Are you second-guessing whether to wet your hair after a fresh perm? Navigating the dos and don’ts of post-perming care can be quite overwhelming! This article will demystify the misconceptions about washing or wetting your hair after a perm.
Keep reading, this could be the difference between gorgeous curls and frustrating frizz.
Key Takeaways
- Wetting your hair within 48 hours after a perm can disrupt the chemical process and ruin your results by causing falling curls and increased frizz.
- Waiting at least 48 hours before washing your hair after a perm is essential for maintaining the shape and longevity of your curls.
- Use a shower cap or protective covering to prevent accidental water exposure while showering or washing your face.
Table of Contents
What Happens When You Wash Hair After a Perm?
Washing your hair right after a perm can disrupt the chemical process and potentially ruin your results.
Myth: Waiting to wash your hair after a perm
Contrary to popular belief, waiting to wash your hair after receiving a perm is not just a stylist’s whim. The truth lies in the chemical process of perming. Your strands undergo a transformation and need time to adjust and solidify in their new form.
Wetting or washing your hair before 48 hours can disrupt this process resulting in falling curls and increased frizz. Subsequently, the longevity of your perm may decrease significantly due to premature exposure to water.
Interestingly, this fact even extends beyond simply shampooing your hair – swimming caps become an essential accessory during a splash at the beach or pool! So yes, keeping your fresh curls away from any form of moisture for two days will indeed help preserve the desired look.
The importance of not getting your hair wet after a perm
Not getting your hair wet after a perm is crucial for maintaining the curls and preventing them from unraveling. Washing or dampening your hair within 48 hours of getting a perm can damage the curls, increase frizz, and disrupt the chemical process.
Waiting for the recommended time period before wetting or washing your hair after a perm is essential to achieve the desired look and ensure the longevity of your new hairstyle. Protecting your permed hair from water exposure, such as wearing a cap while swimming, is also important to prevent water damage.
When Can You Safely Wash Your Hair After a Perm?
After getting a perm, it is recommended to wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair to ensure the curls set properly and last longer.
The recommended wait time before washing your hair
Wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair after getting a perm. This is crucial for maintaining the shape and longevity of your curls. Washing too soon can disrupt the chemical process and potentially ruin the results you desired.
It’s important to be patient during this waiting period to ensure that your permed hair looks its best in the long run.
How to properly care for your perm during the waiting period
Take care of your newly permed hair during the waiting period to ensure long-lasting curls and prevent damage. Here are some important tips to follow:
Avoid getting your hair wet: Water can disrupt the chemical process and affect the outcome of your perm. Refrain from wetting your hair for at least 48 hours after getting the perm.
Use a shower cap or protective covering: When showering, bathing, or even washing your face, make sure to cover your hair with a shower cap or any protective covering to prevent accidental water exposure.
Be cautious while sleeping: Protect your perm by sleeping on satin or silk pillowcases. These materials cause less friction and reduce frizz compared to cotton pillowcases.
Avoid touching or combing your hair excessively: Excessive touching and combing can disturb the newly formed curls and lead to frizz. Minimize handling your hair during the waiting period.
Keep away from heat styling tools: Heat styling tools like curling irons and straighteners can damage permed hair further. Avoid using them until after you’ve washed your hair as recommended.
Opt for gentle styling techniques: If you need to style your hair during the waiting period, choose gentle methods such as air drying or using soft rollers instead of hot tools.
Protect against humidity: Humidity can cause frizz in permed hair, so use anti-frizz serums or products specifically designed for curly hair to maintain its shape and texture.
Follow professional advice: Stick to the instructions given by your hairstylist or salon professional who performed the perm treatment. They know best about caring for permed hair during the waiting period.
3 Tips for Maintaining Your Perm After Washing
To maintain your perm after washing, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for chemically treated hair. Avoid excessive heat styling and opt for air-drying or using a diffuser on low heat.
Deep condition your hair regularly to keep it moisturized and use products that enhance the texture of your permed hair.
Using the right shampoo and conditioner
To maintain the health and longevity of your permed hair, it’s essential to use the right shampoo and conditioner. Here’s what you need to know:
- Choose a sulfate-free shampoo: Look for shampoos that are labeled sulfate-free. Sulfates can strip away the natural oils from your hair, causing dryness and frizz.
- Opt for a moisturizing conditioner: Permed hair is more prone to dryness, so using a moisturizing conditioner is crucial. Look for products that contain ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, or argan oil to nourish and hydrate your curls.
- Use a wide-tooth comb in the shower: When applying conditioner, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair while it’s wet. This helps prevent breakage and keeps your curls intact.
- Avoid heavy styling products: While it’s important to use styling products to enhance your curls, avoid heavy formulas that can weigh down your hair. Opt for lightweight serums or mousses specifically designed for curly hair.
- Deep condition regularly: Treat your permed hair to regular deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and strengthen the strands. Look for deep conditioning masks that are formulated for chemically treated hair.
Avoiding excessive heat and styling
Excessive heat and styling can lead to damage and frizz in your permed hair. It is important to protect your curls by avoiding high temperatures and over-styling. Here are some tips to help you maintain your perm without causing further damage:
- Limit the use of heat tools: Heat from flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can strip the moisture from your hair and cause it to become brittle. Try to air dry your hair whenever possible or use a diffuser attachment on low heat settings.
- Use heat protectant products: When using heat styling tools, make sure to apply a heat protectant spray or serum beforehand. This will help create a barrier between the heat and your hair, preventing damage.
- Avoid tight hairstyles: Pulling your hair back tightly into ponytails, buns, or braids can cause strain on your curls and may lead to breakage. Opt for loose hairstyles that allow your curls to breathe.
- Embrace natural air drying: Instead of using a blow dryer, let your hair air dry naturally as much as possible. This will help preserve the shape and texture of your perm.
- Be gentle when brushing: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for curly hair to prevent snagging or pulling at your curls. Start from the ends and work your way up slowly to avoid breakage.
Deep conditioning your hair
Deep conditioning your hair is an important step in maintaining the health and longevity of your perm. To keep your curls looking their best, consider the following tips:
- Use a deep conditioning treatment specifically formulated for chemically treated or permed hair. These products are designed to provide extra moisture and nourishment to help restore and maintain the elasticity of your curls.
- Apply the deep conditioner evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where damage tends to occur. Massage it in gently to ensure maximum absorption.
- Leave the deep conditioner on for the recommended amount of time, usually around 5 – 10 minutes. This will allow the product to penetrate deeply into your hair shafts, providing intense hydration.
- Rinse out the deep conditioner thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can strip away moisture and cause frizz.
- Pat your hair dry gently with a towel, avoiding any rubbing or tugging that can lead to breakage or damage.
- Follow up with a leave-in conditioner or styling product specifically designed for permed hair. These products help to seal in moisture and protect your curls from heat and environmental damage.
3 Common Myths About Washing Hair After a Perm
You may have heard conflicting information about washing your hair after a perm, but let’s put those myths to rest.
Can you wet your hair with water after a perm?
To maintain the integrity of your perm and keep those gorgeous curls intact, it’s best to avoid wetting your hair with water for at least 48 hours after the procedure. Wetting your hair too soon can disrupt the chemical process and lead to frizz and decreased curl longevity.
So, be patient and give your perm time to set before you start showering or swimming. It’s worth the wait for beautiful, long-lasting results!
Can you wash your perm after 36 hours?
Washing your perm after just 36 hours is not recommended. It’s important to wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair after getting a perm. Washing too soon can disrupt the chemical process and affect the outcome of your curls.
Waiting for the recommended time period allows the curls to set properly and helps maintain the desired look of your perm. So, be patient and resist the temptation to wash your hair until at least 48 hours have passed since you got your perm.
Should you use oil on your hair after a perm?
Using oil on your hair after a perm can actually be beneficial. It helps to keep your hair moisturized and adds shine to your curls. However, it is important to choose the right kind of oil for your hair type and avoid using too much, as this can make your hair greasy.
Look for lightweight oils like argan oil or coconut oil, and apply them sparingly to the ends of your hair. This will help nourish and protect your permed locks without weighing them down.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to refrain from wetting your hair after getting a perm for at least 48 hours. Doing so can help preserve the curls and prevent damage to the chemical process.
Follow the recommended wait time and take proper care of your permed hair to maintain its desired look.
FAQs
1. Can I wet my hair after getting a perm?
Directly after receiving a perm, it’s best to avoid wetting your hair to ensure the treatment fully sets in.
2. How does water affect a freshly permed hairstyle?
Water can disrupt the chemical processes of a fresh perm, potentially leading to less than desired results such as loss of curl or texture.
3. Should I avoid washing my hair directly after a perm?
Yes, you should wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair after a perm for optimal texture preservation and damage prevention.
4. Can I swim with newly permed hair?
It is highly recommended that you avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or ocean water right after getting your perm, as this can negatively impact its longevity and appearance.
5. Is it safe to shower without wetting my new perm?
Absolutely! Just make sure you take precautions such as using shower caps during showers to protect against unwanted moisture and keep the hairstyling intact.
6. What are some good post-perm care tips?
Moisturizing products are great for maintaining shine and healthiness in permed styles; regular trims also help prevent split ends.
