Perming hair has been a popular styling choice for decades, offering a long-lasting, curly look without the need for daily styling products. However, permed hair requires special care, especially when it comes to wetting it. In this article, we’ll delve into what happens when you wet permed hair, the effects it can have, and provide valuable tips on how to care for your permed locks.
Understanding Permed Hair
Before we dive into the effects of wetting permed hair, it’s essential to understand the perming process and how it affects your hair. Perming involves using chemicals to break down the hair’s keratin bonds, re-shaping the hair into the desired curl pattern. The perming process can be damaging to the hair, especially if done incorrectly or without proper care.
The Structure of Permed Hair
Permed hair has a unique structure that’s different from natural hair. The perming process breaks down the hair’s cuticle layer, causing it to lift and become more porous. This can lead to dryness, brittleness, and frizz. Additionally, permed hair tends to be more prone to tangling and knotting, especially when wet.
What Happens When You Wet Permed Hair
Wetting permed hair can have several effects, some of which can be damaging if not properly cared for. Here are some of the things that can happen when you wet permed hair:
Swelling and Stretching
When permed hair gets wet, the cuticle layer swells, causing the hair to stretch and become longer. This can lead to a loss of curl definition and a more frizzy texture. As the hair dries, it can shrink back to its original shape, but repeated swelling and stretching can cause damage to the hair over time.
Loss of Curl Definition
Wetting permed hair can cause the curls to drop, leading to a loss of definition and a more relaxed texture. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve spent time and money getting your hair permed. However, there are ways to minimize this effect and maintain your curl definition.
Dryness and Brittle
Permed hair is already prone to dryness and brittleness, and wetting it can exacerbate this problem. When permed hair gets wet, the cuticle layer lifts, allowing moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. However, this can also cause the hair to lose its natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness.
Tangling and Knotting
Permed hair is more prone to tangling and knotting, especially when wet. This can be painful and damaging to the hair, especially if you try to comb or brush it while it’s wet.
Caring for Wet Permed Hair
While wetting permed hair can have its challenges, there are ways to care for your locks and minimize damage. Here are some valuable tips:
Use Gentle, Sulfate-Free Shampoo
When washing your permed hair, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that’s formulated for permed hair. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb or a Detangling Brush
When combing or brushing your permed hair, use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to minimize tangling and knotting. Avoid using regular combs or brushes, as they can cause breakage and damage.
Avoid Rubbing Your Hair with a Towel
When you get out of the shower, avoid rubbing your hair with a towel to dry it. Instead, gently blot it with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. This can help reduce frizz and prevent breakage.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner or a Hair Serum
Using a leave-in conditioner or a hair serum can help lock in moisture and reduce frizz. Look for a product that’s formulated for permed hair and contains ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter.
Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling can be damaging to permed hair, especially when it’s wet. Avoid using heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers, as they can cause damage and breakage.
Products for Permed Hair
Using the right products can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your permed hair. Here are some products that can help:
Shampoos for Permed Hair
- Redken Pillow Proof: A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that’s formulated for permed hair.
- Bumble and bumble Scalp Detox Charcoal Shampoo: A clarifying shampoo that helps remove impurities and product buildup.
- Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo: A hydrating shampoo that helps lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
Conditioners for Permed Hair
- Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair: A plant-based conditioner that helps repair and restore damaged hair.
- Kérastase Fibre Architecte: A leave-in conditioner that helps repair and strengthen damaged hair.
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Mask: A hydrating mask that helps lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
Hair Serums for Permed Hair
- Moroccanoil Argan Oil: A hydrating serum that helps lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
- Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil: A lightweight serum that helps smooth and add shine to the hair.
- Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil: A luxurious serum that helps nourish and protect the hair.
Conclusion
Wetting permed hair can have its challenges, but with the right care and products, you can minimize damage and maintain your curl definition. By understanding the effects of wetting permed hair and using gentle, sulfate-free products, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life. Remember to be gentle when combing or brushing your hair, avoid heat styling, and use a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy your permed hair for months to come.
What happens when you wet permed hair?
When you wet permed hair, the cuticle layer of the hair shaft lifts, allowing moisture to penetrate the hair. This can cause the hair to swell, leading to a temporary loss of curl definition and potentially causing frizz. The perming process involves breaking down the hair’s keratin bonds and re-forming them into a new shape, and water can disrupt this process, causing the hair to revert to its natural texture.
However, the extent of the damage depends on several factors, including the type of perm, the porosity of the hair, and how well the hair was cared for after the perming process. If you have a digital perm or a loose wave perm, your hair may be more prone to losing its curl definition when wet. On the other hand, if you have a traditional perm or a tight curl perm, your hair may retain its shape better when exposed to water.
How long after a perm can I wash my hair?
It’s generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours after a perm before washing your hair. This allows the perming solution to fully penetrate the hair shaft and the keratin bonds to re-form, setting the new curl pattern in place. Washing your hair too soon after a perm can cause the curl definition to fade faster and may lead to a less desirable texture.
However, if you have an emergency or need to wash your hair sooner, it’s essential to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for permed hair. Avoid using hot water, and instead, use warm or cool water to minimize damage. It’s also crucial to follow up with a moisturizing treatment to help lock in the curl definition and hydrate the hair.
Can I use regular shampoo and conditioner on permed hair?
It’s not recommended to use regular shampoo and conditioner on permed hair, as they can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause the curl definition to fade faster. Regular shampoos often contain sulfates, which can be harsh on permed hair and disrupt the keratin bonds. Instead, look for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for permed hair.
Permed hair requires a more gentle and nourishing approach to cleansing and moisturizing. Using a shampoo and conditioner designed for permed hair can help maintain the curl definition, reduce frizz, and keep the hair healthy and moisturized. These products are usually formulated with ingredients that help to lock in moisture and define curls, such as glycerin, panthenol, and argan oil.
How can I minimize frizz on permed hair when it’s wet?
To minimize frizz on permed hair when it’s wet, it’s essential to use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently detangle the hair in the shower, starting from the ends and working your way up. Avoid using regular combs or brushes, as they can cause breakage and lead to frizz. You can also use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently blot excess water from the hair, rather than rubbing it vigorously with a regular towel.
Applying a leave-in conditioner or a curl activator can also help to minimize frizz and enhance curl definition. These products can help to smooth the cuticle layer, reduce moisture loss, and define curls. Look for products containing ingredients such as silicones, antioxidants, and plant extracts, which can help to nourish and protect the hair.
Can I use heat styling tools on permed hair?
It’s generally not recommended to use heat styling tools on permed hair, as they can cause damage and disrupt the keratin bonds. Heat styling tools can also cause the curl definition to fade faster and lead to a less desirable texture. However, if you must use heat styling tools, make sure to use a heat protectant spray to help shield the hair from damage.
When using heat styling tools on permed hair, it’s essential to keep the temperature low and avoid holding the tool in one place for too long. Use a diffuser attachment to help distribute heat evenly and minimize damage. It’s also crucial to follow up with a moisturizing treatment to help lock in the curl definition and hydrate the hair.
How often should I get my permed hair trimmed?
It’s recommended to get your permed hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to maintain the health and integrity of the hair. Permed hair can be prone to dryness and breakage, especially at the ends, and regular trims can help to prevent split ends and breakage.
Regular trims can also help to maintain the curl definition and prevent the hair from becoming too long and weighed down. When getting your permed hair trimmed, make sure to use a stylist who is experienced in cutting permed hair, as they can help to preserve the curl pattern and prevent damage.
Can I color my permed hair?
Yes, you can color your permed hair, but it’s essential to take certain precautions to minimize damage. Permed hair can be more prone to damage from color processing, so it’s crucial to use a gentle, ammonia-free color and follow the instructions carefully.
It’s also recommended to wait at least 2 weeks after a perm before coloring your hair, as the perming process can make the hair more porous and prone to damage. When coloring permed hair, it’s essential to use a pre-color treatment to help open up the hair cuticle and allow the color to penetrate evenly. Follow up with a moisturizing treatment to help lock in the color and hydrate the hair.