Frizzy Hair After Perm

Frizzy hair after a perm
Photo: LightField Studios/Shutterstock
Q: I had a perm about 3 weeks ago and it is very frizzy and in the mornings. I look like I have a bozo wig on. I would like to know how to relax it or take the curl/frizz out. Should I just cut it and start over or is there anything I can do without it costing me a lot of money? Please help me.
 
A: There's no need to cut off your hair to start over. However, it sounds like your hair is desperate for moisture. Here's what I recommend:
 
Start by giving your hair a deep conditioning treatment. Wet your hair and apply a generous coating of your favorite conditioner. I would recommend you use a shampoo and conditioner formulated to give you "sleek and smooth" hair. Many brands offer this type of formulation.
 
After applying the conditioner, place a plastic cap over the hair and wrap a warm towel around your head, or use your hair dryer on low airflow, high heat setting with the diffuser attachment on. Leave the conditioner on the hair for a full 20-30 minutes keeping it warm either by reheating the towel, or using the hair dryer.
 
When time is up, rinse the hair first with warm water, followed by cold water to help close the cuticle layer. Let the hair air dry if possible, if not use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer and dry it on a low heat, low air-flow setting. It may take a little longer but the results are worth it.
 
I also recommend you get a leave-in hair conditioner (detangler) and an anti-frizz serum, both of which should be applied to damp hair before you dry it. The leave-in conditioner will help protect the hair while drying, and the anti-frizz serum will help to smooth the cuticle layer of the hair and keep your curls looking smooth. Once your hair is dry, you can always apply more anti-frizz serum if needed to smooth the curls more.
 
Perform the deep conditioning at least twice a week until the hair seems to be back in a healthier-looking state, then cut back to once a week. But again, condition the hair daily, even when you don't shampoo and especially when you do. When you don't mind having moist looking hair, you can even keep your leave-in conditioner on hand to mist the hair when or if it looks frizzy during the course of the day.
 
Don't use a brush anymore. Now that you have the curls, use a wide-toothed comb, or better still, your fingers to style the hair and position the curls as desired.
 
If you want to have extra hold in your curls, use an alcohol-free styling gel on your wet hair prior to drying with the diffuser. And always use only your fingers when drying the curls. It may take a couple of weeks to get the results you want, but you should see smooth shiny curls coming back within the first few days.
 
Finally, I suggest you invest in a silk or satin sleeping cap or scarf to wear at night while you sleep. The friction caused by the hair rubbing against the pillow case and bedding can damage the hair, especially when it is already compromised by loss of moisture.
 
Simply don the cap and tuck the curls inside, or wrap the scarf around your head like a turban, making certain your hair is tucked safely underneath. This will prevent the buffeting of your hair during the night and make it easier to deal with in the morning. Pretty soon, you'll find your hair looking beautiful again.
 
©hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Perms
 
How to maintain a perm
 
How to get rid of frizzy hair
 
How to protect your hair while you sleep
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