A perm can be a great way to add volume, waves, or curls to your hair, but sometimes, the process can lead to unexpected hair loss. If you’ve noticed excessive shedding or breakage after getting a perm, you’re not alone. Many people experience this issue, and there are several reasons why it might be happening. Understanding the causes can help you take the right steps to protect your hair and prevent further damage.
The Perm Process and How It Affects Your Hair
Perms work by chemically altering the structure of your hair to create curls or waves. The process typically involves applying a solution that breaks down the protein bonds in your hair (usually with ammonium thioglycolate or another reducing agent), reshaping the hair around rods, and then neutralizing it to lock in the new shape. While this can give you beautiful, long-lasting curls, it also puts significant stress on your hair.
Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and the chemicals in perms weaken these protein bonds to make the hair more pliable. If the solution is left on too long, applied incorrectly, or if your hair was already damaged before the perm, the structural integrity of your hair can be compromised. This can lead to breakage, thinning, or even hair loss in some cases.
Chemical Damage and Hair Breakage
One of the most common reasons for hair falling out after a perm is chemical damage. If the perm solution is too strong or left on for too long, it can over-process your hair, making it brittle and prone to snapping off. Unlike natural shedding, where hair falls out from the root, chemical damage often leads to breakage along the hair shaft. You might notice shorter pieces of hair falling out rather than full-length strands with a white bulb at the end.
Another factor is the condition of your hair before the perm. If your hair was already dry, over-processed from previous coloring or heat styling, or naturally fine and fragile, a perm can push it over the edge. Hair that’s already weakened is more susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals.
Scalp Irritation and Hair Loss
In some cases, the chemicals used in perms can irritate the scalp, leading to inflammation or even a mild chemical burn. If your scalp is sensitive or if the perm solution is applied too close to the roots, it can damage the hair follicles. This type of damage may result in temporary hair loss known as telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase due to stress on the follicles.
Signs of scalp irritation include redness, itching, burning, or flaking after the perm. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to rinse your scalp thoroughly and avoid further chemical treatments until it heals. Using soothing treatments like aloe vera or a mild, hydrating shampoo can help calm the scalp.
Overlapping Chemicals and Previous Hair Treatments
If you’ve recently colored, bleached, or relaxed your hair before getting a perm, the overlapping chemicals can cause severe damage. For example, applying a perm over recently bleached hair can lead to extreme breakage because bleach already strips the hair of its natural proteins and moisture. Similarly, relaxing and perming hair too close together can cause irreversible damage.
It’s generally recommended to wait at least two weeks between chemical treatments to allow your hair to recover. If possible, consult a professional stylist who can assess your hair’s condition and determine whether it’s safe to proceed with a perm.
Poor Aftercare and Hair Maintenance
Another reason your hair might be falling out after a perm is improper aftercare. Permed hair requires extra moisture and gentle handling to stay healthy. If you’re using harsh shampoos, brushing your hair too aggressively, or exposing it to high heat without protection, you could be contributing to breakage.
To keep permed hair strong, use sulfate-free shampoos, deep condition regularly, and avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the roots. Wide-tooth combs are better than brushes for detangling, and air-drying is preferable to blow-drying when possible. Additionally, using leave-in conditioners or hair oils can help maintain elasticity and prevent dryness.
Underlying Health Conditions
Sometimes, hair loss after a perm isn’t just due to the treatment itself but could be related to an underlying health issue. Conditions like thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies (such as low iron or vitamin D), or autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata can cause hair thinning or shedding. If your hair loss persists even after taking proper care of your permed hair, it may be worth consulting a doctor to rule out medical causes.
How to Repair and Strengthen Permed Hair
If your hair is falling out after a perm, the first step is to stop any further chemical treatments and focus on recovery. Here are some ways to help repair and strengthen your hair:
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Use protein-rich masks or deep conditioners designed for damaged hair to restore moisture and strength.
- Trim Damaged Ends: If your hair is severely broken, a trim can prevent further splitting.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Give your hair a break from flat irons, curling wands, and excessive blow-drying.
- Protective Hairstyles: Braids, loose buns, or silk scarves can help minimize friction and reduce breakage.
- Scalp Care: Massage your scalp with nourishing oils like coconut or argan oil to stimulate blood flow and support healthy regrowth.
When to See a Professional
If your hair loss is severe, doesn’t improve with at-home care, or is accompanied by scalp sores or extreme irritation, it’s best to see a dermatologist or trichologist. They can assess whether the hair loss is due to chemical damage, an underlying condition, or another factor and recommend appropriate treatments.
Preventing Future Hair Damage from Perms
To avoid hair loss from future perms, take these precautions:
- Choose an Experienced Stylist: A skilled professional will know how to assess your hair type and apply the perm correctly.
- Do a Strand Test: Before getting a full perm, ask for a test strand to see how your hair reacts.
- Space Out Chemical Treatments: Avoid back-to-back coloring, relaxing, or perming.
- Strengthen Hair Beforehand: Use protein treatments a few weeks before your perm to prepare your hair.
Conclusion
Hair falling out after a perm can be distressing, but in many cases, it’s temporary and can be managed with proper care. Understanding the causes—whether chemical damage, scalp irritation, or underlying health issues—can help you take the right steps to restore your hair’s health. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. With the right approach, you can enjoy beautiful, curly hair without sacrificing its strength and vitality.
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