Caring for Permed Hair

Permed hair has been a popular hairstyle for decades. It adds volume, texture, and style to your hair. However, it also requires extra care and maintenance to keep it healthy and beautiful. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to care for your permed hair, including the do's and don'ts, the benefits, and the drawbacks.

Why Do You Need to Take Care of Permed Hair?

Permed hair undergoes a chemical process that alters the structure of your hair. The process breaks down the bonds in your hair and reforms them to create curls or waves. This process can damage your hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Therefore, it is essential to take care of your permed hair to keep it healthy and prevent further damage.

The Do's and Don'ts of Caring for Permed Hair

Here are some tips to help you care for your permed hair:

Do's:

• Use a mild shampoo and conditioner formulated for permed hair.
• Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to nourish your hair.
• Avoid using hot styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons.
• Air dry your hair or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to minimize damage.
• Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair gently.
• Protect your hair from the sun, wind, and chlorine by wearing a hat or a swimming cap.

Don'ts:

• Don't wash your hair too often, as it can strip your hair of its natural oils.
• Don't use harsh chemical treatments like hair dyes or bleach on your permed hair.
• Don't brush your hair when it is wet, as it can cause breakage.
• Don't tie your hair too tightly, as it can pull on your hair and cause damage.
• Don't use products that contain alcohol, as it can dry out your hair.

The Benefits of Permed Hair

Permed hair has several benefits, including:

• Adding volume and texture to your hair.
• Creating a new hairstyle without cutting your hair.
• Reducing the time and effort needed to style your hair.
• Enhancing your natural hair color and highlights.

The Drawbacks of Permed Hair

Permed hair also has some drawbacks, including:

• Dryness and brittleness of hair.
• Damage caused by the chemical process.
• Difficulty in maintaining the curls or waves.
• The need for extra care and maintenance of the permed hair.

Kickstarting Your Permed Hair Care Routine

For those who have just gotten a perm, it is important to start a permed hair care routine that is tailored to your hair's needs. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Wait for at least 48 hours before washing your hair to allow the curls or waves to set.
2. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner formulated for permed hair.
3. Avoid using hot styling tools for at least the first two weeks after the perm.
4. Apply a leave-in conditioner or a curl-enhancing cream to keep the curls or waves defined and moisturized.
5. Cut back on heat styling and chemical treatments to prevent further damage to your hair.

FAQs

Q: How often should I wash my permed hair?

A: It is best to wash your permed hair once or twice a week to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.

Q: Can I color my permed hair?

A: It is not recommended to color your permed hair as it can cause further damage and dryness to your hair.

Q: How can I reduce frizz in my permed hair?

A: You can reduce frizz in your permed hair by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, applying a leave-in conditioner or a curl-enhancing cream, and avoiding heat styling tools.

Q: How long does a perm last?

A: A perm can last for three to six months depending on your hair type, the type of perm, and how you care for your permed hair.

Conclusion

Caring for permed hair is essential to keep it healthy, beautiful, and defined. By following the do's and don'ts of permed hair care, you can minimize damage and maintain your curls or waves. Remember to be gentle with your hair and use products formulated for permed hair. With proper care and maintenance, your permed hair can last for months and look stunning.