Can you perm curly hair

A perm is a process where your hairstylist treats your hair with a chemical to alter the structure and permanently wave or curl you hair. A perm will last approximately 6 months if your home care regimen supports the perm and your hair. There are two types of perms, Traditional vs. Thio Free. Perming can expose you to some damage, so if your hair is already dry or damaged, then proceeding with a perm is most likely not a good idea.

Here are some red flags to look for if you are thinking about getting a perm:. As we mentioned above, perming highlighted hair is most often not recommended.

However, if you do single process color that is semi or semipermanent, then you will most likely get the go ahead from your stylist. Whenever you are seeing a stylist, whether its for a perm or any other chemical service for that matter, it is important to keep in mind that you should be thinking about what has been on your hair the last 5 years. It may be that you currently have 1 color, but 2 years ago you were platinum.

That platinum treated hair is still living underneath the single process color you now have. Which means if you permed over that you would for sure end up with damage. If your color history allows for you to proceed with a perm, then you should allow weeks before or after receiving a perm to color your hair. It is recommended to perm first, and then color to avoid the perm causing your color to fade.

This will replace lost hydration and leave you with shiny, hydrated curls. There are many different ways to wrap a perm. Here we will list for you the different types and also provide images to give you the best idea of what type of curl to expect from each type of wrap.

A spiral perm is when the rod is placed into the hair vertically. Very small sections are taken resulting in a lot of perm rods. The type of curl you can expect is corkscrew. Everyone can get a perm, but if you have highlights or lightened hair, perms can get trickier.

First and foremost, when you decide to get a perm, you should prepare to be at the salon for a t least two and a half hours. After you get a perm, how long it lasts depends mainly on how long your hair is.

The roots drop on the head and then they just have the wave at the ends. That can last from six months to eight months. The best way for your new curls to shine is to let your hair air-dry most of the way, then use a diffuser , according to Cole. If you really want to enhance your waves, you can use a curling wand, too. What about heat styling? You definitely can, but you need to be careful. According to O'Connor, perms can last up to six months; however, unlike hair color, a perm won't wash out and can't be chemically reversed.

A perm always has to grow out, but thankfully, they typically grow out as natural-looking waves. When it comes to perms, maintenance is key. Treat your hair as you would if your hair were naturally curly or naturally straight, depending on the case. She adds that you should "Steer clear of parabens, alcohol, and sulfates in your hair care products, as these ingredients can strip your hair of moisture.

Below, she lays out some other noteworthy tips:. This is then rinsed off and neutralized—this is considered a double processed service. While your hair length doesn't play a role in getting a perm, the hair does need to be long enough to wrap around the rod. Virgin hair, or hair that has not been colored, makes the best candidate for a perm, but innovations in technology mean pretty much anyone can get a perm.

Still, the last thing anyone wants is dry, brittle hair that breaks off in chunks, so consult with your stylist if you're on the fence. And while you can use hot tools, it's best to keep them on a low setting—no more than degrees Fahrenheit—to ensure you're not frying your hair and stripping it of moisture. Below, find our favorite perm-enhancing styling products. Permed hair requires hydration and protection, and this protein-rich leave-in does exactly that: It locks in hydration with its silk protein complex and protects locks from chlorine, hot tools, and UV rays.

Keep curls looking their very best with this curl-specific, sulfate-free shampoo that's made with aloe, antioxidants, and sea kelp extract. The name says it all—if your look calls for a carefree bohemian look, O'Connor recommends this air-dry cream. It'll give a tousled, textured look, sans heat. You probably already know this from experience, but since curly hair loses moisture easily, it needs a lot of care. In general, curly hair appears flat near the roots. A stylist can see beyond appearances and understand the different structures, patterns, and needs of different hair types.

They can then use this knowledge to find the best solution for your hair goals. Once it takes on the desired shape, a neutralizer with an oxidizing agent stops the process.

If you already have very tight curls, the solution can make the strands swell and become ever more porous, dry, and frizzy. First of all, make sure there is no silicone in your hair, as it can act as a barrier and block the perming solution from saturating your hair.

I also recommend washing your hair every other day or less and using deep conditioning treatments regularly.