Q: I am getting a perm tomorrow. Do you think it will take better if I do not wash my hair beforehand? (I have had trouble with
the underneath hair not taking well.) I know that the stylist should leave the chemical on the "tougher" hair longer, after reading
your website. I just want to know if there is any effect of not washing beforehand. What about coloring my hair? Is there any effect
from not washing the day before?
A: Actually, before any perm service you want to clean the hair thoroughly. In fact, most salons will shampoo the hair using a
clarifying shampoo to remove any excess oils and residue from the hair so that the perm solution can better penetrate the hair. If you
are concerned over keeping the hair safe and healthy, you can give yourself a deep conditioning treatment a few days before the perm.
Not washing the hair prior to a perm service can result in poor perm results. Oils and product
build-up can prevent the waving lotion from penetrating the hair shaft and can keep the hair from conforming properly to the shape of
the perm rod. This can mean limper curls and results that don’t last as long as desired.
For coloring, you want the hair to be clean and dry before you apply the color. You should shampoo
the hair the day of your appointment provided you have enough time to make sure the hair is fully dry before your appointment (or the
time you plan to color yourself). Avoid using styling products before a color service as anything that coats the hair surface can
prevent the color from penetrating and lead to uneven color results.
