Getting a perm can be a great way to achieve the curly locks you’ve always wanted, but it requires proper care to maintain the health and integrity of your hair. While there are many things you can do to keep your permed hair looking its best, there are also several things you should avoid doing. In this article, we’ll explore what not to do with a perm, so you can enjoy your beautiful, curly hair for months to come.
Immediate Post-Perm Care: What to Avoid
The first few days after getting a perm are crucial in determining the final result. During this time, your hair is most vulnerable to damage, and it’s essential to avoid certain activities and products that can interfere with the perming process.
Washing Your Hair Too Soon
One of the most critical things to avoid after getting a perm is washing your hair too soon. It’s recommended to wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair, as this allows the perming solution to fully penetrate the hair shaft and set the curls. Washing your hair too soon can cause the curls to drop, leading to a less-than-desirable result.
Using Hot Water
When you do wash your hair, make sure to use warm or cool water instead of hot water. Hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing dryness and damage. Cool water helps to close the cuticle and lock in moisture, keeping your hair healthy and shiny.
Using the Wrong Shampoo
Using the wrong shampoo can also be detrimental to your permed hair. Avoid using shampoos that contain sulfates, as these can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness. Instead, opt for a sulfate-free shampoo that’s specifically formulated for permed hair.
Styling and Product Use: What to Avoid
When it comes to styling and product use, there are several things you should avoid doing to keep your permed hair healthy and looking its best.
Using Heat Styling Tools
Heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, can be damaging to permed hair. Avoid using heat styling tools for at least a week after getting a perm, as this can cause the curls to drop and lead to damage. If you must use heat styling tools, make sure to use a heat protectant spray to help prevent damage.
Using the Wrong Products
Using the wrong products can also be damaging to permed hair. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals, such as those that contain ammonia or formaldehyde. Instead, opt for products that are specifically formulated for permed hair and contain natural ingredients.
Over-Manipulating Your Hair
Over-manipulating your hair can also be damaging to permed hair. Avoid excessive brushing or combing, as this can cause breakage and lead to tangles. Instead, gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
Long-Term Care: What to Avoid
While the first few days after getting a perm are crucial, long-term care is also essential in maintaining the health and integrity of your hair. Here are several things you should avoid doing to keep your permed hair looking its best.
Getting Regular Touch-Ups
Getting regular touch-ups can be damaging to permed hair. Avoid getting touch-ups too frequently, as this can cause over-processing and lead to damage. Instead, try to limit your touch-ups to every 6-8 weeks.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Using harsh chemicals can also be damaging to permed hair. Avoid using hair dye or other chemical treatments, as these can cause damage and lead to breakage. If you must use hair dye or other chemical treatments, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and do a strand test first.
Not Getting Regular Trims
Not getting regular trims can also be damaging to permed hair. Avoid going too long without getting a trim, as this can cause split ends and lead to breakage. Instead, try to get a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends.
Conclusion
Getting a perm can be a great way to achieve the curly locks you’ve always wanted, but it requires proper care to maintain the health and integrity of your hair. By avoiding the things outlined in this article, you can keep your permed hair looking its best and enjoy your beautiful, curly locks for months to come. Remember to always follow the instructions of your stylist, use the right products, and avoid excessive heat styling and manipulation to keep your hair healthy and strong.
| Perm Care Tips | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Washing your hair | Washing your hair too soon, using hot water, using the wrong shampoo |
| Styling and product use | Using heat styling tools, using the wrong products, over-manipulating your hair |
| Long-term care | Getting regular touch-ups, using harsh chemicals, not getting regular trims |
By following these perm care tips and avoiding the things outlined in this article, you can keep your permed hair looking its best and enjoy your beautiful, curly locks for months to come.
Q: What should I avoid doing immediately after getting a perm?
Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after getting a perm. This allows the perming solution to fully penetrate the hair shaft and set the curl pattern. Washing your hair too soon can cause the perm to fade faster and reduce its overall effectiveness. Additionally, try to minimize manipulating your hair during this time, as excessive combing, brushing, or styling can cause breakage and tangles.
It’s also essential to avoid using heat styling tools, such as flat irons or curling irons, for at least a week after getting a perm. Heat can damage the hair and cause the perm to loosen, leading to a less desirable texture and curl pattern. Instead, let your hair air-dry or use a microfiber towel to gently blot out excess moisture.
Q: How can I prevent dryness and damage after a perm?
To prevent dryness and damage after a perm, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for permed hair. These products typically contain ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, or argan oil that help lock in moisture and nourish the hair. Avoid using harsh or sulfate-based products, as they can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness.
Deep conditioning treatments can also help to restore moisture and hydration to permed hair. Look for a deep conditioning mask that contains ingredients like keratin, coconut oil, or shea butter, and apply it to your hair once or twice a week. Leave the mask on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing, and follow up with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
Q: Can I color my hair after a perm, and if so, how long should I wait?
It’s generally recommended to wait at least two weeks after a perm before coloring your hair. This allows the perming solution to fully penetrate the hair shaft and set the curl pattern. Coloring your hair too soon can cause the perm to fade faster and reduce its overall effectiveness.
When you do color your hair, choose a gentle, ammonia-free dye that’s specifically formulated for permed hair. Avoid using permanent dyes, as they can cause further damage and dryness. Instead, opt for a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye that will deposit color without causing excessive damage.
Q: How often should I get my hair trimmed after a perm?
Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy, permed hair. It’s recommended to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends and breakage. Permed hair can be prone to dryness and damage, so regular trims can help to remove damaged ends and prevent further breakage.
When you do get your hair trimmed, be sure to communicate with your stylist about your perm. Let them know how long it’s been since you got your perm, and ask them to use a gentle, perming-friendly cutting technique. This will help to preserve the health and integrity of your permed hair.
Q: Can I use heat styling tools on permed hair, and if so, how?
While it’s generally recommended to avoid heat styling tools on permed hair, there are some instances where they can be used safely. If you need to use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant spray or serum to help shield your hair from damage. Choose a tool with a lower heat setting, and avoid holding the tool in one place for too long.
It’s also essential to choose the right type of heat styling tool for your permed hair. For example, a curling iron or wand can help to enhance and define curls, while a flat iron can help to smooth and straighten the hair. Avoid using tools with metal plates, as they can cause damage and breakage.
Q: How can I enhance and define curls on permed hair?
To enhance and define curls on permed hair, use a curl-defining cream or mousse that’s specifically formulated for permed hair. These products typically contain ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, or shea butter that help to nourish and define curls. Apply the product to your hair while it’s still damp, and gently scrunch it into your curls.
You can also use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to help enhance and define curls. A diffuser helps to distribute heat evenly and gently, which can help to enhance curl texture and definition. Avoid using a regular blow dryer, as it can cause hot spots and damage to the hair.
Q: How long does a perm typically last, and what can I do to make it last longer?
A perm can last anywhere from 2-6 months, depending on the type of perm, hair type, and maintenance routine. To make your perm last longer, avoid using heat styling tools, harsh chemicals, or excessive heat. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using heavy styling products that can weigh down the hair.
Regular trims can also help to make your perm last longer. By removing damaged ends and preventing breakage, you can help to preserve the health and integrity of your permed hair. Additionally, using a curl-defining cream or mousse can help to enhance and define curls, making your perm look fresher for longer.