Getting a perm is an exciting step towards achieving the curly or wavy hair of your dreams. However, it’s crucial to understand that permed hair requires a different level of care compared to natural hair. The chemical process that reshapes your hair can leave it more vulnerable to dryness, breakage, and frizz. This means you need a new arsenal of products specifically designed to nourish, protect, and enhance your newly formed curls.
Understanding Your Post-Perm Hair Needs
Before diving into specific product recommendations, it’s essential to understand what your hair needs after a perm. The perming process involves breaking down and reforming the disulfide bonds in your hair, which are responsible for its natural shape. This process, while effective, can strip the hair of its natural oils and weaken its structure. Therefore, your focus should be on replenishing moisture, strengthening the hair shaft, and protecting it from further damage.
Hydration is key. Permed hair tends to be drier than natural hair, so moisturizing products are essential.
Protein is important. Protein treatments help strengthen the hair and prevent breakage.
Gentle cleansing is a must. Harsh shampoos can strip the hair of its natural oils.
Protection is crucial. Protecting your hair from heat and environmental damage is vital.
The Essential Product Lineup for Post-Perm Care
Now, let’s explore the essential products you’ll need to maintain healthy and beautiful permed hair. Remember to choose products that are specifically formulated for permed or chemically treated hair.
Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Your New Best Friend
The first and most important change you should make is switching to a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Since permed hair is already prone to dryness, using a sulfate-free shampoo is crucial for maintaining its moisture balance.
Look for shampoos that are specifically labeled as “sulfate-free” or “for permed hair.” These shampoos are typically gentler and contain moisturizing ingredients that will help keep your curls hydrated and healthy.
Consider ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and shea butter, which can help to moisturize and soothe the scalp and hair. Avoid shampoos with alcohol, which can further dry out your hair.
Hydrating Conditioner: Quench Your Curls’ Thirst
A hydrating conditioner is just as important as a sulfate-free shampoo. After washing your hair, it’s essential to replenish the moisture that may have been lost. Look for a conditioner that is rich in moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, or hyaluronic acid.
Apply the conditioner generously to your hair, focusing on the ends, which are typically the driest. Leave it on for a few minutes to allow the moisturizing ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to help seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.
Deep conditioning treatments are also highly recommended at least once a week to provide an extra boost of hydration.
Leave-In Conditioner: The Ultimate Hydration Boost
A leave-in conditioner is a must-have for permed hair. It provides continuous hydration and helps to detangle and define your curls. Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair after washing and conditioning.
Choose a leave-in conditioner that is lightweight and won’t weigh down your curls. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and humectants, which attract moisture to the hair.
Distribute the leave-in conditioner evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends. You can also use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair gently.
Curl Cream or Gel: Define and Enhance Your Curls
Curl creams and gels are essential for defining and enhancing your curls. These products help to hold the shape of your curls and prevent frizz.
Experiment with different curl creams and gels to find one that works best for your hair type and curl pattern. Some curl creams are designed to provide moisture and definition, while others are more focused on hold.
Apply the curl cream or gel to damp hair, scrunching your hair upwards to encourage curl formation. You can also use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to dry your hair without causing frizz.
Hair Oil: Seal in Moisture and Add Shine
Hair oils are a great way to seal in moisture and add shine to your permed hair. They can also help to protect your hair from environmental damage and reduce frizz.
Choose a lightweight hair oil, such as argan oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil. Apply a small amount of oil to your hair, focusing on the ends. You can also use hair oil to tame frizz and add shine to your curls throughout the day.
Be careful not to use too much oil, as this can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy.
Protein Treatment: Strengthen and Repair
Protein treatments are essential for strengthening and repairing permed hair. The perming process can weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage. Protein treatments help to rebuild the protein structure of the hair, making it stronger and more resilient.
Use a protein treatment every few weeks, depending on the condition of your hair. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
Look for protein treatments that contain ingredients like keratin, collagen, or amino acids. These ingredients help to strengthen and repair the hair.
Be careful not to overuse protein treatments, as this can make your hair brittle and prone to breakage.
Heat Protectant Spray: Shield Your Curls from Damage
If you use heat styling tools on your permed hair, it’s essential to use a heat protectant spray. Heat styling can damage the hair shaft and lead to dryness, breakage, and frizz.
Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair before using any heat styling tools, such as a hairdryer, curling iron, or straightening iron.
Choose a heat protectant spray that is specifically designed for permed or chemically treated hair. These sprays typically contain ingredients that help to protect the hair from heat damage.
Deep Conditioner: Intense Hydration and Repair
A deep conditioner is a must-have for permed hair, offering intense hydration and repair. This treatment goes beyond your regular conditioner to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, delivering a concentrated dose of moisture and nutrients.
Use a deep conditioner at least once a week, or more often if your hair is particularly dry or damaged. After shampooing, apply the deep conditioner generously to your hair, focusing on the ends. Cover your hair with a shower cap or warm towel to help the product penetrate. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes, or as directed on the product label. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Look for deep conditioners that contain ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil, honey, and glycerin. These ingredients help to hydrate, soften, and repair the hair.
Wide-Tooth Comb or Detangling Brush: Gentle Detangling
A wide-tooth comb or detangling brush is essential for gently detangling permed hair. Avoid using a fine-tooth comb or brush, as these can pull and break your curls.
Detangle your hair while it is wet and conditioned, using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. Be patient and gentle, and avoid pulling or tugging on your hair.
A detangling brush with flexible bristles can be particularly helpful for gently removing knots and tangles without causing damage.
Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Reduce Friction and Frizz
Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can help to reduce friction and frizz, keeping your curls looking their best. Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and frizzy. Silk and satin pillowcases are smoother and less absorbent, which helps to prevent frizz and breakage.
Consider using a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to protect your hair while you sleep. This can further reduce friction and frizz, and help to maintain your curl definition.
Building Your Post-Perm Routine
Creating a consistent hair care routine is crucial for maintaining healthy and beautiful permed hair. Here’s a suggested routine that you can adapt to your specific needs:
- Wash your hair 1-2 times per week with a sulfate-free shampoo.
- Condition your hair after every wash with a hydrating conditioner.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair after washing and conditioning.
- Use a curl cream or gel to define and enhance your curls.
- Apply a hair oil to seal in moisture and add shine.
- Use a protein treatment every few weeks.
- Use a deep conditioner at least once a week.
- Protect your hair from heat and environmental damage.
- Detangle your hair gently with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush.
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Perm
Here are some additional tips to help you maintain your perm and keep your curls looking their best:
- Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after getting a perm. This allows the perm to set properly.
- Use a deep conditioner regularly to replenish moisture and prevent dryness.
- Trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and prevent breakage.
- Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. If you must use heat, use a heat protectant spray.
- Protect your hair from the sun and chlorine.
- Be gentle when handling your hair. Avoid pulling or tugging on your curls.
Choosing the right products and following a consistent hair care routine can make all the difference in the health and appearance of your permed hair. By focusing on hydration, protein, gentle cleansing, and protection, you can keep your curls looking beautiful and healthy for months to come. Remember to listen to your hair and adjust your routine as needed. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy your gorgeous permed curls for years to come.
What is the most important product to use immediately after getting a perm?
The absolute most crucial product to use immediately after a perm is a deep conditioning treatment specifically formulated for chemically treated hair. This initial treatment helps to replenish lost moisture and protein stripped away during the perming process. It aids in restoring the hair’s elasticity, preventing breakage, and sealing the cuticle to enhance shine and curl definition.
Remember to follow your stylist’s instructions regarding the timing and application of this treatment. It’s typically recommended to wait at least 48-72 hours before washing your hair after a perm to allow the curls to fully set. Applying a deep conditioner after this waiting period helps prevent the perm from loosening too quickly and prolongs the life and bounce of your curls.
How often should I use a sulfate-free shampoo on my permed hair?
Sulfate-free shampoo should be used every time you wash your permed hair. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip away the natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and a faster fading of your perm. Avoiding sulfates helps preserve the moisture balance of your curls, keeping them hydrated and healthy.
Frequency depends on your hair type and lifestyle, but typically washing your hair 2-3 times per week is sufficient for permed hair. Over-washing can also lead to dryness. Listen to your hair; if it feels dry or brittle, reduce washing frequency. Using a sulfate-free co-wash (conditioner washing) in between shampoo washes can also help maintain moisture levels.
What kind of leave-in conditioner is best for permed hair?
The best type of leave-in conditioner for permed hair is one that’s lightweight, hydrating, and specifically designed for curly or chemically treated hair. Look for ingredients like humectants (glycerin, honey) to draw moisture into the hair, and emollients (shea butter, coconut oil) to seal it in and prevent frizz. Products with protein are beneficial, but use them sparingly to avoid protein overload.
Consider a spray leave-in conditioner for fine hair, as it won’t weigh down the curls. Thicker or drier hair types can benefit from a cream-based leave-in conditioner. Always apply the leave-in conditioner to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, to help detangle, define curls, and protect against environmental damage.
Can I use styling gels on permed hair, and what should I look for?
Yes, styling gels are a great way to define and hold your permed curls. When choosing a styling gel for permed hair, look for alcohol-free formulas. Alcohol can be very drying and lead to frizz and damage. Opt for gels that offer a balance between hold and flexibility, allowing your curls to move naturally without feeling stiff or crunchy.
Choose gels with moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera or humectants to further hydrate your curls. Start with a small amount of gel and distribute it evenly through your damp hair, scrunching upwards to encourage curl formation. You can adjust the amount of gel depending on the desired hold and definition.
Are hair oils necessary for permed hair? If so, which ones are best?
Hair oils are highly beneficial for permed hair due to their ability to lock in moisture and add shine. Permed hair tends to be drier, making hair oils essential for maintaining hydration and preventing breakage. Applying a small amount of oil to the ends of your hair can help seal split ends and reduce frizz.
Argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil are excellent choices for permed hair. Argan oil is lightweight and absorbs easily, adding shine and reducing frizz. Jojoba oil mimics the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it a great moisturizer. Coconut oil is deeply penetrating and helps to strengthen the hair shaft, but use it sparingly if you have fine hair, as it can be heavy. Apply oils to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends.
How do I protect my permed hair while sleeping?
Protecting your permed hair while sleeping is crucial to prevent frizz, breakage, and loss of curl definition. Friction against your pillowcase can cause significant damage. One of the best ways to protect your curls overnight is to sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials are smoother than cotton, reducing friction and preventing tangles.
Another effective method is to pineapple your hair. Gather your hair loosely at the crown of your head and secure it with a soft scrunchie or a silk scarf. This helps to maintain your curl pattern and prevent it from being flattened overnight. You can also use a satin bonnet or scarf to fully encase your hair, providing even more protection.
Can I use heat styling tools on permed hair?
While it’s best to minimize heat styling on permed hair to avoid damage and dryness, you can use heat styling tools sparingly and with proper precautions. Always apply a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tool. This creates a barrier between the hair and the heat, minimizing damage and preventing moisture loss.
When using heat styling tools, keep the temperature as low as possible. Opt for tools with adjustable temperature settings and avoid using them on high heat. Diffusing your hair with a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer is a gentler way to enhance your curls without causing excessive heat damage. If you’re using a curling iron or straightener, use it sparingly and only on dry hair.