Getting a perm can be a fantastic way to add volume, texture, and effortless style to your hair. However, achieving the perfect perm and maintaining its health and longevity requires careful planning and aftercare. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the do’s and don’ts of perms, ensuring you achieve the beautiful, bouncy curls you’ve always dreamed of, while keeping your hair healthy and strong.
Before the Perm: Preparation is Key
The journey to stunning curls starts long before you sit in the salon chair. Proper preparation is crucial for a successful perm and minimises potential damage. Understanding your hair type, consulting with a professional stylist, and taking pre-perm care steps are essential for optimal results.
Assess Your Hair’s Health
Before even considering a perm, honestly evaluate the health of your hair. Perms involve chemical processing, which can be damaging to already weakened or damaged hair. If your hair is brittle, dry, heavily processed with color, or prone to breakage, a perm might not be the best option. Consider focusing on repairing and strengthening your hair before pursuing a perm. Deep conditioning treatments, protein masks, and gentle hair care practices can significantly improve hair health and make it more receptive to a perm later on.
Consult with a Professional Stylist
This cannot be stressed enough: always consult with a qualified and experienced hairstylist before getting a perm. A stylist can assess your hair type, texture, and health, and advise on the best type of perm for your specific hair. They can also consider your desired curl pattern and overall style to ensure you achieve the look you want. During the consultation, be open and honest about your hair history, including any previous chemical treatments or coloring. This information is crucial for the stylist to make informed decisions and avoid potential damage.
Deep Condition Your Hair Regularly
In the weeks leading up to your perm, incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine. Deep conditioning helps to hydrate and nourish your hair, making it stronger and more resilient to the chemical processing involved in perming. Look for deep conditioners that are rich in moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil. Apply a deep conditioner once or twice a week, leaving it on for the recommended time, usually 15-30 minutes.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals Beforehand
To minimize potential damage, avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair in the weeks leading up to your perm. This includes bleaching, coloring, and relaxing treatments. Allow your hair to recover from any previous chemical processing before subjecting it to another one. If you absolutely need to color your hair, do it at least two weeks before or two weeks after your perm.
Do a Strand Test
A strand test is a crucial step that many people overlook. It involves testing the perm solution on a small, inconspicuous section of your hair to see how it reacts. A strand test helps to determine the appropriate processing time and strength of the perm solution for your hair type. It also allows you to see the final result of the perm before committing to the entire head.
During the Perm: What to Expect and How to Ensure a Smooth Process
The perming process itself can be a bit daunting, but knowing what to expect can help ease your anxiety. Understanding the steps involved and how to communicate effectively with your stylist is essential for a smooth and successful perm.
Communicate Clearly with Your Stylist
Throughout the perming process, communicate openly and honestly with your stylist. If you feel any discomfort or burning sensation, let them know immediately. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the process and the products being used. Clear communication is key to ensuring your comfort and safety.
Be Patient
The perming process takes time, so be prepared to sit in the salon chair for a few hours. Rushing the process can lead to uneven curls or damage. Relax and enjoy the experience, and trust your stylist to do their best work.
Protect Your Skin
Your stylist should take precautions to protect your skin from the perm solution, using a barrier cream around your hairline and ears. If you have sensitive skin, let your stylist know beforehand so they can take extra precautions.
Follow Your Stylist’s Instructions
During the perming process, your stylist will provide specific instructions on how to position your head and how to care for your hair. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible results.
After the Perm: Maintaining Your Curls and Hair Health
The work doesn’t stop once you leave the salon. Proper aftercare is crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of your perm. Using the right products, following a gentle hair care routine, and protecting your hair from damage are essential for keeping your curls looking their best.
Wait to Wash Your Hair
This is perhaps the most important rule of perm aftercare: do not wash your hair for at least 48-72 hours after getting a perm. This allows the perm solution to fully set and ensures that your curls will hold their shape.
Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are gentle on permed hair and help to prevent dryness and frizz. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to damage and breakage. Look for products specifically designed for permed or curly hair.
Deep Condition Regularly
Continue to deep condition your hair regularly after getting a perm. Deep conditioning helps to replenish moisture and keep your curls hydrated and healthy. Aim to deep condition your hair at least once a week.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner
A leave-in conditioner can help to detangle your hair, control frizz, and add extra moisture. Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair after washing and conditioning.
Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling can damage permed hair and cause it to become dry and brittle. Avoid using heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners as much as possible. If you must use heat, use a low heat setting and apply a heat protectant spray.
Air Dry Your Hair
Air drying is the gentlest way to dry permed hair. Allow your hair to air dry naturally whenever possible. If you need to use a blow dryer, use a diffuser attachment and a low heat setting.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
A wide-tooth comb is gentler on permed hair than a brush. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while it’s wet or damp. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots.
Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Protect your hair while you sleep by using a silk or satin pillowcase or wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf. Silk and satin are smooth fabrics that help to prevent friction and breakage.
Trim Your Hair Regularly
Regular trims help to remove split ends and keep your hair healthy and strong. Aim to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks.
Avoid Over-Processing
Avoid getting your hair permed too often. Over-processing can lead to damage and breakage. Wait at least 6 months between perms.
Specific Perm Types: Considerations and Care
Different perm types require slightly different care approaches. Understanding the nuances of each can further contribute to the health and longevity of your permed hair.
Digital Perms
Digital perms, also known as “hot perms,” often create softer, more natural-looking curls, particularly when dry. They tend to hold their shape well. Pay close attention to moisturizing after a digital perm, as the heat can be drying. Use hydrating serums and oils to combat this.
Acid Perms
Acid perms are gentler than alkaline perms and are often recommended for fine or damaged hair. While gentler, they still require careful aftercare. Focus on protein treatments to rebuild the hair’s structure.
Alkaline Perms
Alkaline perms are stronger than acid perms and are often used for thick or resistant hair. They can be more damaging, so intensive moisturizing and strengthening treatments are crucial.
Dealing with Common Perm Problems
Even with the best care, perms can sometimes present challenges. Knowing how to address these issues can save your curls and prevent further damage.
Frizz
Frizz is a common problem with permed hair. Combat frizz by using anti-frizz serums and creams. Avoid over-washing your hair, as this can strip it of its natural oils.
Dryness
Permed hair can become dry and brittle. Combat dryness by deep conditioning regularly and using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.
Loss of Curl Definition
Over time, perms can lose their curl definition. Revive your curls by using curl-enhancing products and scrunching your hair while it’s damp.
Damage and Breakage
If your permed hair is damaged or prone to breakage, focus on repairing and strengthening it. Use protein treatments and avoid heat styling.
In conclusion
Getting a perm can be a rewarding experience, resulting in beautiful, bouncy curls that enhance your natural beauty. However, it’s a process that requires careful planning, execution, and aftercare. By following the do’s and don’ts outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your perm is a success and that your hair remains healthy, strong, and gorgeous for months to come. Remember that consulting with a professional stylist is paramount. A skilled stylist can tailor the perming process to your specific hair type and needs, minimising the risk of damage and maximising the potential for stunning, long-lasting results. Enjoy your curls!
What are the key “do’s” before getting a perm to ensure the best results?
Before diving into the world of permed curls, proper preparation is paramount for a successful outcome. First, schedule a consultation with your stylist to discuss your hair type, desired curl pattern, and overall hair health. This will help determine if a perm is suitable for your hair and which type of perm is best. Furthermore, deep condition your hair in the weeks leading up to your appointment to ensure it’s hydrated and strong, as the perming process can be drying.
Additionally, avoid using any products containing silicones or sulfates in the week before your perm. These ingredients can create a barrier that prevents the perming solution from properly penetrating the hair shaft, resulting in a less effective perm. Clean, well-moisturized hair is the ideal canvas for creating gorgeous, lasting curls.
What are the most important “don’ts” immediately after getting a perm?
In the crucial period following your perm, certain actions should be avoided to maintain the integrity and longevity of your curls. For the first 48-72 hours, refrain from washing your hair. This allows the perming solution to fully set and the curls to solidify. Wetting the hair prematurely can disrupt the curl pattern and lead to a frizzy or uneven result.
Also, avoid using any styling products during this initial period. Resist the urge to brush, comb, or manipulate your curls. Let them air dry naturally and avoid any heat styling. Touching and styling your hair too soon can stress the newly formed curls, potentially causing them to loosen or fall out. Patience is key for long-lasting, beautiful curls.
How often should I wash my hair after getting a perm?
After the initial waiting period following your perm, it’s best to minimize washing your hair. Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz, which are common concerns with permed hair. Aim to wash your hair only 2-3 times per week.
When you do wash your hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for permed or curly hair. These products are designed to be gentle and hydrating, helping to maintain the moisture balance of your curls and prevent damage. A co-wash can also be a great alternative for refreshing your curls without the harshness of shampoo.
What types of styling products should I avoid after getting a perm?
Choosing the right styling products is crucial for maintaining healthy and defined curls after a perm. It’s best to avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, alcohol, and parabens, as these can dry out and damage your hair. Also, steer clear of heavy oils and waxes that can weigh down your curls and make them appear limp.
Instead, opt for lightweight, water-based products that are designed to hydrate and define curls. Look for products that contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera. Leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and gels can help enhance your curl pattern and provide hold without weighing down your hair. Always read the ingredient list carefully and choose products that are specifically formulated for permed or curly hair.
How can I protect my permed hair while sleeping?
Protecting your permed hair while you sleep is essential for preventing frizz, breakage, and flattened curls. One of the best ways to protect your curls is to sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. These materials create less friction than cotton, reducing tangles and preventing moisture loss.
Alternatively, you can wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf before bed. This will help to keep your curls intact and prevent them from rubbing against your pillow. Another option is to loosely pineapple your hair by gathering it into a high ponytail on top of your head. This keeps your curls from getting crushed while you sleep and helps maintain their shape.
What are some common mistakes people make after getting a perm?
One common mistake is neglecting to deep condition permed hair regularly. Perming can dry out your hair, so it’s important to replenish moisture with weekly deep conditioning treatments. Skipping this step can lead to frizz, breakage, and overall damage.
Another mistake is using heat styling tools too often. While it’s okay to occasionally use a diffuser or curling iron, excessive heat can further damage permed hair. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray and use the lowest heat setting possible. Embracing your natural curl pattern and minimizing heat styling is key to maintaining healthy, long-lasting curls.
How can I extend the life of my perm and keep my curls looking their best?
Maintaining the longevity and vibrancy of your perm requires consistent care and attention. Regular trims are essential to remove split ends and prevent breakage, which can make your curls look frizzy and uneven. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your curls healthy and defined.
Furthermore, incorporating protein treatments into your hair care routine can help strengthen your hair and prevent damage from the perming process. Use a protein treatment every few weeks to fortify your strands and maintain their elasticity. By following a consistent hair care regimen and protecting your curls from damage, you can enjoy your gorgeous perm for months to come.