Maintain a Perm

Woman with curly, permed hair
Photo: Stock Rocket/Shutterstock
Q: How do I maintain a perm?
 
A: The first and most important rule: do not wash, wet, or tie up your hair for the first 48 hours after your salon visit. Your hair's new chemical bonds are still curing like fresh concrete. If you get them wet, tuck them behind your ears, or tie them in a ponytail too soon, you could permanently flatten or kink your new curls.
 
Once you pass that crucial 48 hours window, the main thing to remember with permed hair is that because of the chemical treatment, the hair is going to be more porous. This means that not only will it absorb moisture more quickly, but it will lose that moisture just as quickly. This becomes doubly true if you use heat styling appliances such as blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons.
 
To keep your curls bouncy and healthy, reach for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for curly or permed hair. Avoid products labeled "smooth and sleek" or "straightening". These often contain heavy silicones and smoothing agents designed to weigh down and relax the exact curl pattern you just paid to get! Curly formulas, on the other hand, will nourish the hair with protein and moisture while keeping your hair’s bounce light and defined.
 
Also, make sure you condition your hair regularly. Because of the increased porosity, exposure to sunlight, wind, and very dry air can leech moisture from the hair and leave it fragile. When detangling, ditch your standard hairbrush. Brushing dry curls will break up the curl pattern and leave you with a cloud of frizz. Instead, gently work through tangles using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while your hair is still wet and coated in conditioner.
 
If you must use a hair dryer, be sure to apply a spray-on, leave-in conditioner or heat protectant to shield the hair, and always use a diffuser attachment to prevent heat damage and protect the shape of the curls. Try not to fully dry the hair using the dryer. If you apply a curl-defining cream or mousse while it's damp, you can get the hair to the point of being "mostly dry" and allow it to finish air-drying naturally.
 
Remember, too, that porous hair is highly prone to tangles and matting. If you notice frizz or tangling in the morning, you should consider purchasing a sleeping cap or a silk or satin pillowcase. These will reduce the friction against your bedding, leaving you with smoother, easier-to-manage curls when you wake up.
 
Aside from that, simply treat your hair gently. Many people wouldn't think of putting their favorite silk blouse under the same stresses they place their hair. Even normal, healthy hair is more fragile than silk; and when your hair is permed, you have to be doubly kind to it.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Perms
 
Hair care