To make the perm, chemicals are used that have the function of reshaping the hair. This treatment allows you to define wavy or curly hair, but also helps to give some movement to straight and flat ones. Since perming involves applying harsh chemicals, the process can damage the hair when the right precautions are not taken. To best care for your hair, let the perm settle immediately after the treatment, wash it gently and use the right styling techniques.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Let the Permanent settle
Step 1. Touch the hair as little as possible
You may be tempted to play with curls or waves, but the chemicals take 24-48 hours to permanently set the hair shape. Furthermore, immediately after the treatment, the hair will be particularly fragile. Avoiding touching them for a couple of days makes them keep their shape longer.
At this stage, use your fingers to style your hair only when necessary. You should avoid brushing or combing them
Step 2. Don't shampoo yourself
After the perm, do not wash your hair or use conditioner for 24-48 hours. This ensures that water and other substances do not spoil the effect of the perm and do not make the curls lose definition. Avoiding shampoo can also help you make the perm last longer.
- Try to keep your hair as dry as possible, especially if it's raining or snowing outside.
- Ask the hairdresser how long you should wait before shampooing. The wait depends on your hair type and perm. If you absolutely have to wash them, call your hairdresser to find out what to do. He may suggest that you use dry shampoo or another product until you can get your hair wet.
Step 3. Keep your hair down
You probably want to show off your new look with hairstyles that require the use of bobby pins, clips and other accessories. It is also possible that you want to pull your hair away from your face to play sports or study. However, since the perm is still settling, it is important to leave them loose for a few days immediately after the treatment. Collecting them in a ponytail, braid or other hairstyle can reshape some parts of the hair, leave marks and even break them if they are fragile.
- Detangle your hair with your fingers only when you need to tidy it up a bit.
- If you really have to, gently pull your hair up with a silk scarf. Make sure you knot it softly to prevent it from leaving marks.
Step 4. Avoid coloring
After a perm, remember that your hair is often stressed and needs a lot of care, especially the first week. So avoid coloring them for at least seven days. This can prevent them from becoming stressed or damaged further and breaking apart.
- Talk to your hairdresser to schedule the coloring at a more convenient time.
- Instead of making a real dye you could use a colored shampoo, or a semi-permanent or powder dye. After the perm, wait at least 24-48 hours before using these products.
Part 2 of 4: Shampoo yourself
Step 1. Choose specially formulated products
Hair that has been permed always needs special attention. Using the right products can help them regain their strength and shine at a time when they are stressed and weakened. Plus, they can make the perm last longer.
- Look for products with ingredients such as biotin, eucalyptus oil, and soy. Avoid those containing parabens and sulfates.
- Ask your hairdresser to suggest products. Hairdressers know very well how to take care of treated hair. In any case, don't feel obligated to buy cosmetics on sale in the salon. You can also buy specific products for chemically treated hair at the supermarket or perfumery. Read the label - they should be designed specifically for permed hair.
Step 2. Shampoo once a week
Washing your hair properly can help you have beautiful and defined curls. Frequent washing, however, can excessively degrease an already delicate stem and eliminate the effect of the perm faster. Treat your hair as if it's made of silk or some other delicate fabric - washing it once a week is enough to keep it nice and clean.
- Wash them with warm water. Hot water can degrease them too much - remember that sebum is needed to keep them hydrated and shiny. Make sure you rinse them thoroughly with warm or cold water. Product residues can make them heavy and dirty sooner. The chemicals that remain on your hair can also make the perm last shorter, so you'll need to repeat the treatment more often.
- If your hair gets dirty between washes, apply dry shampoo to the roots. Spray a small amount about 10 inches away and let it absorb for a couple of minutes, then gently massage the rest of the product onto your scalp to remove any residue. Once you've got your perm done, look for a hydrating and volumizing dry shampoo.
Step 3. Apply conditioner regularly
Even the most delicate perm can dehydrate your hair, making it look dull and frizzy. Some think that the conditioner has a smoothing effect, but that's not true. Those formulated for hair treated with perm allow to recover hydration and shine, keep them soft and make the curl last longer. They also help untangle the curls.
- To start, apply conditioner to the tips, which is the driest part, then work your way up to the roots. Let it act according to the instructions on the package. Rinse it off with lukewarm water for the same amount of time you left it on. If you don't rinse them thoroughly, residues may remain which will weigh them down and turn them off, not to mention that they will attract more dirt.
- Once a week, make a mask for chemically treated or stressed hair. The masks are more full-bodied and moisturizing than the conditioner. They will prevent further damage, plus they will help regain hydration and shine. You can leave the mask on while you are in the shower or overnight by covering your hair with a cap.
- For particularly dry or stressed hair, try using a conditioner that doesn't require rinsing.
Part 3 of 4: Using Gentle Styling Techniques
Step 1. Use a wide toothed comb
After the final rinse, gently detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Don't comb them too often to avoid breaking or damaging them. This can also make them frizzy and cause the perm effect to wear off sooner, so try to comb them only after you've washed them.
- Make sure the teeth of the comb are well apart so that the curls do not separate and pucker.
- To moisturize your hair evenly and make it shiny, comb it after applying the conditioner. If you comb them while taking a shower, you won't need to repeat the process after rinsing.
- If you don't have a wide-toothed comb, detangle them with your fingers.
Step 2. Avoid brushing them
You can definitely untangle them with a comb or your fingers, but never do it with a brush. It will make the curls separate and can ruffle them. In addition, it can damage hair, which is particularly fragile after perming.
Step 3. Define curls every day
The most effective way to have beautiful and defined curls is to "curl" them lightly with your hands. It's an easy trick that will enhance your new look and allow you to get some nice soft waves.
Use your hands to gently lift one strand of hair at a time. Mist some water on your hair, then keep it "crumpled" for a few seconds in order to better define the curls. You can also define individual curls by wrapping them around one or two fingers and holding them in this position for a few seconds
Step 4. Set the hair dryer to a low temperature
The hairdryer always risks dehydrating the hair. If you have a perm they will be stressed, so it can damage and ruffle them even more. Let them air dry or use the diffuser to define and protect curls.
- Set the hair dryer to the lowest temperature available. If it has this function, use the cold temperature or press and hold the cold air button.
- Attach the diffuser to the end of the hair dryer. Turn upside down for a particularly voluminous and defined result or dry one section at a time. To obtain elastic curls, "scrunch" the strands while drying them with the help of the diffuser.
Step 5. Use styling tools that require heat sparingly
Just like the hair dryer, curling iron and straightener can damage stressed hair and cause it to break.
Try using steam. Stick to curlers or put on a shower cap. Then, while you wash, let the steam reshape the curls. It can hydrate and volumize the hair without damaging it further
Part 4 of 4: Touch Up the Hair
Step 1. Check them regularly
The hair will grow and the weight can flatten the curls. Trimming them regularly can help keep them supple and healthy. Go to the hairdresser every 4-5 weeks for a trim.
If you want to keep the current length, ask him to cut them a little. Your hairdresser may also advise you to allow more time between cuts
Step 2. Touch up the perm, if needed
The effects of this treatment can last for between 6 weeks and 8 months. Taking care of your hair allows you to keep this result longer. In any case, when the curls start to sag and you notice the detachment at the roots, you need to do another perm.
You could only perm the roots to avoid damaging the lengths. Ask your hairdresser for advice
Step 3. Let your hair grow carefully
If you decide not to repeat the perm, you can do it without too much trouble. By taking care of your hair with specific products and using little heat you can have it healthy during the intermediate stages. Remember that the curled parts with the perm will continue to be delicate, so treat them with particular care.
