Use your fingers to style your hair only as necessary during this time. You should also avoid brushing or combing your hair.
Make sure to keep your hair as dry as possible, especially if it is raining or snowing outside. Ask your stylist how long you should wait until washing your hair. The length of time may depend on your hair and the type of perm you got. If you absolutely can’t wait to wash your hair, call your stylist to find out the best way to handle the situation. She may suggest using dry shampoo or another product until you can get your hair wet.
You should never run your fingers through your hair with a perm because it can break up the curls and make it looser. Use a silk scarf to gently pull back your hair if absolutely necessary. Make sure to tie it as loosely as possible to keep your hair back without leaving a mark. [4] X Research source
Talk to your stylist about scheduling your color treatment within a safe time frame from your perm. It is best to get both your color and perm done by a professional. Consider using a hair tint, colored powder, or color shampoo instead of color treatments because they are unlikely to harm your hair, unlike dye. Only use these products 24-48 hours after you got your perm. Even if you do wait at least a week to color your hair, you may still experience breakage. The type of dye and the level of developer (if one is used) can make a difference in how it affects your hair. Ask your hair stylist what they recommend.
Look for product labels with ingredients such as biotin, eucalyptus oil, and soy. Avoid products with parabens and sulfates. [5] X Research source Avoid using products that contain sulfates. [6] X Expert Source Courtney FosterProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 9 December 2019. Ask your stylist for product suggestions. Stylists have specialized knowledge about the best products to use on permed hair. However, you shouldn’t feel pressured to buy any products your stylist sells. You can also buy products for permed or chemically treated hair at most large retailers, grocery stores, pharmacies, and beauty stores. Read the product labels, which may say “for permed hair” or “for chemically treated hair. ”
Wash your hair with warm water. Hot water can strip your hair of oils that help keep it moisturized and looking lustrous. Hot water can also ruin the curls. [8] X Research source Make sure to thoroughly rinse with warm or cool water. Lingering residue in your hair can weigh it down and make it dirty more quickly. Chemicals in the residue may also keep your perm from staying fresh over time, requiring repeat perms. [9] X Research source Use dry shampoo on your roots if your hair gets dirty in between washes. Spray a small amount ten inches from your roots and let it absorb for a couple of minutes. Then, gently massage the rest into your scalp to remove any residue. Consider a dry shampoo for chemically treated hair that can add some moisture and volume. [10] X Research source
Apply conditioner first by putting it on your ends, which are the driest part of your hair. Then extend the conditioner up towards your roots. Leave on the conditioner for the time specified by your product. Use warm water to rinse out the conditioner. Make sure that all of the product is removed. Remember that not rinsing long enough can leave residue that will weigh down your curls, make them appear dull, and can attract dirt to your hair. [12] X Research source Comb your wet hair using a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is still in it. This will minimize hair breakage. [13] X Research source Use a treatment mask for permed or stressed hair once a week. Treatment masks are heavier than your usual conditioner and can give your hair an occasional boost of moisture. They can help keep your hair from getting more damaged and restore moisture and shine. Either leave on your treatment mask in the shower or consider putting it on overnight with a shower cap. Consider using leave-in conditioning treatments if your hair is very dry or stressed.
Make sure the teeth of your comb are spaced widely apart so that your curls are not split into little pieces that may frizz. Comb your hair after you’ve applied conditioner while it’s still wet, which helps prevent breakage. If you comb while in the shower, you shouldn’t need to comb it again once you’ve rinsed. Use your fingers to comb your hair if you don’t have a wide-toothed comb.
Use your hands and fingers to gently lift and scrunch up individual sections of your hair. Mist your hair with water and hold for a few seconds to better define your curls. You can also define individual curls by wrapping them around one or two fingers and holding for a few seconds.
Set your hair dryer on the coolest setting possible. If you can, put the drier on a cool setting or hold down the “cold blast” button. A diffuser attachment disperses the airflow of the hair dryer. Install your diffuser on the end of your dryer. Either turn over your entire head for extra volume and defined curls or dry individual sections. Scrunching each section as you diffuse it will make your curls bouncy.
Try using steam to your benefit. You could wrap your hair in a few rollers for curls or even just put on a shower cap. Then get in the shower and let the steam from the warm water reactivate your curls. This can add moisture and volume to your hair without causing it more damage.
Ask your stylist to trim off the bare minimum if you’re concerned about losing length. Your stylist may even tell you that you can wait longer in between trims.
Consider only getting your roots re-permed so that your other hair doesn’t get damaged. Talk to your stylist about your best options.
