Perm & Sweat

Permed hair and sweat
Photo: Michaelheim/Shutterstock
Q: If you get a perm and then go to volleyball practice and sweat, will that affect the perm?
 
A: When you walk out of the salon with a fresh perm, your curls should be stable and properly set if the chemical process was done correctly. However, heading straight to volleyball practice isn't necessarily the best idea.
 
The main concern isn't that sweating will immediately ruin your perm, but rather the complications that arise from following the standard post-perm care instructions. Most hairdressers will tell you to avoid washing or getting your hair wet for the first 72 hours after getting a perm. If you're planning to sweat heavily during practice and then can't wash your hair afterward, you're setting yourself up for some seriously unpleasant odors. Sweat sitting on your hair and scalp for three days creates the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply, leading to that sour, musty smell that's hard to get rid of.
 
The famous "three-day rule" exists for good reason. This waiting period allows your hair to fully stabilize after the chemical process of perming. During a perm, your hair goes through an intense process where alkaline chemicals open up the hair's cuticle layer and break down the natural chemical bonds that give your hair its original shape. The neutralizer then reforms these bonds in the new curly pattern created by the perm rods. However, this process doesn't happen instantly, and your hair needs time to fully lock in this new structure.
 
Some people's hair is more resilient and can handle moisture exposure sooner, while others need the full 72 hours to prevent the curl from loosening or becoming damaged. The individual nature of hair structure, porosity, and chemical resistance means that stylists recommend the three-day rule as a safe standard for everyone, even though not everyone may strictly need it.
 
There's an additional factor to consider regarding sweat composition. If your sweat is particularly alkaline, it could potentially interfere with the neutralizing process that's still happening in those first few days. In extreme cases, highly alkaline sweat might even weaken the newly formed curl pattern, though this is relatively uncommon.
 
The more likely scenario is that sweat and moisture will cause the hair cuticles to reopen, which leads to frizz and an uneven curl pattern. When your hair cuticles are open, moisture can enter and exit the hair shaft unpredictably, causing some sections to curl more tightly while others become limp or frizzy.
 
The ideal scenario is to plan your perm appointment for a time when you can take a few days off from intense physical activity. This gives your hair the best chance to set properly and ensures you'll get the longest-lasting, most attractive results. If timing doesn't allow for this, discuss your concerns with your hairdresser beforehand.
 
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See also:
 
Workout with permed hair
 
Perms and menopausal night sweats
 
Are there any chemicals in a perm that will be affected by high humidity?