How Long Does Hair Perming Last? A hair perm typically lasts for 3 to 6 months, but the exact duration can vary depending on several factors, including your hair type, the specific perm technique used, and how well you maintain your hair after the treatment. Proper care can help extend the life of your perm and keep your curls looking fresh and defined for longer.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Factors affecting lifespan:
- Hair type: Fine or damaged hair may not hold a perm as long as thicker, healthier hair.
- Perm technique: Different perm techniques like tight and loose curls can affect how long the curls last.
- Hair care: Proper maintenance, including using products designed for permed hair, can help prolong the life of a perm.
- Hair growth: As new, straight hair grows out from the roots, the perm will gradually loosen and the curls will become less defined.
Types of perm:
Different types of perms offer different textures and durations.
- Spiral perm: Expected duration is 4 to 6 months.
- Body wave perm: Expected duration is 2 to 3 months.
- Digital perm: Expected duration is 3 to 6 months.
- Root perm: Expected duration is 2 to 3 months.
- Stack or spot perm: Expected duration is 3 to 5 months.
General timeline:
- Initial period: The curls will be most defined and bouncy immediately after the perm.
- Gradual loosening: Over time, the curls will start to loosen and become less pronounced as the hair grows.
- Maintenance: Regular trims can help maintain the curls shape and prevent split ends, which can make the perm look less defined.
Tips for maintaining a perm:
- Use products for permed hair: Choose shampoos, conditioners and styling products specifically designed for permed hair.
- Avoid heat: Excessive heat from styling tools can damage the hair and make the curls loosen faster.
- Protect hair when sleeping: Use a silk pillowcase or a stain scarf to prevent friction and breakage, which can damage the curls.
- Consult a professional: If you have concerns about your perm or how to best maintain it, seek advice from a qualified stylist.
Pro Tips to extend the life of your perm:
Air dry or use a diffuser to style instead of brushing.
Wait 48 hours before washing your hair after the treatment.
Use sulphate free shampoos and hydrating conditioners.
Avoid heavy oils or silicone-based products that weigh curls down.
What should I avoid after getting a perm?
After getting a perm, avoid washing your hair for 48 to 72 hours, using heat styling tools and harsh chemicals or products, and gently handle your hair to maintain the curl pattern and longevity of your perm.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to avoid:
Initial Aftercare first 48 to 72 hours:
Washing your hair too soon: Do not shampoo or get your hair wet for at least 48 to 72 hours to allow the perm chemicals to set and the curl pattern to fully form.
Avoid heat styling:
Avoid flat irons, curling irons or blow drying without a diffuser, especially in the first week. Heat can damage your curls or even straighten them.
Using harsh and sulphate shampoos:
Sulfate strip natural oils and moisture, which can dry out permed hair and cause frizz. Use sulphate free, curl friendly and moisturizing products instead.
Gentle handling:
Avoid brushing or pulling your hair,as this can disrupt the newly formed curl pattern.
Color or bleaching:
Avoid coloring, bleaching or chemically treating your hair for at least 2 to 3 weeks after a perm. Combining chemical processes can cause breakage or damage.
No swimming:
Avoid swimming pools or hot tubs, as the chemicals in the water can interfere with the perm.
Skipping deep conditioning:
Newly permed hair needs moisture. Avoid skipping deep conditioning treatments at least once a week to keep curls hydrated and soft.
Avoid sleeping on wet hair:
Always dry your hair completely before going to bed to prevent frizz and damage.
Tight hairstyle and hair accessories:
Don’t tie your hair too tightly or use rubber bands right after a perm. This can create unwanted bends or weaken the curl structure.
Be patient:
It takes time for a perm to fully set and for your hair to adjust to its new texture, so be patient and follow the recommended aftercare instructure.
What products are best for permed hair?
After getting a perm, your hair needs moisture, protein and gentle care to keep the curls defined, bouncy and healthy. Here’s a breakdown of the best types of products for permed hair.
Best products for permed hair:
Sulphate free shampoo:
- Sheamoisture coconut and hibiscus curl and shine shampoo
- Quidad advanced climate control defrizzing shampoo
- Maui moisture curl quench + coconut oil shampoo
Leave in conditioner:
It adds extra moisture and helps detangle without breakage.
- Kinky curly knot today leave In
- Ouai leave in conditioner
- Cantu shea butter leave in conditioning Repair cream.
Moisturizing conditioner:
It keeps curls soft, hydrated and frizz free.
- Devacurl one condition original
- Not your mother’s curl talk conditioner
- Aussie miracle curls conditioner
Curl cream or curl defining products:
It helps shape curls and reduce frizz.
- Moroccanoil curl defining cream
- Miss jessie’s pillow soft curls
- Curlsmith curl defining styling souffle
Styling gel or mousse:
It holds a curl shape without stiffness.
- Eco styler olive oil styling gel.
- Herbal essences totally twisted curl boosting mousse.
- Aussie instant freeze gel.
Heat protectant:
Protects from heat damage and preserves curl shape.
- CHI 44 guard thermal protection spray
- Tresemme thermal creations heat hamer.
FAQ’S
- how long do hair perms last
Hair perms typically last 3 to 6 months, but the exact duration depends on several factors like your hair type, the type of perm, and how well you care for it.
- Does a perm last longer on thick or thin hair?
Generally, a perm tends to last longer on thicker hair than on thin hair, as thicker hair can hold the curl structure for a more extended period.
- Can I wash my hair after a perm?
You should wait at least 48 to 72 hours (2-3 days) after getting a perm before washing your hair to allow the perm to set properly and prevent the curls from loosening or falling out.
- How often should I wash permed hair?
After getting a perm, you should avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours to allow the hair to set, and then you can wash it gently, ideally no more than twice a week, using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
- Can I perm my hair twice?
Yes, you can perm your hair twice, but it’s important to be very careful about how and when you do it. Perming is a chemical process that changes the structure of your hair, and can lead to dryness, breakage, or damage.
- Can a perm last a year?
No, a perm typically does not last a full year.
7. Does bleached or color-treated hair hold a perm for less time?
Yes! bleached or color-treated hair usually holds a perm for less.