes under processed and comes out looking frizzled. The chemical solution needs to be completely rinsed off from the hair, otherwise the hair will get damaged and start breaking off.

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 you know if your hair can handle a perm?

The only thing that matters is your hair's porosity and elasticity, which determine how well your curls will hold. So whether you have thick, curly hair or fine, wavy hair—or even just want some help maintaining your natural curls—perms are for you.

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.

How do you keep a perm good?

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.

Why is my perm only curly when wet?

The disulphide bonds can only be broken with heat (as happens in 'permanent waving' hair treatment), but hydrogen bonds are affected by water, so the individual molecules can change their shape temporarily when wet.

Will my hair ever be the same after a perm?

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.

Why did my perm fall out?

When you wash your hair after getting a perm, if it is done too soon you risk your perm falling out and losing all the money and time put into perming your hair. After the initial perm, your hair needs time to rest and the chemicals need time to set.

Can I wet my perm every day?

Continuously subjecting a perm to activities like swimming, frequent shampooing or wet weather will damage the longevity of your perm.

Why is my hair falling out after perm?

Excessive heat

Excessive heat during the perming process can damage the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Excessive heat can cause the hair to become brittle, dry, and more prone to breakage.

What is a reverse perm?

The straight perm (or reverse perm) is a Japanese type of hot perm that applies heat (usually with a flat iron) and chemicals to straighten hair. The results are long-lasting, which is why some people choose this option instead of other hair straightening techniques.

Why isn't my hair holding a perm?

Because the hairdresser did not appropriately soften your hair, some perms frequently fall out. If the initial phase is done correctly, your hair can absorb the new curls, leaving you with lifeless, undefined curls that quickly straighten.

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.

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.

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