Lots of people still get perms, especially those with curly hair. But are perms really good for your hair? Some people say they can damage your hair over time.
Well let’s take a look at the pros and cons of perms, and help you decide if it’s right for you. We’ll also explore ways to protect your hair from damage during and after a perm.
So, if you’re considering getting a perm, keep reading!
The Pros of Perms
- They can give you more defined curls or waves.
- Perms are a great way to add body and volume to your hair
- They’re also a quick and easy way to change up your hairstyle without having to cut it all off.
The Cons of Perms
- They can damage your hair over time.
- If you get a perm and then don’t take care of your hair properly, it can look frizzy and dry.
- Perms can be expensive, depending on where you go.
How to Protect Your Hair from Damage During a Perm
A perm is a great way to add waves or curls to your hair, but it can also be damaging if not done properly.
If you’re thinking about getting a perm, you’ll want to make sure your hair is in good condition first. Perming your hair can cause damage if it’s not healthy, so here are a few tips to help protect it from the chemicals involved in the process.
- Make sure the stylist uses quality products and heat protectant during the process.
- Use a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week to help replenish lost moisture.
- Try using a silk scarf or bonnet when you sleep to reduce friction and further damage.
How damaging is a modern perm?
A perm is a chemical treatment that curls hair. It has been around for centuries and was once considered a very popular beauty treatment. However, in recent years there has been some concern over the safety of perms.
As mentioned, a perm is a chemical treatment, so it can be quite damaging to your hair. If your hair has previously been subjected to other harmful chemical procedures such as highlighting or bleaching, then getting a perm is definitely not recommended.
In instances like that, getting a perm might result in straw-like dry hair that breaks off into little pieces.
It is worth noting that perms are not as bad for the health of your hair as bleaching is. However, the technique may weaken and dry strands. You may be more prone to a perm’s damaging effects if you have very curly, thick, or long hair.
Can I get a perm if my hair is thin?
One of the concerns about perms is that they can be damaging to thin or delicate hair. If you have thin hair, it’s best to speak with your stylist before getting a perm and see if there are any alternatives that will work better for you.
Thin hair can make hairstyles fall flat, and even age you. With more waves, loose curls, or a flipped-out style; your thin hair can have the appearance of more volume.
A perm may be used on many men with thin hair. It’s critical that those men do not have any hair loss issues. Perms are simple, and once your hair has been permed, it’ll seem thicker and fuller.
If you take care of your hair properly after getting a perm, the damage should be minimal. However, if you don’t take care of your hair properly and allow it to become dry and damaged, that’s when you’ll start to see problems like frizziness and split ends.
Do perms cause permanent root damage?
Perms are controversial for causing permanent root damage. The short answer is that perms do not cause permanent root damage that affects hair growth in any way. It won’t be any different than it was before the perm when your hair grows out.
If you’ve had bad experiences with perms in the past, it might be the case if the perm isn’t done properly or if the person doesn’t take care of their hair after getting it styled.
Damaged hair is more susceptible to further damage, so it’s important to repair any existing damage before you get a perm.
This is especially the case if you have thin hair, previously bleached it have allergies to ingredients in the perm solution, or if your perm is done incorrectly. There’s a risk of you experiencing some hair loss or scalp irritation if any of those things are the case.
Reasons your hair can have damage by perms
It’s no secret that perms can damage hair, but what may be surprising is what can cause the damage and in what ways. From the chemicals used to the heat applied, let’s have a look at some of the reasons in more detail.
1) Chemical Damage
One of the main problems with perms is that they contain harsh chemicals which can cause serious damage to your hair if not used correctly. The chemicals break down the protective outer layer of the hair, leaving it vulnerable to further damage.
Damage can be minimized by ensuring that you use a good quality deep conditioning treatment after getting a perm. You should also consider using a heat protectant when you have your perm done.
Try to avoid shampooing your hair for at least 48 hours after getting a perm as this will help to keep the chemicals in place. If you do need to shampoo your hair, make sure you use a gentle sulfate-free formula.
2) Heat Treatment
The other main culprit when it comes to perm damage is heating. The high temperatures used during the perming process can seriously dry out your hair, leading to breakage and frizziness.
If you’re looking for a lasting perm, then the use of heat is unavoidable, but you can minimize the damage by using a good quality heat protector. Make sure that the protector is applied evenly throughout your hair and leave it on for long enough to be effective.
You should also try to avoid using any heated styling tools on your hair for at least 24 hours after getting a perm.
3) Medical or surgical treatment
If you’re having any medical or surgical treatment, it’s important to let your stylist know. Some treatments, such as chemotherapy, can cause severe hair loss and make perming impossible.
Your stylist may be able to recommend an alternative style that will work better for you if this is the case.
How long do perms last?
If you’re looking to change up your look with a perm, you’re probably wondering how long they last.
Generally, perms last around six to eight months, but the duration can vary depending on your hair type and the product used.
To make sure your perm lasts as long as possible, be sure to use quality products. If you take care of your perm, it will last longer and look better.
Perms can also last up to eight months if you get a partial Perm. Keratin-based perms will last longer than traditional perms. There are many things that affect how long a perm will last, so be sure to consult with your stylist about what type of perm is best for you.
How to maintain a perm?
If you want to keep your perm looking good for as long as possible, it’s important to know how to take care of it properly.
Here are some tips on how to maintain a perm:
- Use a quality shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for permed hair.
- Avoid using hot tools on your hair.
- Let your hair air dry whenever possible.
- Apply a heat protectant before using any heated styling tools.
- Deep condition your hair every week or two.
- Avoid washing your hair everyday – aim for every other day at most.
Maintaining a perm can be tricky, but with the right tips and products, it’s definitely doable. It’s important to maintain it properly in order to keep your locks looking their best.
Final Thoughts
A perm is a popular way to change your hair’s natural texture. However, it’s important to take care of your perm in order to maintain its look and feel.
There are ways to minimize the damage caused by getting a perm. By using a quality deep conditioning treatment, heat protector, shampoo, and conditioner specifically designed for permed hair, you can help keep your locks healthy and looking good.
Perms are a great way to change up your look, but it’s important to take care of them properly in order to keep them looking their best. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to keep your perm looking fresh for months on end.
If possible, you should consult with your stylist about the best way to take care of your perm so that you can enjoy it for as long as possible.
