How to Wash Your Hair After Getting a Perm

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When to wash permed hair (plus which products to use)

Co-authored by Tiffany Carnevale-Russo

Last Updated: December 17, 2024

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How to Wash hair after a perm. The way you wash your hair can affect your perm.

Things You Should Know

Wait at least 3 days before you wash newly permed hair to help it last longer.
Rinse, wash, and apply conditioner to your hair using gentle rubbing motions to prevent tangles and damage.
Brush through your hair with a wide tooth comb starting at the ends of your hair. Then, apply a deep conditioner once per week.

Steps

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Use a wide tooth comb to untangle your hair) (start at the bottom and work your way to the top to reduce breakage to a minimum).^{[5]
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Question

What kind of conditioner should I use?

Community Answer

Preferably a deep conditioner that does not contain sulfates or parabens.

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Question

Can I wet hair only just to set it with curlers?

Sherry Gregory Williams

Community Answer

Yes. It should be fine to re-wet with curlers, or just spritz with a spray bottle, then reshape by scrunch drying with a low dryer setting.

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Question

I accidentally washed my hair after a perm. Is it okay? What should I do?

Aquanet Queen

Community Answer

It depends on how long ago you got the perm. If you washed it after 48 hours of having the perm, you should be fine. But if you get your hair wet before that, then your curls will most likely be ruined. Perhaps you should contact your hair stylist and tell them what happened, and they can tell you what you can do.

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Tips

If Hair is frizzy your hair needs deep conditioner!

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Don't listen to your stylist persuades you to buy expensive hair care products.

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To determine if your favorite hair care product is safe for permed hair or color-treated hair look at the back of the container (it will say: "gentle enough for color-treated or permed hair)

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Warnings

Do not flat iron hair (this will remove your pretty curls)

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but you can curl relaxed hair only (not permed hair)

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