Perms and Ponytails
A: Strictly speaking: no. It is best to wait 48 to 72 hours before putting your hair up in a ponytail. Even though modern permanent wave solutions create lasting structural changes, the chemical bonds inside your hair take up to three days to fully neutralize and lock into their new shape. Gathering your hair into a ponytail too soon can cause permanent dents or pull the curl loose.
The main concern in dealing with chemically processed hair is that the hair will be more porous and susceptible to damage due to the raised cuticle layer. Proper conditioning can help to smooth the cuticle layer and restore the moisture balance to the hair, but you will need to make sure to use styling tools that will be as gentle as possible to the hair.
Best Practices
When you do start wearing it up, I don't recommend pulling the hair tight in a rubber band, but you can safely confine the hair in a scrunchie or snag-safe elastic band, loosely. Just make sure to treat the hair gently.In fact, if you are planning to be physically active outdoors, or to expose your hair to windy conditions, confining the hair in a loose ponytail can help prevent tangling and roughing caused by these environmental conditions.
The perm itself isn't likely to be damaged by wearing a ponytail after the setting period. What is far more important is protecting the condition of the hair fiber itself, since healthy hair will always hold its curl and look better than damaged hair.
You should also avoid excessive heat styling immediately after your perm. If you use a blow dryer, choose a low heat setting or use a diffuser to help preserve the curl pattern while minimizing moisture loss. When brushing or detangling, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers instead of a fine-tooth comb or stiff brush.
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See also:
Ponytails and hair damage
How to put hair in a ponytail
Is it okay to put your hair up in a ponytail right after coloring it?