Perm and Spa Tub
A: When you've just gotten a perm, timing is everything when it comes to getting your hair wet. While any professionally performed perm that has been properly processed and neutralized will be chemically stable right away, there are several important factors to consider before taking that relaxing dip in your spa.
Think of your hair cuticles like shingles on a roof. When they're lying flat and smooth, they protect the inner structure of your hair shaft. But after a perm, these "shingles" are slightly raised, creating gaps that allow moisture and chemicals to penetrate more easily than they normally would. Giving your hair those crucial 48 hours allows the cuticles to settle back down and return to a more normal state, providing better protection for your newly permed hair.
Once you've waited the appropriate time and your hair looks and feels healthy, you should generally be safe to enjoy your spa. However, the story doesn't end there. The quality and composition of the water itself plays a significant role in whether your hair will come out unscathed.
Not all spa water is created equal, and what's dissolved in that warm, bubbling water can have a major impact on your hair's health and appearance. Clean, properly pH-balanced water is your hair's best friend, but unfortunately, many spa environments present challenges that can affect your freshly permed hair.
High chlorine levels are one of the most common concerns. While chlorine is necessary to keep spa water sanitized and safe for users, excessive amounts can be harsh on hair, especially hair that's already been chemically processed. Chlorine has a drying effect that can strip natural oils from your hair and scalp, potentially leaving your perm looking dull, feeling brittle, or becoming more prone to tangling.
Mineral content is another crucial factor to consider. Many spas contain high levels of various minerals like iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium. While these minerals can have therapeutic benefits for your skin and body, they can spell trouble for chemically treated hair.
The real danger lies in metallic salt absorption. When hair that has elevated cuticles is exposed to mineral-rich water, it can absorb and retain these metallic salts within the hair shaft. This might not cause immediate visible damage, but it creates a ticking time bomb for future chemical services. These absorbed metals can react unpredictably with future perming solutions or hair color products, potentially causing uneven results, unwanted color changes, or even hair breakage.
Your perm represents both a financial investment and time commitment, so taking steps to protect it makes sense. After your spa session, rinse your hair immediately with fresh water to remove any lingering chemicals or minerals. Follow up with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to help restore your hair's natural pH balance and replace any moisture that may have been lost.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
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