Any treatment that tries to change the nature of your hair will be damaging. Therefore, there isn’t any such thing as a “safe perm”. By the same token, there are not any safe straightening treatments or permanent stains. Therefore, it does not matter which one perm type you use, because you should at all times take steps to recover a broken key. Caring for permed hair requires expertise and a wide range of special products. Make sure you are ready for this and begin an adapted routine right after your treatment. Otherwise, your neatly curled hair will turn into an unruly matted mop that will leave you with no choice but to cut it off.
How to Take Care of Curly Hair: 6 Do’s and Don’ts
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Forget about other processing treatments for some time
In theory, you can color permed hair, but you should hold off on any processing treatments for at least 2-3 months after getting this treatment. These precautions are essential to protect the health of your hair as you’ll have to spend the first few months restoring it after perm damage.
Note that in the best case scenario, other processing treatments will not hold up the curled locks. But the more likely result is badly burned and damaged hair. If you try to dye your hair, you might end up with a weird color.
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Learn to let go gently
Permed hair can tangle things up, but brushing it is unquestionably not an option. In fact, you should avoid brushing it altogether and begin using a wide-toothed comb paired with a solution that undoes the node. The latter are a must-have for anyone with perms as they not only detangle your locks but also help reduce frizz, which is an unfortunate side effect of this treatment.
You should use a regular, leave-in conditioner to manage permed hair. These two products will moisturize your hair and help seal the cuticles to shape your curls. The purpose of using it’s to make your treated locks look their “natural” best. Since you should avoid styling your hair permed, you should focus on keeping it looking good by default, then use a detangler and conditioner.
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Feed your locks with protein
To make your hair curly, perms break down the protein in it to bend it out of shape. Therefore, nourishing your hair and restoring protein are the most vital steps to repair damage treatment. Don’t worry, it will not “undo” the perm, but it will make your locks look healthier and provide them a nice shine.
You can buy nourishing protein hair masks and treatments, which are available in stores, salons, and online, or make your own. Look homemade protein mask recipe or simply enjoy experimenting with the products you have in your kitchen. The best ingredients for this natural remedy are eggs, coconut oil and milk, avocado and honey.
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Start using special hair care products
If you curl your hair, buy a shampoo and conditioner for permed hair. At the very least, you need to switch to curly lock products. Look for those that increase curl definition and reduce frizz.
These products are made to be gentle and supply deep hydration, which is precisely what your damaged hair needs.
When you choose a style, you also need to find a particular product.
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Less shampoo, more conditioner
Permed hair loses moisture at an alarming rate. That’s why you should reduce the frequency of washing with shampoo. However, not washing your permed hair is also not an option as it will quickly become greasy and will look like a messy bird’s nest within a few days.
The solution is to wet your hair and apply conditioner only (followed by a detangler when the hair is dry). This way, you can skip washing your hair at least once a week.
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Comb while damp
Remember that there should be no brushing when you have permed hair. Instead, you need to comb it carefully while the locks are still damp and apply a detangler and other products that you use.
Then, comb again when the air is entirely dry and admire how bouncy and delightful your curls are.
If you cannot go without brushing entirely, buy a really soft paddle brush and use it very carefully while the locks are entirely dry. Note that this will mess up the curls.
