Perms (2)

Curly hair after a perm
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Why To Perm:
 
Maybe your hair is bone-straight (or maybe you have really curly hair) and you want more body and movement (or more manageability). A perm can give you this. A perm can add volume and thickness to your hair. In some cases, it can give the illusion of more hair. Or maybe you just want versatility in styling. All of these are valid reasons to perm the hair. Perming the hair can be a satisfying experience as long as you know how to properly care for permed hair.
 
Caring for a Perm & Perming Myths:
 
Myth: Never wash freshly-permed hair.
 
You will hear varying advice on how long to wait to shampoo after a perm. Some stylists suggest waiting 24 hours before shampooing, while others swear it should be at least three days. The truth is, it all depends on your hair. To counter the claim made by the movie "Legally Blonde," you won't risk deactivating the ammonium thioglycolate by getting your hair wet within 48 hours. The waving lotion has done its job and been thoroughly neutralized if the process was performed correctly.
 
However, perming the hair is a strong process, and you have to pay attention to what your hair tells you. It is never a bad idea to give your hair a break after a strenuous process. Remember that the alkalinity of the waving lotion has raised the cuticle of the hair and made it more porous. Therefore, it will feel drier and rougher. So, use a good conditioner and a milder shampoo. Acid-balancing shampoos and conditioners are available from many manufacturers, and you can always rely on your salon professional to suggest something suitable for your hair type.
 
Hair rolled on perm rods
Photo: Getty Images via Canva
Perms & Hair color:
 
Also, bear in mind, especially if your hair is color-treated, that perming the hair can result in lightening of the color. The most common ingredient in perm neutralizers is hydrogen peroxide, which is used as a developer for permanent hair color formulas. With the cuticle already raised in the process of waving, the peroxide readily penetrates the hair and will break up the color. However, the peroxide solution is much weaker in the perm formula than in hair coloring.
 
This is also the reason why you want to have your hair permed before coloring it; otherwise, you risk fading the color. Ask your professional how long to wait between perming and coloring, and ask them when they think your hair is in the right condition for the subsequent color process.
 
Hopefully, this gives you enough information to understand how a perm works, allowing you to take better care of your hair. After all, you want to look your best, and beautiful hair is a major asset.
 
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See also:
 
Questions and answers about perms
 
Are permanent curls right for you?
 
Perms and hair coloring
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