Introduction
Getting a perm can completely transform your look, giving you those beautiful, bouncy curls that add volume and texture to your hair. However, the process of perming can be harsh on your hair, leaving it vulnerable to dryness, split ends, and breakage. To ensure your new curls remain soft, shiny, and long-lasting, you need to adopt the right aftercare routine.
Permed hair requires extra attention and care because the chemical process can weaken hair strands, leaving them more susceptible to damage. In this guide, we’ll share essential tips and hair care products that will help you maintain healthy curls, keep them looking bouncy, and avoid the dreaded dryness or frizz.
1. Wait Before Washing Your Hair
Why You Should Wait After a Perm
One of the most important things to remember after getting a perm is to wait before washing your hair. Right after the perm, your hair is in a delicate state and needs time to settle into its new shape. Washing too soon can cause your curls to loosen or even fall out.
- Recommended Waiting Time: Most professionals recommend waiting 48-72 hours before washing your hair to give the chemicals time to fully set in. During this time, avoid getting your hair wet, including rain or sweat from exercise.
- Why It’s Crucial: When you perm your hair, the strands are chemically altered, and washing too early can disrupt this process, leading to flat curls or an uneven curl pattern.
2. Choose the Right Shampoo for Permed Hair
Shampooing is Key to Maintaining Healthy Curls
Shampooing is a necessary step in any hair care routine, but with permed hair, you’ll want to be extra careful about which products you use. Harsh shampoos can strip the natural oils from your hair, making your curls look frizzy and dry.
- Gentle, Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Choose shampoos that are sulfate-free and designed specifically for permed or chemically treated hair. Sulfates can dry out the hair and disrupt the curl structure. Look for products with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, argan oil, or glycerin to hydrate your curls without weighing them down.
- Shampoo with Protein: Hair that has been permed needs to be strengthened. Look for shampoos that contain keratin or silk proteins, which can help to repair and fortify the hair after the chemical process.
Product Recommendations:
- Redken Curl Recharge Shampoo
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo (Sulfate-Free)
- Bumble and Bumble Curl Shampoo
3. Use a Conditioner for Extra Moisture and Softness
Deep Conditioning is a Must for Permed Hair
Conditioning is crucial for maintaining the moisture balance of your hair after a perm. Without it, your curls can become dry, frizzy, and lackluster. The chemicals used during the perm process can leave your hair feeling rough and coarse, which makes the right conditioner even more essential.
- Moisturizing Conditioners: Look for conditioners that are rich in hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil. These will help to replenish lost moisture and keep your curls looking bouncy and shiny.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Once a week, use a deep conditioning mask or treatment to provide extra hydration. Look for products with keratin or proteins to strengthen your curls and restore their natural bounce.
Product Recommendations:
- Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner
- Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
- SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner
4. Don’t Overwash Your Hair
Why Less is More When It Comes to Washing Permed Hair
Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy, which is especially detrimental for permed hair. To maintain your curls and ensure they stay shiny and soft, it’s best to limit how often you wash your hair.
- Recommended Washing Frequency: Aim to wash your permed hair only 2-3 times per week, depending on your hair type and lifestyle. If your scalp gets oily between washes, use a dry shampoo to keep your hair feeling fresh without the need to wash it every day.
- Benefits of Less Washing: Washing less often helps to preserve moisture, maintain your hair’s natural oils, and prolong the life of your curls. Additionally, permed hair has a tendency to be drier, so frequent washing can make things worse.
5. Detangle Carefully
How to Prevent Breakage and Preserve Curls
After a perm, your hair is more prone to breakage, especially when wet. Brushing or combing too roughly can cause your curls to loosen or result in split ends.
- Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: To detangle your curls, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers instead of a fine-tooth comb or brush. Start from the ends of your hair and work your way up to avoid putting too much stress on the curls.
- Detangle When Damp: It’s best to detangle your hair when it’s damp, not soaking wet. Applying a leave-in conditioner or detangler spray can make the process smoother and prevent any unnecessary tugging.
Product Recommendations:
- Ouai Leave-In Conditioner
- Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
- Not Your Mother’s Knotty to Nice Conditioning Detangler
6. Moisturize Your Curls Regularly
Lock in Moisture to Prevent Frizz and Dryness
Permed hair is more susceptible to dryness and frizz, so keeping your curls hydrated is key. You’ll want to incorporate moisturizing products into your daily routine to prevent your curls from becoming unruly and to keep them looking healthy and bouncy.
- Leave-In Conditioners: A good leave-in conditioner can help you maintain moisture throughout the day. It also helps define curls and adds shine, making your hair look glossy and healthy.
- Curl Creams and Gels: If you want to enhance your curls and keep them defined, use a curl cream or gel to maintain shape without weighing your hair down. These products will also help you control frizz and provide long-lasting hold.
Product Recommendations:
- DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel
- Ouai Curl Cream
- Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
7. Heat Protection for Permed Hair
Protect Your Curls from Heat Damage
If you must use heat tools like blow dryers or curling irons on your permed hair, make sure to use a heat protectant. The chemicals used during the perm process already make your hair more vulnerable to damage, so adding heat without protection could lead to breakage, dryness, or frizz.
- Heat Protectants: Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before using any hot tools. Choose a product that is lightweight but offers enough protection to shield your curls from heat damage.
Product Recommendations:
- TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray
- CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
- Living Proof Restore Instant Protection
8. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
How to Keep Your Curls Intact
While tight ponytails, buns, and braids can be tempting, they can stress your hair and cause breakage, particularly when your hair is already fragile from the perm process. Wearing tight hairstyles regularly can also lead to loosened curls or flattened waves.
- Loose Hairstyles: Opt for loose styles like a loose ponytail or braids. These won’t tug at the hair as much and will keep your curls intact.
- Avoid Elastics: Instead of using regular elastic bands, choose scrunchies or soft hair ties to prevent unnecessary breakage.
9. Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Prevent Frizz and Preserve Curls Overnight
Sleeping on cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to frizz and breakage. To maintain your curls, consider switching to a silk or satin pillowcase. This will reduce friction, helping to preserve your hair’s natural curl pattern and prevent dryness.
- Protective Hairstyles: For extra protection, try loosely braiding your hair or wearing a silk scarf or bonnet to keep your curls intact overnight.
10. Regular Trims to Prevent Split Ends
Maintain Healthy, Bouncy Curls
Split ends can make even the best perm look messy and unhealthy. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks are essential to keep your curls looking fresh and healthy. Trimming the ends also helps to reduce the appearance of frizz and keep your curls bouncy.
Conclusion
Caring for permed hair requires a bit more effort than caring for naturally straight or wavy hair, but with the right products and routine, you can enjoy healthy, bouncy curls that last. Focus on hydration, protection, and gentle handling, and always prioritize moisture to keep your curls soft, shiny, and frizz-free. With these tips, your permed hair will remain beautiful and long-lasting, giving you the perfect curls you’ve always wanted!
