Perm Went Straight

Perm gone wrong
Photo: Nikolai Kazakov/Shutterstock
Q: I just got my hair permed yesterday, but when I woke up this morning, about half of my curls had gone completely straight. Is it safe to get another perm to fix this, or should I wait?
 
A: This is actually more common than you might think, and yes, it's generally safe to get your hair re-permed to correct uneven curl results, provided your hair is still in good condition after the initial service. However, there are several important factors to consider before booking that follow-up appointment.
 
First, let's understand what likely happened during your original perm. When hair goes partially straight after a perm, it usually indicates that the chemical process wasn't completed evenly throughout your hair. This could happen for several reasons: the perm solution may not have been applied uniformly, certain sections might not have been processed long enough, or the neutralizer might not have been left on for sufficient time to properly reform the chemical bonds that create the curl pattern.
 
Your hair's natural texture and previous chemical treatments can also play a role. If you have areas of hair that are more resistant to chemical processing, perhaps due to previous coloring, highlighting, or natural variations in your hair's porosity, these sections might not take the perm as readily as others.
 
Before rushing back to the salon, take a close look at your hair's overall condition. Run your fingers through it and check for any signs of damage such as excessive dryness, brittleness, or unusual stretching when wet. If your hair feels reasonably healthy and hasn't been compromised by the first perm, then a corrective perm is definitely an option.
 
I strongly recommend returning to the same hair salon that performed your original perm service. They'll be familiar with your hair and the specific products and timing they used, which will help them understand what went wrong and how to fix it. A professional stylist should be willing to correct their work, especially when the results are clearly uneven like this.
 
Bad perm with hair that partly went straight
 
If there's any doubt about your hair's ability to handle another chemical process, insist on a strand test before proceeding with a full head re-perm. This involves testing a small, hidden section of hair to see how it responds to the perm solution and to check the condition afterward.
 
Timing is crucial for your hair's health and the success of the corrective perm. While it's technically possible to re-perm immediately after the chemical bonds have been neutralized, I'd recommend waiting at least three to five days, and ideally a full week, before your second perm. This waiting period allows your hair to recover from the stress of the first chemical process.
 
It's also worth noting that some hair types are naturally more resistant to perms than others. Fine hair often takes perms more readily, while coarse hair can be more challenging. If you have naturally straight, Asian hair, for example, you might find that perms don't hold as well or may require stronger solutions.
 
When you do return for your corrective perm, make sure to communicate clearly with your stylist about your expectations and any concerns you have. A good stylist will work with you to achieve the results you want while keeping your hair's health as the top priority.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Perms and perming
 
Signs of damaged hair
 
How long do I have to wait to get a perm redone?