What is perming?
Perms full name is a permanent wave. Perming is a chemical process that causes hair to curl. Perms wrap the hair with rollers of different sizes. Different sizes of rod rollers determine the size of the rotation. The large rollers give the hair large loose curls and the small rollers give the hair tight spiral curls. When you receive a perm, you should follow specific instructions on how to manage it, how to wash it other related thing on hair care.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE OF PERM CARE
Can I wet my hair after a perm without washing it?
Normally after a perm, it usually takes 28 hours for the perm process on hair. To wet your hair after a perm, you should wait at least 48 hours with or without shampoo and conditioner. It is very important to take special care of your hair after you get a perm. As it will wash off the translucent solution, your hair should not be wet for at least 48 hours, and prevent it from getting caught in the rain. Ammonium based shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for colored hair should be used.
Simply, the reason you should wait for the recommended time between getting a perm and washing your hair is to allow the hair to fully adapt to the new wave patterns before doing anything that could affect them.
- The chemical used in a perm breaks down the natural binding of your hair to repair/reform and regenerate new hair curls.
- When your stylist starts working on your hair to get a perm, they will apply a chemical that breaks down the chemical in your hair.
- Keratin is a protein that gives your hair the strength and shape it once had. Once it is gone, a neutralizer such as hydrogen peroxide is applied to regenerate around the keratin strands in your hair, causing your hair to curl.
Keep these 5 points in your mind.
- Do not apply shampoo or conditioner for 2 days.
- Do not use a flat iron or blow dryer. Use towel or air dryer.
- Do not dye your hair.
- Stay away from combing your hair. Do finger combing.
- Keep your hair away from water for 2 days straight.
Does water ruin a perm?
During the process… absolutely Yes. Water is really essential for a perm because it reactivates dizziness. The water will make the hair go back to its natural form, which after a perm is done.
Can I take a shower after a perm?

It is highly recommended that you do not shower or was your hair until at least 48 hours after having a perm done. It is better to if you can wait 72 hrs. This is so that the perm is able to take full effect and last as long as possible.
This recommended waiting period is to allow the hair to fully recover, ensuring the best and long-lasting result of your perm.
Moisturizing or wetting your hair or even washing your hair with shampoo can cancel out the wrinkling process.
That’s simply it. If you wash your permed hair 48 hours before, the water will remove the chemical effects that should have caused the hair to curl. It’s something like a keratin treatment. If you wash your hair, goodbye straight hair. In this case, goodbye curls.
Can I wet my permed hair every day?
Daily washing is really a wrong decision and it will make your hair feel dry. It is recommended that try to wash your hair with water and conditioner or using a washcloth. If your curly hair feels dry, try washing frequently. Washing the pods daily removes the natural oils from your pods and makes it harder to retain moisture. However, it does mean that you should not wet your hair. “Wash and clean frequently; with low amount of shampoo”
How to sleep with wet permed hair?
Keeping your hair safe overnight can still be a difficult task. Regular cotton pillowcases can cause friction that can damage your hair. When it’s time to go to bed, use a satin or silk pillow cover to keep your curly hair smooth. Sleeping on a satin pillow can give your hair to freedom of moving without damaging it. You can tie your hair in loose buns, braids or cut ends.
Once these all the things done… now you have to think about how to wash hair after a perm? You can follow these steps:
Wait at least 3 days to wash newly permed hair, if not your perm would not last as long.
- Confirm that your hair care products are safe for permed hair.
- Wash your hair gently (do not scrub too hard, otherwise your hair will get tangled)
- Apply conditioner to your hair.
- Do finger combing initially and then use a wide tooth comb to untangle your hair.
- Once a week use a deep conditioner.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PRODUCTS TO CARE FOR YOUR PERMED HAIR?
Here Wrinky have listed out 11 of the best products for your perm that’ll keep your curls on point.
- A Universal Salt Spray
- A Rich Mask
- A Leave-In Styler
- A Refreshing Dry Oil
- A Curl-Protecting Cream
- A Refreshing Deep Conditioner
- A Daily Hair Mist
- An ‘80s-Volume Styler
- A Curl-Boosting Serum
- A Daily Treatment
- A Volumizing Shampoo
FAQs
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How soon after a perm can I deep condition my hair?
Hare Care Professionals recommended that you should wait at least 48 – 72 hrs. to wet your hair after a fresh perm.
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What kind of conditioner should I use?
Preferably a deep conditioner which does not containing sulfates or parabens.
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Do I add conditioner in the shower or after?
You can add conditioner in the shower. You make sure all the shampoo is rinsed out before you do. If not, you won’t get the benefits of conditioning.