If your stylist doesn't allow the perm to process for the right amount of time, your hair can either get too curly (making your perm look frizzy) or not curly enough (resulting in limp, loose waves). Depending on hair length, getting a perm should take around two to three hours.
One common reason why SOME perms don't last is because the stylist did not sufficiently soften your hair. When this first step is not done well, your hair won't be able to take on the new curls, resulting in limp and vague curls that straighten in a jiffy.
when hair is damaged and neglected, the hair bonds are generally broken. thus, hair will not have the elasticity and resilience to undergo digital (heat) perm. more often than not, the curls will turn out to be “lifeless” or even “fried”.
Perming hair is a complicated chemical process, and curling hair is permanent and won't be straightened by washing. But the perm will definitely increase the curl, but it's not as if the hair will grow and become straight after a few washes.
It's highly recommended that you wait three days before washing your hair. And try not to get caught in the rain! Not washing your hair will keep water from deactivating the perm and making the curls fall apart.
A shampoo, conditioner, or any product really, with an excessive level of alcohol in the ingredients can bring damage and frizz to your perm.
Bad perms often can be unshapely, result in no curls at all or create a noticeably frizzy look.
Unlike hair dyes, perms can't wash out. It will stay curly even after you've washed and dried your hair! Even though your hair is curly, it doesn't mean it's impossible to do any of the hairstyles you used to do before the treatment. You can still straighten, curl, and style permed hair just like you would normally.
REMEMBER perms take up to 48 hours to settle and your hair will always look more curly the first 2 days after a perm than it will when it settles so don't panic if your loose waves look a little tight – have faith in your stylist.
Don't exercise or sweat. Don't use sprays, gels, or mousses. Don't tie your hair back, using hair bands or hair clips of any kind. Do wear a silk scar, if you need to pull your hair away from your face.
Brushing through your permed hair is a big no-no. You see, brushing will cause your curls to separate and will make your hair frizzy, which probably isn't the look you're after. Instead of brushing, gently detangle your hair with your fingers or use a wide-toothed wooden comb.
The normal time period between perms is three to four months for short to medium-length hair as long as hair is trimmed or cut two or three times within this period. Your stylist can help you make this decision.
Air drying is best for perm-treated hair. The only way to have frizz-free, perfectly formed curls is to let your hair dry naturally.
Usually it is caused by using too much tension when wrapping a perm. Minimal tension should be used so the cuticle can open freely to receive the perm solution.
A reverse perm is actually the process of taking curl OUT of hair. It can be used to change a naturally tight curl to a looser curl. It is often referred to as retexturizing.
When can I leave it on longer? As per the perm directions, neutralizer should be on the hair for 5 minutes. If left on longer, Zotos cannot verify results. Neutralizer is a chemical, and it is not advisable to leave it on longer then 5 minutes.
If you get a perm and you're not happy with it, you can wash it and it will loosen the curl. However, keep in mind washing your hair will not return your hair to its original state. You'll still probably have a loose curl for some time until the perm fully makes its way out of your hair.
Keeping your permed hair safe overnight might be the most difficult task yet. Regular cotton pillowcases can cause friction that damages your hair. Sleep on a satin pillowcase instead to give your hair the freedom to move without damage. You could tie your hair up in a loose bun, braids, or do the plop method.
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. When it comes to perms, maintenance is key.