Have you nailed down how to take care of permed hair?
If yes, then, please have a look at this article and add some of your tips on doing it well.
If not, then, you must read it to know how to tackle the challenges that a perm brings.
There are several ways to get the kind of perm you want. You can have ringlets, loose curls, wavy, crimped, or partial perms. Though you can try a combination of these as well.
No matter what is the outcome of a perm. But the process of perming does involve the use of strong chemicals, tight rollers, and heat.
That means the hair does go through abuse.
If hurting your hair gives you shivers. Then, you must have a post-perm plan in place to reduce the damage that a perm can bring.
How to Care for a New Perm
1. Do Not Wash Permed Hair in Hesitation
This is the most common mistake made by people after getting their hair permed. Washing newly permed hair is a big NO.
Perming involves the use of a chemical solution and/or heat to alter the structure of the hair. So, if you wash your hair immediately after a perm. Then, you increase the chances of washing off the chemicals that work to give you the perm.
Although your hairstylist would have washed off your hair after doing a perm. But that would have been the bare necessary procedure to take off the perming solution. Some amount of chemicals stay inside the layers of the hair strands and need to stay there for some time. That is why it is advisable to wash off your hair 2-3 days after the perm.
2. Get Into a TLC Routine
If you have the cognizance of how a perm works. Then, you would know that the perming solution alters the protein bonds in the hair. This makes them pliable. Hence, they then turn into curls/ waves with the curling pins.
It goes without mention that this procedure damages the hair. The hair strands turn weak due to the stress from chemicals, heat and curling rollers.
So, if you will not get into the habit of taking care of permed hair. Then, you are bound to experience frizzy and fragile hair post perm procedure.
The process requires tender loving care daily. For the same you need to follow a 3 step procedure:
Nourish from the Roots
Hair strands are lifeless. But their roots have life. Hence, it is worth nourishing the roots to reduce the after-effects of a perm procedure.
Oils massages are the best way to strengthen the roots. You can use oils like castor or argan for deep root nourishment. Weekly oil massages will reduce the hair fall and bring the growth of new hair follicles.
Condition the Hair Strands
Oil massage is for the roots while the conditioner is for the hair. Although castor oil is beneficial for the hair, it can flatten the curls with its viscosity.
That is why the permed hair needs light oil. Coconut oil works best for permed hair. It calms the static in hair without relaxing the curls.
You can also make butter out of solid cold coconut oil. That way you will be able to use it like a nourishing butter that is not greasy.
Apart from oil, you can also use hair masks to deal with the damage.
Oil massage is for the roots while the conditioner is for the hair. Although castor oil is beneficial for the hair, it can flatten the curls with its viscosity.
That is why the permed hair needs light oil. Coconut oil works best for permed hair. It calms the static in hair without relaxing the curls.
You can also make butter out of solid cold coconut oil. That way you will be able to use it like a nourishing butter that is not greasy.
Apart from oil, you can also use hair masks to deal with the damage.
You can use coconut oil conditioning every alternate day and hair masks once in a week.
Leave-in Conditioner
Serums and leave-in-conditioners are important for the hair. But for the permed hair, they are mandatory.
Leave-in-conditioners stick to the outer layers of the hair. Thereby, they work as a protective layer on the hair.
Serums are the most popular form of leave-in-conditioners. They do not make the hair greasy. But they do leave the hair moisturized and manageable.
You can use commercial ones or use natural plant-based ones. I find jojoba oil a good substitute for the silicon and paraben loaded serums.
Jojoba is a wax. It is much like our sebum. Therefore, it feels natural in its use. Moreover, it does not coat the hair with silicones and other chemicals.
3. Protect. Protect. Protect
The permed hair has its structure altered. That is why they tend to get dry, frizzy and tangled.
Therefore, it is important to save them from further wear and tear.
Leave-in-conditioners have their limitations. They do work by creating a protective sheath on the surface of the hair. But it is good to have stronger protection.
Dust, Wind, and Sun play havoc on hair. So, to keep your crowning glory in a happy state, it is important to protect them from external factors.
You can tie a silk scarf on your hair to protect them from the wind and sun. Also, you should use silk pillowcases or a silk scarf to rest your head. Else, the hair will rub against each other and get tangled.
Though if they get tangled, you can use Shikakai to wash them. Shikakai is a non-sudsing cleanser that softens the knots and makes them lustrous.
Conclusion
I have been guilty of damaging my permed hair by being careless. It took me a long time to realize the damaging effect and after effect of perm. That is why I urge you to know how to take care of hair post a perm.
This article lists 3 easy ways to know how to care for your hair after a perm. The essence of the process includes – nourish, condition and protect.
As long as you stick to these 3 rules, you will have a stress free time managing your curled up hair.
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