Learning how to fix perm damaged hair is crucial for anyone who has experienced over-processed or uneven curls. Perming can transform hair with beautiful waves or curls, but it also weakens the hair structure if not done carefully. By understanding the root causes of damage and following proven steps, you can restore strength, shine, and softness while keeping your curls healthy and manageable.
What Is a Perm?
Definition of a Perm
A perm, short for permanent wave, refers to a chemical hair treatment that alters the natural structure of the hair to create lasting curls or waves. Stylists apply a perm solution to break down the hair’s internal bonds, shape the strands around rods, then use a neutralizer to reform the bonds in their new pattern.
The process changes the hair structure from straight or slightly wavy to permanently curled until the hair grows out or is cut. Perms typically last three to six months depending on hair type, lifestyle, and aftercare.
It works best on healthy hair because the chemicals involved can cause dryness or breakage if the strands are already damaged. Proper maintenance plays a crucial role in preserving the defined pattern and minimizing frizz.
Tips to Maintain a Permed Hair
Wait Before Washing Your Hair
This is the single most crucial step. Perming involves a chemical process that restructures the hair’s internal bonds. These new bonds need time to set and harden completely. Washing your hair too soon, typically within the first 48 to 72 hours, introduces water and friction. This can break the partially formed bonds, causing the curls to loosen, droop, or fall out prematurely. The curl pattern will not be stable.
Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfates are harsh detergents that create a foamy lather. They are effective cleansers but are often too aggressive for chemically treated hair. Permed hair is already in a vulnerable state. Sulfate-containing shampoos will strip the hair of its natural oils and, more importantly, aggressively wash away the chemical residue that helps maintain the curl shape. This leads to dryness, frizz, and faster fading of the perm structure. A sulfate-free formula cleans gently.
Limit Washing Frequency
Over-washing any hair type is damaging, but it is especially detrimental to permed hair. Frequent washing dries out the hair shaft, which is already prone to dryness after the chemical treatment. Dry hair is fragile and susceptible to breakage and frizz. Aim to wash your hair two to three times per week maximum. Use a dry shampoo on roots between washes for oil absorption and freshness.
Condition Regularly
Conditioning is non-negotiable for permed hair. The perming chemicals open the cuticle layer. This makes the hair porous and susceptible to moisture loss. A high-quality conditioner replenishes the hydration and lipids lost during the process. It smooths the outer cuticle, locking in moisture and sealing the hair surface. This significantly reduces frizz and enhances the shine and definition of your curls. Deep conditioning treatments once a week are highly recommended.
Avoid Excessive Heat Styling
High heat is the enemy of permed hair. Heat causes the chemical bonds that form the curl to break down again. Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, even on low settings, can weaken the perm. Excessive heat leads to a loss of elasticity, resulting in limp, damaged, and frizzy hair. Air drying is always the best option. If you must use a blow dryer, use a diffuser attachment on a low or cool setting. Always apply a quality heat protectant product first.
Protective Hairstyles
Hair is most vulnerable when wet or during sleep. Using protective styles minimizes friction and tangling. Pineapple your hair loosely on top of your head before sleeping. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. The smooth fabric surface reduces the friction that causes frizz and matting. This preserves the curl structure overnight.
Trim Regularly
A perm often makes the ends of the hair drier and more susceptible to split ends. Split ends travel up the hair shaft, causing further damage. Regular trimming, every six to eight weeks, removes these damaged ends. This maintains the overall health of the hair and allows the curls to have a bouncier and more uniform appearance.
Protect from Environmental Factors
External elements like sun, chlorine, and saltwater are damaging hair. UV rays and harsh chemicals like chlorine cause the hair to dry out and become brittle. Chlorine specifically can strip the hair of its natural oils and fade the perm. Wear a hat when exposed to strong sun. Wet your hair with fresh water and apply a protective leave-in conditioner before swimming in chlorine or saltwater. Rinse immediately after swimming.
How to Fix a Perm Gone Wrong?
Why Does a Perm Go Wrong?
Inexperienced Stylists
First, everything starts with inexperienced stylists, because even the perfect formula fails when the hands applying it lack precision. A stylist who doesn’t master sectioning, rod tension, and processing timing will over-process some areas while under-processing others. Therefore, you leave the chair with tight root curls that drop into straight ends within days, or random frizzy patches that never match the rest of the head. However, even seasoned stylists can create disaster when they choose an incorrect perm solution for your unique fiber.
Incorrect Perm Solution
Perm solutions are tailored based on the hair’s state, ranging from alkaline (strongest) to acid (gentlest). Using an incorrect perm solution is a frequent cause of failure. For example, applying a highly alkaline solution to fine, color-treated, or delicate hair will cause extensive damage and breakage; however, using a mild acid solution on coarse, resistant, or virgin hair will likely result in an incomplete or short-lived curl. Therefore, the stylist must precisely match the chemical strength to the hair’s specific characteristics.
Poor Hair Condition
The hair must be in a reasonably robust and healthy condition to tolerate the chemical alteration. Poor hair condition, characterized by extreme dryness, significant porosity, or existing severe damage (like extensive split ends), means the hair’s internal protein structure is already compromised.
When the perm solution attempts to break and reform the hair’s disulfide bonds, weak areas may simply snap or become irreversibly gummy. Thus, perming hair that has been excessively bleached or repeatedly highlighted carries a high risk of catastrophic failure.
Improper Aftercare
The first two to three days after the perm are vital for the neutralization process to fully set the new curl shape; therefore, improper aftercare during this period can ruin the result. Washing the hair too soon, for instance, introduces water and halts the neutralizer’s action, causing the curls to relax or become frizzy. Furthermore, excessive manipulation, such as tightly pulling the hair into a ponytail, can create a crease and lead to an undesirable kink in the curl pattern.
Ignoring Hair History
A thorough understanding of the client’s hair history is non-negotiable. Chemical residues from previous straightening treatments, keratin treatments that contain formaldehyde-releasing agents, or even metallic dyes found in some dark colors, can react violently and unpredictably with the perm solution. Consequently, the perm may process unevenly, or in severe cases, the hair may smoke or melt. Hence, a detailed consultation is essential to prevent a chemical catastrophe.
Hair Texture and Porosity Issues
Hair texture (the thickness of the strand) and porosity (its ability to absorb moisture) dictate how the perm solution is absorbed and processed. For example, coarse hair often requires a longer processing time because it is more resistant to chemical penetration. However, highly porous hair absorbs the solution rapidly and can over-process quickly. The stylist must factor these variables into the timing and solution selection; a strand test is often needed to accurately predict the outcome.
Environmental Factors
External conditions, referred to as environmental factors, can also sabotage a perm. High atmospheric humidity can affect the processing by diluting the solution or interfering with the neutralizer’s effectiveness. Moreover, immediate post-perm exposure to excessive sunlight, which generates heat, or swimming in water treated with harsh chlorine can weaken the newly formed bonds, causing the perm to relax and fade prematurely.
Health Conditions Affecting Hair
The body’s internal state can influence the hair’s structure and its response to chemicals. Certain health conditions affecting hair, such as significant hormonal fluctuations (e.g., pregnancy, menopause), thyroid disorders, or even specific prescription medications, can alter the hair’s protein or moisture composition. Therefore, the hair may become unusually resistant to the perming process or develop an unexpected, uneven texture.
>> Read more: How Much Are Perms for Short Hair? A Complete Guide
Tips to Fix a Perm Gone Wrong
Wash Your Hair Properly
If your perm resulted in curls that are too tight or frizzy, the very first step in how to fix damaged hair from perm is to gently wash it within the first 48 hours. Use a mild clarifying shampoo to stop the chemical process and remove residual perm solution, but immediately follow this with an intensely moisturizing conditioner. Conversely, for a perm that simply didn’t take, focus more on gentle, non-stripping washes.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
A failed perm leaves the hair severely porous and brittle. Regular deep conditioning is vital for damaged perm hair. Use rich masks containing high concentrations of moisturizing agents and proteins (like keratin) to patch and strengthen the compromised cuticle. This step directly addresses the issue of dryness, which is key in how to fix perm damaged hair naturally.
Try a Hot Oil Treatment
Hot oil treatments, particularly using penetrating oils like coconut or olive oil, are excellent for fixing hair damaged by perm. Warm oil can penetrate the hair shaft, replacing lost lipids, significantly improving elasticity, and smoothing the frizz. This provides an effective way for people searching for how to fix perm damaged hair without cutting to restore manageability.
Trim Loose or Damaged Ends
While some seek how to fix perm damaged hair without cutting, removing the most brittle and split ends is the fastest way to prevent further damage from traveling up the hair shaft. Trimming helps restore a healthier appearance and improves the overall shape and bounce of the remaining hair.
Establish a Daily Hair Care Routine
Consistency is crucial for recovery. Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and a heavy, replenishing conditioner. For those with textured hair seeking how to fix perm damaged black hair, this routine must emphasize daily moisture using leave-in conditioners and sealing oils to maintain hydration and elasticity.
Avoid Heat Styling Until Recovered
Heat is the enemy of chemically weakened hair. To fix hair damaged by perm, you must eliminate all direct heat from flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. Air drying is the preferred method; if absolutely necessary, use a diffuser on the cool or low setting to minimize thermal stress.
Consider a Restyle if Necessary
If the curl pattern is truly uneven or badly shaped, a professional stylist might be able to offer a gentle restyling perm to relax or reshape the existing curls. This should only be considered after the hair has gained significant strength from deep conditioning treatments, typically several weeks later.
Get a Professional Haircut
A strategic professional haircut can reshape the hair to work with the existing curl pattern, eliminating the worst of the damage while providing a fresh style. A skilled stylist can also provide tailored advice specific to your hair type and the extent of the perm damage.
Why Choose Hair from Govihair?
Govihair specializes in 100% high-quality Vietnamese human hair. This is a significant point because Vietnamese hair is renowned in the global hair market for specific beneficial characteristics. Consequently, the hair is naturally soft, strong, and highly durable. The inherent resilience of this hair type contributes to a remarkable long-lasting use expectancy, typically cited as 3-5 years. This extended lifespan makes it a highly cost-effective investment for the consumer.
Furthermore, this high-quality raw material is incredibly versatile. It is easy to style and can undergo various thermal processes, such as being straightened, curled, or blow-dried, without the worry of excessive damage often seen with lower-quality hair. Therefore, clients can achieve any desired look with confidence.
When you add together the unmatched longevity, styling versatility, ethical single-donor sourcing, and genuinely helpful human support, the decision becomes simple: choose Govihair. With Govihair, you invest once and wear luxury for years.
Contact them via:
- WhatsApp: (+84)795 746 986
- Email: [email protected]
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- Website: https://govihair.com/
Frequently Asked Questions About Permed Hair
What type of wig hair is safest to perm?
Wigs made from 100% human hair, preferably unprocessed or “raw” hair, are safest to perm. Synthetic wigs or human hair blend wigs with chemical treatments may not hold the curl properly and can get damaged. Raw human hair retains its natural cuticle, allowing it to withstand perm solutions and heat styling better.
How long does a perm last on a wig?
The perm is permanent on the wig fibers. Unlike natural hair, it does not grow out from the root. With proper care, the curl pattern can last the entire lifespan of the human hair wig (often 1+ year).
Can I use heat styling tools on a permed wig?
Yes, on a human hair wig, but use extreme caution. Always apply a heat protectant and use the lowest possible setting (ideally below 300°F or 150°C) to avoid damaging the chemically-altered curl bonds.
Conclusion
Knowing how to fix perm damaged hair is essential for restoring health, shine, and manageability to chemically treated strands. By following steps such as proper washing, deep conditioning, hot oil treatments, trimming damaged ends, and avoiding excessive heat, you can gradually repair weakened hair and maintain beautiful curls. Establishing a consistent hair care routine, protecting against environmental factors, and seeking professional guidance when needed ensures long-lasting results.
Ms. Victoria