Perm and Humidity

Permed hair and humidity
Photo: Progressman/Shutterstock
Q: Will humidity affect a perm? I know that humidity can affect naturally curly hair, but will it affect permed curls too?
 
A: If you’re wondering whether humidity affects permed hair, the answer is a definite yes. In fact, humidity can often have an even greater impact on permed hair than it does on naturally curly hair. The chemical process behind a perm fundamentally changes the structure of your hair, making it more vulnerable to environmental moisture. Because perming involves breaking and reforming the disulfide bonds in your hair’s keratin structure, the hair becomes more porous. The cuticle layer expands during the process, allowing hair to absorb moisture from the air much more easily. As a result, permed hair reacts strongly to humidity.
 
When humidity rises, permed hair tends to absorb moisture unevenly, disrupting the new bonds that were created to form the curl pattern. This leads to several noticeable effects. Curls can deflate, especially in high-volume styles, making them look limp or stretched out. Frizz is another common issue; individual strands may escape the defined curl pattern, creating a fuzzy halo effect around the head. Some sections of hair might tighten while others loosen, causing an inconsistent, uneven curl pattern overall. Definition between curls tends to fade, leaving styles looking messier, and hairstyles that would usually last all day can fall flat much faster in humid conditions.
 
Fortunately, there are ways to protect your perm from the effects of humidity. Products like silicone-based serums can help by creating a barrier that seals the cuticle against moisture. Lightweight natural oils, such as argan, jojoba, or camellia oil, are also effective in preventing excess absorption. To maintain your style without adding dryness, an alcohol-free hairspray can provide a light protective shield. Deep conditioning treatments done regularly are crucial too, as they help balance the hair’s moisture levels and improve its resilience against environmental changes.
 
In addition to product choices, certain techniques can make a difference. Using a microfiber towel to dry your hair minimizes frizz, while blow-drying with a diffuser attachment helps preserve the curl pattern. On particularly humid days, protective styling like loose updos can shield your curls from the worst of the moisture, and sleeping on satin pillowcases can prevent nighttime frizz and hair breakage.
 
Infographic - The effect of humidity on a perm
 
It’s also smart to plan your perm treatments around seasonal changes. In summer, when humidity is high and can cause curls to loosen, opting for tighter curls might help your style hold up better. In winter, when indoor heating dries out the air and can cause curls to tighten, looser waves might be a better choice. Some people even find it helpful to schedule maintenance perms more frequently during the humid months to keep their style looking fresh.
 
For the best results, it’s always a good idea to consult with your stylist. They can give you personalized recommendations for managing your perm based on your hair texture, the type of perm you have, and the specific challenges posed by your local climate.
 
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See also:
 
Curly hair and humidity
 
How to maintain your hairstyle in humid weather
 
Does outside humidity have any effect on how a perm takes?
 
Are there any chemicals in a perm that will be affected by high humidity?