Hair Perm 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Perm
Joining the curly crew isn’t as easy as it seems. Read on to learn about the perming process, how to prepare for it, and how to style and take care of your permed hair after the treatment.
Perming is like setting a “permanent hairstyle” into your hair. It involves curls and waves that, although not exactly permanent, will last several months when done correctly. The process of perming your hair, whether it’s a cold perm or another technique, involves the use of chemicals to set and maintain these curls.
Traditional perms involve the use of perm rods to make your hair curly, but in perms today, other tools like fabric, hair rollers, or finger waves are also used, depending on the curl shape or wave you want
Permed hair seems deceptively low-maintenance, but it can be a challenge to maintain especially if your locks aren’t at their healthiest. If you want curls that stay soft and bouncy (as opposed to dry and crunchy), you need to prepare properly. Read this before you even consider heading to the salon for a perm:
The two types of perms are digital or hot perm and cold perm.
In a digital perm, your hair is given a relaxing treatment that helps break the bonds in your hair. Your hair then gets wound around curling rods. The thickness of the rods depends on how loose or tight you want your curls to be. These rods are attached to a machine through which the temperature is set and regulated. The time it takes for the curls to set is also set through the machine with a digital display (hence the name “digi perm”).
In a cold perm, your hair gets soaked in an alkaline solution or a cold wave solution and tightly rolled into small curls using rollers. After 15 minutes, another solution is applied to your hair to neutralize the alkalinity and set the curls. The whole process takes longer than a digital or hot perm, but the result would be tight ringlets that remain curly even when wet or using a product. This method is more affordable than digital perm and works for all hair types.
Let’s not sugarcoat things: Perming can wreak havoc on your hair. Since your mane will be exposed to high heat and chemicals for a few hours, there’s a high chance your hair can get dry and brittle. Consult your hairstylist first to know if your hair can handle a perm, especially if you have sensitive, thin, or damaged hair.
Your hair needs to be healthy if you want your curls to turn out beautifully. Untreated hair tends to hold a perm best. If your hair is color-treated, dry, or damaged, you might want to postpone your perm plans for a month or two to let your locks recover.
You can’t wash your hair after getting a perm…at least, not for two to three days after leaving the salon. Your new waves need ample time to set, and shampooing your hair prematurely can wash away the treatment, making your hair relax faster.
So, your hairstylist just finished perming your hair and it looks ah-mazing. Since you’re already at the salon anyway, you might as well have your hair colored to emphasize your new waves, right? WRONG. Coloring your hair before or after your perm will make your hair too damaged, resulting in dry curls and brittle strands.
Here’s another scenario: You just had a perm but didn’t like how your ringlets turned out, so you ask your hairstylist if you could have your hair relaxed while you’re still in the salon. That’s a major no-no! Contrary to what the treatment’s name suggests, relaxing your hair will just make your newly permed locks more stressed, resulting in very damaged strands. If you really can’t stand your new curls, you can shampoo your hair earlier to lessen the waves. Asking for a short, sleek haircut will work, too!
Permed hair needs special attention. The shampoo and conditioner you’re currently using might not cut it, as you have to look for products that can nourish and moisturize your curls. Also, use products that are suitable for salon-treated hair so your regular wash-and-care routine won’t damage or undo your permed hair.
The best way to dry your permed hair is to air dry it. Just scrunch parts of your hair as you do this to help speed it up. You can also use a microfiber towel, a cotton shirt, or an old scarf as your typical towel alternatives, but still with minimal friction to avoid damaging your curls.
As much as possible, don’t expose your curls to heated styling tools to avoid damaging your hair. If you must, spritz some heat protectant before styling with heated tools (as you should even if your hair is not permed).
Curly hair gives off a carefree vibe, but achieving that effortless look requires switching up your hairstyling techniques. Avoid blow dryers and hair irons, as these can further damage your hair. Instead, gently scrunch your hair while it air dries to get soft waves.
A perm can last up to six months, depending on how quickly your hair grows and how healthy it is. So if you’re looking to get a perm that will last throughout the seasons, try to think about when you’ll want to start growing out the style. We recommend scheduling your appointment about three months before you want the perm hair style to be done. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to get used to having permed hair.
The answer is yes! You see, perms are all about giving you the freedom to express your true self. The only thing that matters is your hair’s porosity and elasticity, which determine how well your curls will hold. So whether you have thick, curly hair or fine, wavy hair—or even just want some help maintaining your natural curls—perms are for you.
Yes, you can perm your chemically treated or colored hair. Just remember, when you’re getting a perm, the chemicals in your hair are going to be more sensitive than usual. So if you’re getting a perm and you’ve recently dyed your hair, it’s best to wait for a certain period before getting it chemically treated again. It is best to have your locks assessed by a professional first before getting a hair perm.
Types of Perm
Before getting one, you should know that there are actually two options available to you: digital or hot perm, and cold perm.
Digital or Hot Perm
In this process, your hair is given a relaxing treatment that helps break the bonds in your hair. Your hair then gets wound around curling rods. The thickness of the rods depends on how loose or tight you want your curls to be. These rods are attached to a machine through which the temperature is set and regulated. The time it takes for the curls to set is also set through the machine with a digital display (hence the name “digi perm“).
Heat protection pads are also placed between the rollers and your skin. When your curls have been formed, your hair is removed from the rods and additional chemicals are applied to help set your hair’s shape.
Cold Perm
This is the process of perming where your hair gets soaked in an alkaline solution or a cold perm wave solution and tightly rolled into small curls using rollers. After 15 minutes, another solution is applied to your hair to neutralize the alkalinity and set the curls. The whole process takes longer than a digital or hot perm, but the result would be tight ringlets that remain curly even when wet or using a product. The cold perm method is more affordable than digital perm and works for all hair types.
Before Getting A Perm
How should I prepare for a perm?
Let’s not sugarcoat things: Chemical hair treatments can wreak havoc on your hair – no matter if it’s a digital or cold perm. Since your mane will be exposed to high heat and chemicals for a few hours, there’s a high chance your hair can get dry and brittle. Consult your hairstylist first to know if your hair can handle a perm, especially if you have sensitive, thin, or damaged hair.
Editor’s tip: Before you get a perm, repair damaged hair first. Use Dove Keratin Repair 1 Minute Serum Conditioner to bring your back to its healthy-looking state. It has keratin-infused capsules that go deep within your hair to nourish and repair it from within. It leaves your hair recovered and resilient in just one minute.
How will I know if I need to delay getting a perm?
Your hair needs to be healthy if you want your curls to turn out beautifully. Untreated hair tends to hold a perm best. If your hair is color-treated, dry, or damaged, you might want to postpone your perm plans for a month or two to let your locks recover.
Editor’s tip: A hair repair treatment like Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Repair & Shine Treatment Crème can help in your hair’s recovery. It replenishes the lost moisture in your hair and penetrates each strand to revive it from damage.
How long does a perm hair style last?
A perm can last up to six months, depending on how quickly your hair grows and how healthy it is. So if you’re looking to get a perm that will last throughout the seasons, try to think about when you’ll want to start growing out the style. We recommend scheduling your appointment about three months before you want your hair style to be done. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to get used to having permed hair.
Do hair textures and length affect the results of a hair perm?
The answer is yes! You see, perms are all about giving you the freedom to express your true self. The only thing that matters is your hair’s porosity and elasticity, which determine how well your curls will hold. So whether you have thick, curly hair or fine, wavy hair—or even just want some help maintaining your natural curls—perms are for you.
Can you perm chemically treated or colored hair?
Yes, you can perm your chemically treated or colored hair. Just remember, when you’re getting a perm, the chemicals in your hair are going to be more sensitive than usual. So if you’re getting a perm and you’ve recently dyed your hair, it’s best to wait for a certain period before getting it chemically treated again. It is best to have your locks assessed by a professional first before getting a hair perm.
Immediately After Getting A Perm
Can I wash my hair after getting a perm?
You can’t wash your hair after getting a perm…at least, not for two to three days after leaving the salon. Your new waves need ample time to set, and shampooing your hair prematurely can wash away the treatment, making your hair relax faster.
Can I get other chemical treatments while or immediately after getting a perm?
So, your hairstylist just finished perming your hair and it looks amazing. Since you’re already at the salon anyway, you might as well have your hair colored to emphasize your new waves, right? WRONG. Coloring your hair before or after your perm will make your hair too damaged, resulting in dry curls and brittle strands.
Here’s another scenario: You just had a perm but didn’t like how your ringlets turned out, so you ask your hairstylist if you could have your hair relaxed while you’re still in the salon. That’s a major no-no! Contrary to what the treatment’s name suggests, relaxing your newly permed hair will result in very damaged strands. If you really can’t stand your new curls, you can shampoo your hair earlier to lessen the waves. Asking for a short, sleek haircut will work, too!
Styling and Maintaining Your Perm
What products should I use on my hair after getting a perm?
Permed hair needs special attention. The shampoo and conditioner you’re currently using might not cut it, as you have to look for products that can nourish and moisturize your curls. Also, use products that are suitable for salon-treated hair so your regular wash-and-care routine won’t damage or undo your hairstyle.
Editor’s tip: Use TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo when washing your hair. It has KERA10 Protein Complex that goes up to 10 layers deep and helps repair internal damage caused by chemical treatments. Use it regularly so your hair gets 10 salon benefits, including strengthening your hair and keeping it soft and smooth. For best results, use this shampoo with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Serum Conditioner.
Can I use a towel to squeeze out excess water from my permed hair after washing it?
The best way to dry your permed hair is to air dry it. Just scrunch parts of your hair as you do this to help speed it up. You can also use a microfiber towel, a cotton shirt, or an old scarf as your typical towel alternatives, but still with minimal friction to avoid damaging your curls.
Can I use a curling iron or hair straightener on my hair?
As much as possible, don’t expose your curls (even if you had a cold perm!) to heated styling tools to avoid damaging your hair. If you must, spritz some heat protectant before styling with heated tools (as you should even if your hair is not permed).
How should I style my hair?
Curly hair gives off a carefree vibe, but achieving that effortless look requires switching up your hairstyling techniques. Avoid blow dryers and hair irons, as these can further damage your hair. Instead, gently scrunch your hair while it air dries to get soft waves.
Editor’s tip: Keep your hair glossy by applying TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Anti-Frizz Shine Serum. It has keratin and marula oil and has a non-greasy formula. This hair serum calms frizz, adds shine, detangles knots, makes your hair soft, and tames flyaways. Just put a drop of serum onto your palms, rub your palms together, and apply the serum evenly to your hair.
Try simple hairstyles for your curly hair.
If your hair is misbehaving and you just want to put it up, try the pineapple ponytail. It’s one of the easiest hairstyles for short curly hair so it’s perfect for curly bobs and lobs. For long curly hair, wearing a bandana can keep your hair in place and help disguise a bad hair day.
Wear a hair clip to jazz up your curls.
If you permed your long hair, you can glam it up by wearing hair clips. Try the side-sweep hairstyle with an elegant hair clip on one side if you’re gunning for a sweet and romantic look. To control frizz, apply a dollop of mousse to your hair before styling. It will also help give you more defined curls.
Create a new hair styling routine.
Permed hair is a little more daring and a little more fun. It can be a great way to add more flair to your style and make your look stand out. If you’re ready to give it a go, try these tips:
Pick the right products: To get the best results, you should use products specifically designed for chemically treated hair. This will help keep your curls looking great for longer and prevent them from being unmanageable.
Be patient: You might need to spend some extra time getting your hair ready in the morning because of all the steps involved in styling products—but it’ll be worth it when you see how great your curls look!
Perming your hair, whether you’re doing a digital or a cold perm, shouldn’t be a nerve-wracking experience. Prepare for it properly, and you’ll emerge from the salon with a head of lush, gorgeous curls. Then, don’t forget to use the right products to maintain your new waves!
