Will hair grow back after bad perm?

Author: Jarred Hettinger  |  Last update: Saturday, August 30, 2025

Since perming is inherently a drying process, if done so incorrectly can result in damage to the strands of hair making them weak and brittle. This causes the strands to break, leaving thinning or bald patches. The good news is that this type of hair loss is temporary, and new strands will grow back in time.

Can hair grow back after perm damage?

Yes, it'll grow back as it was before. Perms can only affect the hair the chemicals touch, not the hair that hasn't grown yet. My boyfriend, way back when, decided to perm his hair but didn't tell me he was going to do it.

How do you fix your hair after a bad perm?

Restoring hair after a bad perm involves patience and proper care. Start by trimming damaged ends, then nourish your hair with deep conditioning treatments and avoid heat styling. Consider using products formulated to repair and strengthen hair. Additionally, consult with a professional stylist for personalized advice.

Can a bad perm cause permanent hair loss?

Perms can cause hair breakage but not make you go bald permanently. The only thing that can do that is aging, genetics (the male balding gene comes from the mother only) and medical conditions like alopecia, certain thyroid conditions etc.

How to reverse a bad perm?

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.

The Truth About Perming Your Hair!

Is perm damage reversible?

With regular haircuts, men can remove the results of a bad perm within a few months. Women who wear their hair long are stuck with perm damage for much longer.

What happens if you get a bad perm?

Your hairdresser should know how to use and apply the perm chemicals properly. During the perm process, skin irritation, hair breakage, oral toxicity, and scarring alopecia can occur if the chemicals are not used correctly.

Can a perm go back to normal?

And, while the word 'perm' might make you think your look will be permanent, that new texture won't last forever. This chemical treatment will soften or grow out over time.

Why am I losing so much hair after a perm?

The chemicals used in the process penetrate the protective layer of your hair and alter it structurally. A perm can result in dry hair that is weak, brittle, and prone to breakage. As strands of hair break, you may experience thinning hair or temporary hair loss while new strands begin to grow back.

How to make hair grow quicker?

9 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER
  1. Trim your hair. ...
  2. Eat protein-rich foods. ...
  3. Take a hair-boosting supplement. ...
  4. Use a hair growth serum. ...
  5. Use a weekly hair mask. ...
  6. Take care after washing your hair. ...
  7. Always use heat protection. ...
  8. Protect your hair from the elements.

What do I do if I don't like my 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.

How do I get my hair back natural after a perm?

How To Transition To Natural Hair
  1. Be patient. ...
  2. Cut when necessary. ...
  3. Deep condition often. ...
  4. Plan out your protective styles. ...
  5. Cut back on heat styling. ...
  6. Don't stress the shedding. ...
  7. Avoid drying ingredients. ...
  8. Focus on scalp health.

Does conditioner undo 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 fix your hair after a bad perm?

Nourish the lengths and ends with shampoos and products designed for dry hair in order to hydrate them as much as possible. You can also try keratin-based products. These penetrate the hair's fibre to regenerate the hair.” Oils are also a good option, as long as you're careful not to apply too much.

Should I cut damaged hair or grow it out?

All experts agree on this: when hair is damaged, it must be cut off. “If the damage is so bad (you're bleaching too much or using too much heat), that's when it becomes a cut instead of a trim,” says Polko. “You're going to have to commit and then let your hair grow back out.”

Can hair breakage grow back?

If your hair's natural growth cycle does what it is supposed to, new ones should grow to replace the hair strands you lost.

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.

Can perming thin your hair?

While perms can add texture and create the illusion of thicker hair, it's crucial to note that the process involves chemicals that can make the hair more porous. This increased porosity can lead to moisture loss, causing the hair to become drier and potentially exacerbating the appearance of thinness.

Why is my hair falling out in patches?

Alopecia areata causes your hair to fall out in patches. The patches are usually small and round — about the size of a quarter — but the shape and amount of hair you lose may be bigger or smaller. Your nails may also develop dents or pits (cupuliform depressions).

Can you undo a bad perm?

Apply a canola oil treatment.

Using this treatment should loosen the perm to make it more manageable to re style, but you may need to repeat the treatment for a few weeks to really see results if your perm is acting stubborn and will not relax after one treatment.

Does hair loss from perm grow back?

In most cases, hair loss from a perm is not permanent. With proper care and treatment, the hair can regrow and regain its strength over time. Post-chemical treatments, the hair loss is usually due to breakages in mid shaft, as cuticle is weakened.

Will my hair ever be the same 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.

Can permed hair go back to normal?

But the perm will definitely increase the curl, but it's not as if the hair will grow and become straight after a few washes. Normally, a perm will last for at least three to six months, which means it takes a couple of years for the curl to completely disappear from the 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.

What ruins a perm?

Avoid using curling irons, hair straighteners, and other heat styling tools as much as possible, as they can damage your perm. If you must use heat styling, be sure to use a heat protectant spray first. Don't wash your hair too often.

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