How Long Does a Perm Last? According to O’Connor, perms can last up to six months; however, unlike hair color, a perm won’t wash out and can’t be chemically reversed. A perm always has to grow out, but thankfully, they typically grow out as natural-looking waves.

Similarly, How long does it take for a perm to relax?

Most perm formulas need 28 hours to neutralize, which is why stylists typically recommend waiting 48 hours before shampooing. If you want to undo the results of a perm, or relax a perm, wash your hair with Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair, and to help relax your curls.

Additionally, Will my hair grow back the same after a perm? Since perming is inherently a drying process, if done so incorrectly can result in damage to the strands of hair making them weak and brittle. This causes the strands to break, leaving thinning or bald patches. The good news is that this type of hair loss is temporary, and new strands will grow back in time.

Can perms permanently damage your hair?

The more chemicals you’re putting in your hair, the more damage they’re likely to do. … “Perms get a bad rap because, ultimately, it is a chemical process that permanently changes the hair, which can affect the hair if done incorrectly or if the hair was already chemically processed,” says Flete.

How can I relax my permed hair?


There are a few ways you can try to relax your perm without damaging your hair.

  1. Shower. One of the first rules to keeping your perm is to not wash your hair for 48 hours. …
  2. Comb It Out. …
  3. Blow Dry Your Hair. …
  4. Olive Oil or Hot Oil Treatments.

Do perms loosen up?

Perms usually relax over time. If you have just gotten your perm, your curls will likely relax and loosen over the next few weeks.

Are perms bad for thinning hair?

Thinning hair poses a particular set of problems. It is easy to damage, and the desire to hold onto what is left is often very strong. Perms help thinning hair appear thicker, but they often result in breakage.

Will a perm ruin naturally curly hair?

Hairdressers stress that a perm swells the hairshaft, which can cause already-porous curly hair to become dry and frizzy, the opposite effect of what a curly intended. … “If you want to get rid of frizz, wash and wet your hair every day. If you want to get rid of curl, you really have to relax it.”

Does vinegar take perm out your hair?

Some people swear by washing detergent, vinegar or a milk and egg concoction. These are all myths and none of these solutions or mixtures will remove a relaxer from hair. A relaxer is a chemical process that contains sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide. These chemicals permanently break down the hair’s bonds.

How do you fix a tight perm?

However, applying a deep conditioning treatment within days of receiving the perm might help loosen the tight curls. Begin by working canola or vegetable oil into your locks. Allow the oil to remain for five to 10 minutes before rinsing it away with water.

How long does it take for a perm to set?

‘The process can take two hours depending on hair length. We start by discussing the texture and curl that you want, then place rods accordingly specific to what we’ve discussed. Two days later you can wash your hair and see your new waves dry naturally.

What happens to a perm after 6 months?

A perm typically lasts for 3-6 months, depending on how you maintain and nourish it. Do not dye or bleach your hair after perming as it may damage the hair and cause breakage. Wait for at least 1-2 weeks before any further chemical treatment.

Can I sleep on my newly permed hair?

Can I sleep on my newly permed hair? With a new perm, you can sleep completely. … If you sleep on it and it gets flat, just mist it with some water and crunch it and you will reactivate the curls. You can wet them in the first 48 hours, but you cannot wash them.

Can you get a perm with thin hair?

Perms for thin hair can totally change the way a haircut looks on you. Volume is the key, and you can get it right away with less hair damage. 6. Curly Hair Perm.

What type of perm is best for fine hair?

You’ll need to have hair that’s at least eight inches long for a spiral perm. It works great for fine hair because it immediately adds volume. Spiral perms will make the length of your hair shorter, so you may want to consider one if you’ve been thinking about a different length.

Do straight perms work on curly hair?

According to Briana Dunning, a hairstylist specializing in body wave perms, “A straight perm is great for someone with curly or frizzy hair who wants it to be straight and smooth.” The type of straight perm you should get depends on your curl type (via Byrdie).

Can a perm make your hair wavy?

Traditional perms produce defined spiral curls by wrapping the hair around smaller individual rods for tight, uniform curls. With a wave perm, the hair is wrapped around larger rods to produce looser waves for a more relaxed result.

How can I make my permed hair natural?


11 Top Tips For Transitioning From Relaxed To Natural Hair

  1. Take The Time To Learn About Your New Hair Growth. …
  2. Give Yourself Time To Adjust. …
  3. Remember To Trim. …
  4. Keep It Moisturised. …
  5. Find A Hairstyle That Works. …
  6. Consider A Protective Hairstyle. …
  7. Go Easy With It. …
  8. Switch To Co-Washing.

How soon can I wash my hair after a perm?

You should wait about 48 hours until you wash your hair after a perm. If you shower before then, the curls may come out uneven.

How long do you leave a perm before washing?

We recommend that you keep your hair away from shampoo after a perm for at least 40 to 50 hours. Even from a raindrop even from rinsing, if you want to keep your perm intact and crisp. We recommend that you keep your hair away from shampoo for at least 40 to 50 hours after a perm.

What should you not do after a perm?


What should you not do after a perm

  1. Do not dye your hair immediately. …
  2. You should wait a minimum of 48 hours to wash your hair. …
  3. Limit the washing of hair every 2-3 days. …
  4. Avoid water-related activities wherever possible. …
  5. Bathing in cold water. …
  6. Change your shampoos and conditioners. …
  7. Change your brush.

How long does it take for permed hair to go natural?

Whether you decide to do a big chop or gradually grow out a relaxer, it’s going to take at least three to four months to start to see real change. For some, it may be a full year before you’re completely chemical-free.

What should you not do after a perm?


What should you not do after a perm

  • Do not dye your hair immediately. …
  • You should wait a minimum of 48 hours to wash your hair. …
  • Limit the washing of hair every 2-3 days. …
  • Avoid water-related activities wherever possible. …
  • Bathing in cold water. …
  • Change your shampoos and conditioners. …
  • Change your brush.

Does water damage a perm?

Water. The perm can get wet shortly after it is completed, but it cannot be washed. Water is in fact essential for a perm as it reactivates the curls. … The water will make the hair go back to its natural form, which after a perm is curly.

What should you do the day after a perm?


Post perm care

  • Wait 48-72 hours before shampooing your hair. …
  • Do not stand under a shower head for 48 hours. …
  • Avoid getting into a swimming pool or hot tub for 7 days. …
  • Do not brush or pull hair for 24-48 hours. …
  • Do not use a flat iron, curling iron or blow dryer for 48 hours. …
  • Avoid coloring your hair for 3 to 7 days.