A perm is a popular hair treatment designed to add curl or wave to straight hair. While a perm can provide long-lasting style and volume, it also requires specific care to maintain its quality and health. After a perm, your hair is in a delicate state and needs proper treatment to avoid damage and ensure the best results. This article outlines what you should avoid doing after a perm to protect your hair and maintain the integrity of your new curls or waves.
Understanding the Perm Process
Before diving into post-perm care, it’s essential to understand what a perm involves. A perm, short for “permanent wave,” uses chemicals to break and reform the bonds in your hair, creating curls or waves. The process typically includes the following steps:
Consultation and Preparation: A consultation with your stylist to determine the type of perm and the desired curl pattern. Hair is then washed and sectioned.
Applying the Perm Solution: A chemical solution is applied to the hair to break the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft.
Wrapping the Hair: Hair is wrapped around rods or rollers to shape the curls or waves.
Neutralizing: A neutralizer is applied to reform the bonds in their new shape.
Rinsing and Conditioning: Hair is rinsed thoroughly and conditioned to restore moisture.
Given this process, your hair is left chemically altered and more vulnerable. Proper aftercare is crucial to maintaining the health and appearance of your perm.
1. Avoid Washing Your Hair Immediately
Why It Matters
After a perm, your hair’s new shape is still setting. Washing your hair too soon can disrupt the newly-formed bonds, potentially causing the curls or waves to lose their shape or become uneven.
Recommended Waiting Period
It is generally recommended to wait at least 48 to 72 hours before washing your hair. This waiting period allows the perm to fully set and stabilize.
Alternative Approaches
Dry Shampoo: If your hair feels greasy or needs refreshing before the recommended wash time, consider using a dry shampoo. It helps absorb excess oil without requiring water.
Avoid Over-Wetting: If you need to wet your hair, use a spray bottle to mist it lightly, avoiding full saturation.
2. Steer Clear of Heat Styling
Why It Matters
Heat styling tools, such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers, can exacerbate damage to chemically treated hair. The intense heat can weaken the hair structure, leading to frizz, dryness, and breakage.
Post-Perm Heat Styling Precautions
Limit Use: Avoid using heat styling tools for at least two weeks after your perm.
Use Heat Protectant: When you resume heat styling, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
Alternatives to Heat Styling
Air Drying: Allow your hair to air dry naturally. Pat it gently with a towel to remove excess moisture.
Low Heat Settings: If you must use a blow dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and use a diffuser attachment to minimize heat exposure.
3. Avoid Heavy or Oil-Based Products
Why It Matters
Heavy or oil-based products can weigh down your curls or waves, making them look limp and greasy. Additionally, these products can cause buildup on your scalp and hair, which may affect the texture and appearance of your perm.
Recommended Product Types
Lightweight Products: Use lightweight styling products designed for curly or wavy hair. These products provide hold without adding excess weight.
Clarifying Shampoos: Occasionally use a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup, but not too frequently as it can strip moisture from your hair.
Product Application Tips
Use Sparingly: Apply only a small amount of product to avoid overloading your hair.
Focus on Ends: Apply products mainly to the ends of your hair, where they are needed most, to avoid the roots becoming greasy.
4. Avoid Chemical Treatments
Why It Matters
After a perm, your hair is particularly sensitive to further chemical treatments, such as coloring or relaxing. These additional chemicals can further weaken the hair structure, leading to significant damage and compromising the health of your perm.
Recommended Waiting Period
Wait for At Least 6 to 8 Weeks: Allow your hair to recover from the perm before undergoing any other chemical treatments. If you need to color your hair, consult your stylist for recommendations on timing and products.
Alternative Hair Care Options
Natural Dyes: If you wish to change your hair color, consider natural or semi-permanent dyes that are less harsh on chemically treated hair.
5. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Why It Matters
Tight hairstyles, such as ponytails, buns, or braids, can stress the hair and scalp, leading to breakage and uneven curl patterns. The tension from these styles can also disrupt the shape of your perm.
Recommended Hairstyling Practices
Loose Styles: Opt for loose hairstyles that do not put excessive strain on your hair. Soft waves or loose curls are ideal for preserving the shape of your perm.
Avoid Elastic Bands: Use soft hair ties or scrunchies instead of elastic bands to prevent hair breakage.
Additional Tips
Use a Silk Pillowcase: Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can reduce friction and help maintain the shape of your curls or waves.
6. Avoid Rough Towel Drying
Why It Matters
Rough towel drying can cause friction, leading to frizz and breakage. The texture of a towel can be harsh on chemically treated hair, disrupting the curl pattern.
Recommended Drying Techniques
Pat Dry: Gently pat your hair with a towel to remove excess moisture. Avoid rubbing or twisting the hair.
Use a Microfiber Towel: Consider using a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt to minimize friction and reduce frizz.
Alternative Drying Methods
Air Dry: Allow your hair to air dry as much as possible. If you need to use a blow dryer, use the lowest heat setting.
7. Avoid Over-Brushing
Why It Matters
Brushing your hair too much can disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz. It can also lead to breakage, especially when the hair is wet and more vulnerable.
Recommended Brushing Practices
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: Instead of a brush, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair when it’s damp.
Brush Only When Necessary: Brush your hair sparingly and avoid overdoing it to maintain the curl pattern and minimize damage.
Additional Tips
Detangle Gently: Start detangling from the ends and work your way up to avoid putting too much stress on your hair.
8. Avoid Exposure to Chlorine and Salt Water
Why It Matters
Chlorine from pools and salt from seawater can be very drying and damaging to chemically treated hair. These elements can strip moisture and cause the perm to lose its shape.
Recommended Precautions
Protect Hair: Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a protective barrier.
Rinse Immediately: After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove chlorine or salt.
Alternative Hair Care Solutions
Swim Cap: Consider wearing a swim cap to minimize exposure to chlorinated water.
Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioning treatment regularly to restore moisture and keep your hair healthy.
9. Avoid High Heat Exposure
Why It Matters
High heat from the sun or other sources can cause additional stress to already treated hair. It can lead to further damage and loss of curl definition.
Recommended Protection Measures
Use UV Protectant Products: Apply hair products with UV filters to protect your hair from sun damage.
Wear Hats: Protect your hair from excessive sun exposure by wearing hats or scarves.
Additional Tips
Avoid Hot Environments: Minimize exposure to hot environments, such as saunas or steam rooms, that can further stress your hair.
10. Avoid Using Harsh Shampoos and Conditioners
Why It Matters
Harsh shampoos with sulfates or other stripping agents can damage your perm and lead to dryness and frizz. It’s essential to use products specifically designed for chemically treated hair.
Recommended Product Types
Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Use shampoos that are free from sulfates and harsh chemicals. Look for products labeled for color-treated or chemically treated hair.
Moisturizing Conditioners: Choose conditioners that provide ample hydration and nourishment.
Product Application Tips
Gentle Cleansing: Wash your hair with lukewarm water and apply shampoo gently without scrubbing too hard.
Condition Thoroughly: Use a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and reduce frizz.
See also: How to Fix Damaged Hair After Rebonding?
Conclusion
Proper care after a perm is crucial to maintaining the health and appearance of your new curls or waves. By avoiding certain practices, such as washing your hair too soon, using heat styling tools, and applying harsh products, you can help ensure that your perm remains vibrant and your hair stays healthy.
Remember to treat your perm with care, use the right products, and follow the recommended guidelines to enjoy long-lasting, beautiful results from your perm. With the right post-perm care, you can keep your curls looking fresh and healthy, minimizing damage and maintaining the style you love.
