Will a perm help my hair hold curls?

Author: Ms. Viva Renner DDS  |  Last update: Friday, June 20, 2025

Once your hair is saturated, it gets wrapped around rods and rollers, The sizes and types of the hair tools will depend on the kind of perm you want. The chemical treatment makes your hair hold the curl pattern from the rods and rollers.

Will getting a perm help my curls?

It's not going to fix it. A perm chemically alerts your hair structure and adding heat to it will do nothing besides temporarily staying in that position. Basically think about flat ironing curly hair, it's still curly once it gets wet....

Does your hair stay curly after a perm?

Actually no. A perm, or permanent texture, isn't actually permanent. A good perm will last 3-6 months, depending on the length and texture of your hair. So the good news is, if you don't like it, it will grow out, and the curls will loosen over time.

What I wish I knew before getting a perm?

5 Things to Know Before Getting a Perm
  • Perms work best on healthy hair. ...
  • There is a perm learning curve. ...
  • You can't just color your hair whenever you want. ...
  • You'll have to minimize exposure to water. ...
  • Consider your current haircut carefully.

Who is not a good candidate for a perm?

People who already have curly, wavy or otherwise naturally textured hair are not going to be good candidates for perms. Exchanging once permanent curl for another, unfortunately, isn't what perms were designed for. They also probably aren't right for a perm if they have already had one or have had their hair relaxed.

How To Curl Hair That Won't Curl

What are the disadvantages of a perm?

Perms can damage your hair over time. If you don't take care of your scalp health, you could get hair loss. Scalp health is important because once a hair follicle gets damaged, you can't grow new hair from that follicle. It's important to get perms only from a trusted salon.

How do you keep your hair curly with a perm?

How to Maintain Your Perm
  1. Wait Before Washing Your Hair. After getting a perm, it's important to give your hair time to set before washing it. ...
  2. Use A Gentle Shampoo And Conditioner. ...
  3. Avoid Heat Styling. ...
  4. Don't Brush Your Hair When It's Wet. ...
  5. Get Regular Trims.

How much do perms cost?

At Kimage Salon, a digital perm by Senior Stylists ranges from $230 to $290, while a digital perm by Junior Stylists costs between $140 and $180.

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.

What do you do if your hair won't hold curls?

One trick to getting your curls to last is using a product with hold before you put the iron on your hair. Whether it's a moose, a heat protectant, a hair spray, or a dry texture spray, your hair will already be prepared to hold onto the curl.

How do I activate my hair curls?

After using a frizz-fighting styling foam or frizz mousse to define your curls, let them air dry. Cup your hands and scrunch your locks upward to encourage curls to form as your hair dries. In a hurry? Use a diffuser on the lowest setting to speed up the drying process.

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.

Does a perm make your hair curly or straight?

What Is A Perm? The process of perming your hair involves chemicals that change the structure of your hair's texture. This means it could change your hair from straight to curly, or vice versa. Besides just curling and straightening, perms can bring volume and bounce into your hair, too.

How much does a curl perm cost?

Perms for short hair can cost $30 to $150, medium-length hair can cost $60 to $200, and perms for long hair can cost $80 to $400.

How long does a perm actually last?

A perm typically lasts three to six months, depending on the type of perm you get, your hair type and how well you take care of it. A traditional perm that produces a uniform curl pattern can last 3-6 months, depending on how fast your hair grows and how you treat it.

Do hair stylists still give perms?

As we step into 2024, the world of hairstyling is witnessing a resurgence of a classic trend—the perm. Once associated with the big, voluminous curls of the '80s, the modern perm has evolved into a versatile and trendy styling option.

Will a perm ruin my curls?

Do perms damage your hair? Contrary to popular belief, Bates says, a perm won't completely fry your mane—that is, as long as it's done the right way! “Any chemical services performed improperly can cause hair damage, but we now have pre and post-treatments to help strengthen and protect the hair,” Bates says.

How to get tight curls without a perm?

10 Techniques for Getting Tight Curls
  1. Hair Rollers. Hair rollers give you a result similar to using a curling iron, without damage to your strands. ...
  2. Overnight Sock Curls. ...
  3. Curlformer Spirals. ...
  4. Bathrobe Curls. ...
  5. Bendy Rods. ...
  6. Small Curling Rods. ...
  7. Braiding Wet Hair. ...
  8. Rope Twist and Bun.

What not to do after getting 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.

Who should not get a perm?

But those with damaged, dry, chemically processed, and colored hair should proceed with caution when considering a perm. Otherwise, perms are a hairstyling hack for a range of benefits for your hair. From changing hair's texture to styling and adding volume and body, these are the pros of permed hair.

Can you get your hair permanently curled?

A perm is a process where your hairstylist treats your hair with a chemical to alter the structure and permanently wave or curl you hair. A perm will last approximately 6 months if your home care regimen supports the perm and your hair.

When can I perm my hair again if I didn't get a perm?

If it is too curly, your stylist can relax it. 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.

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