Hair perming is a great way to add long-lasting beachy waves, but it can cause significant damage. Perm chemicals are strong and can be harmful to hair if not used correctly. They may cause irritation or adverse reactions if they come into contact with the skin or are inhaled excessively.
While perm waves are trending, once your hair is damaged, it will require strict management. In this guide, we will share valuable insights on whether perms damage your hair and what you can do to manage the side effects and improve hair health.
What Is A Perm And How Long Does It Last?
Perming hair is a chemical process that modifies the hair’s natural structure to produce waves, curls, or volume. The term “perm” is short for “permanent wave,” and effects last two to six months, depending on hair type, maintenance and technique.
Perming breaks disulfide bonds in hair. First, hair is molded into curls or waves using curlers or rods, then perming solutions are applied to break the bonds. A neutralizer then sets the new form.
Perming can produce results ranging from tight curls to beachy waves, depending on the rod size, wrapping technique, and solution used.
How Many Types Of Perming Are There?
Hair perming comes in different types. The choice of product should depend on your hair type, preferred curl pattern, and how long you want the change to last. Here are some common ones:
| Perm Type | How It Works | Curl Pattern | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Perms | Uses chemicals to reshape hair bonds. | Defined curls, from tight to loose. | Done at room temperature with rods. |
| Alkaline (Cold Perm) | Uses a strong alkaline solution without heat. | Stronger, tighter, longer-lasting curls. | Best for resistant or healthy hair. Can be harsh on fine or damaged hair. |
| Acid (Hot Perm) | Uses an acidic solution with added heat. | Softer, looser, more natural-looking curls. | Gentler on hair, good for delicate or colored hair. Requires heat during processing. |
| Digital Perm (Hot Perm) | Uses heat from digitally controlled rods. | Soft, natural waves that show more when dry. | A modern method for bouncy, lasting curls. Needs special tools. |
| Body Wave Perm | Uses larger rods for subtle, gentle waves. | Adds volume and relaxed, subtle waves. | Great for adding body to fine hair. Won't give tight curls. |
| Multi-Texture Perm | Uses different rod sizes to create varied curl patterns. | A natural, mixed look with different curl sizes. | Customized for a less uniform, more dynamic style. |
| Beach Wave Perm | Uses specific techniques and solutions for undone, relaxed waves. | Loose, tousled, "just-off-the-beach" waves. | Aims for an effortless, casual look, softer than tight curls. |
Does Perm Cause Hair Damage?
Hair perming is a popular way to get trendy waves. However, one major concern that people think about is, “Are perms bad for hair?”. Well, they actually are!
Although newer chemical perms have milder formulas than those of the past, the procedure still involves chemical rearrangement. This can be harmful to your hair, particularly if it has been previously damaged by heat styling or other chemical treatments.
Here are some signs of damage from a perm:
- The hair shaft appears weak and brittle.
- Lack of natural moisture.
- Increased porosity and brittle texture.
Frequent perming can lead to:
- Dryness and frizz.
- Split ends.
The extent of the damage depends on hair condition before the perm, the hairdresser’s skill, and post-perm maintenance.
How Does Perm Damage Your Hair?
Perming your hair can change its texture by adding curls or waves, but it can also cause damage. The chemicals used in perms can weaken your hair, making it dry and brittle. Understanding how perms affect your hair can help you take better care of it and avoid long-term damage.
Key Ingredients
A major ingredient in perm is ammonium thioglycolate, a compound that can severely damage hair strands especially at high concentrations. This can lead to extreme dryness, split ends, and even large chunks of breakage.
Chemical Impact
A common question stylists encounter is, “What does a perm do to your hair?” Hair perming uses powerful chemicals that can cause serious damage. To create waves or curls, the perming solution breaks down the hair’s natural structural bonds, particularly the disulfide links that define its shape and strength.
Long-Term Effects Of Hair Perming
Perming can impact hair density and texture. Continuous perms can cause significant breakage and weakening of the hair shaft, or permanent damage to the hair structure.
It’s crucial to consult a professional hairstylist to find out which substances they use. Your hair needs extra care if it is already dyed, chemically treated, or prone to damage. Perm chemicals make hair more porous, leading to moisture loss, and brittleness.
How Do Hairdressers Do A Perm?
To discover how long perms last and reduce damage, a trained professional should perform a hair perming procedure. The technique may vary, but generally follows these steps:
- Initial Consultation: The stylist discusses desirable outcomes with the candidate.
- Washing Hair: Hair is washed with shampoo to remove excess oil or grime.
- Sectioning Hair: Hair is sectioned so that the solution easily penetrates into every strand.
- Wrapping Hair: Hair is wrapped around a perming rod, chosen based on desired curl size.
- Applying Solution: Perm solutions (usually alkaline or acidic) are applied to break down disulfide bonds.
- Processing: The hair is allowed to be processed for a predetermined amount of time—typically between 10 and 30 minutes—in a regulated environment.
- Blotting & Cleaning: After rinsing the hair thoroughly with warm water, excess water is removed by gently towel-blotting.
- Neutralization: The hair is neutralized to “lock in” the new curl pattern.
- Removing Rods: The rods are slowly removed, revealing the newly formed curls and waves.
- Styling: After rinsing, the hair is styled using leave-in conditioner or curl-enhancing treatments.
Who Should Not Perm Their Hair?
Not everyone is suitable for a hair perm. Reasons to avoid perms include health, safety, or hair condition concerns. People who should avoid perms are:
- Children Aged 13 & Under: Chemicals are more harmful to young hair and scalps.
- Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women: Hormonal changes could influence outcomes, so some avoid chemical treatments during pregnancy.
- Damaged Hair: Hair that is bleached, excessively dry, or heat-damaged may not withstand further chemical exposure.
- Scalp Problems: Chemical exposure can exacerbate diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, or active infections.
- Perm Allergies: Always perform a patch test before perming to prevent reactions such as rashes or swelling.
- Perming Recently Colored Hair: Perm chemicals further disrupt hair that has already been damaged by dyes.
How Do You Reverse The Effects Of A Perm?
If you are not satisfied with your hair perm, there are ways to address or lessen negative consequences. You can manage issues like dryness or breakage with proper care to improve its condition.
Intensive Conditioning
Use hair masks or deep conditioners at least once a week. Look for ingredients such as argan oil, keratin, or coconut oil, which will help to restore moisture and give your hair a beautiful shine. These treatments can calm frizz and loosen curls.
Revitalizing Proteins
Chemical methods often strip protein from the hair. Protein-rich treatments like hydrolyzed keratin or collagen can help repair the internal structure of the hair.
Avoid Heat Styling
Hot tools, including curling wands and flat irons, can exacerbate the damage. Keep the temperature low, use a heat protectant spray, and use them less often. Air drying with a microfiber towel can also help to reduce mechanical damage.
Trim Your Split-Ends
Split ends progressively worsen over time. Cut your hair every six to eight weeks to eliminate dead or damaged ends. Even a little trim might make your hair feel and look better.
Use Sulfate-Free Products
Sulfates strip natural oils and can make permed hair dry and frizzy. Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner made for chemically treated hair. Avoid washing your hair every day, typically, washing two to three times a week is sufficient.
Knowing your hair type, being aware of any risks, and thoroughly knowing the process before your salon visit are crucial.
What Are The Risks Of Getting A Perm?
Despite being a generally safe treatment, perming, like any chemical therapy, poses certain risks. Here is what you should know about whether perms are bad for your hair:
- Damage To Hair Strands: Frequent use of chemical treatments can weaken hair strands.
- Scalp Discomfort: Some people report burning, redness, and discomfort during or after the process.
- Allergic Reactions: Ammonium thioglycolate and other chemicals in perm solutions can cause rashes or hives in sensitive individuals.
- Unequal Curls: An uneven application can result in a blotchy appearance, with some areas dissolving too quickly or too slowly.
- Hair Loss: Although uncommon, there are concerns that perms lead to hair loss.
- Unpleasant Odor: Some treatments have strong odors that may require multiple washes to eliminate.
Before getting a perm, it’s essential to be aware of these risks and ensure that a certified, licensed professional handles your hair.
See Also: Do Probiotics Help Hair Growth
Frequently Asked Questions
How to sleep with permed hair?
Sleeping does not interfere with your permed hair. You can sleep comfortably in any position.
Do hairdressers do perms anymore?
Wavy hair remains in fashion, so hairdressers still perform perms based on high demand.
What not to do after a perm?
Avoid using heating styling tools or dyes on your hair, as they can cause further damage.
What shampoo is best for permed hair?
A sulfate-free shampoo is best to use after perming your hair. Look for products with high moisture content.
Does perm cause hair thinning?
Perming can cause breakage and weakening of the hair shaft, which may give the appearance of thinning. However, true hair thinning (loss from the follicle) is not typically a direct result of perming; instead, severe damage or improper aftercare can exacerbate breakage.
