What Not to Do After Getting a Perm: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Getting a perm for new look can be exciting—waves or curls that add body and texture to your hair without the need for daily heat styling. But with those new curls comes a whole new set of hair care rules, especially right after the treatment. If you want your perm to last and stay healthy, it's important to understand what not to do in the days and weeks following your appointment. Many people unknowingly damage their fresh curls simply by falling into old hair habits too soon.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes people make after getting a perm, why they matter, and how you can avoid them to keep your curls looking their best.
1. Washing Your Hair Too Soon
One of the golden rules of post-perm care is do not wash your hair for at least 48 to 72 hours after getting your perm. The reason? Your hair needs time to fully neutralize and set into its new shape. Perms use chemicals to break down and reform the structure of your hair. Washing too early can interrupt this process and cause your curls to relax or fall out entirely.
- What to do instead:
Be patient and wait the full 2–3 days. If your scalp feels oily or uncomfortable, use a dry shampoo at the roots and gently pat or brush with a wide tooth comb.
2. Using Harsh or Sulfate-Heavy Shampoos
Even after the initial waiting period, choosing the wrong shampoo can wreak havoc on your permed hair. Sulfates—commonly found in many commercial shampoos—strip the hair of natural oils and moisture. This can make your curls dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
- What to do instead:
Switch to sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners specifically made for chemically treated or curly hair. These products help your hair retain moisture and keep your curls soft and defined.
3. Brushing Your Hair the Wrong Way
After a perm, your hair is in a more fragile state than usual. Brushing it roughly, especially when it’s dry, can disrupt the curl pattern, cause frizz, and even lead to breakage. This is especially true if you’re using a standard fine-bristle brush that pulls on the strands.
- What to do instead:
Always detangle your hair gently using a wide tooth comb or your fingers. Do it while your hair is damp and conditioned, working from the ends up to the roots to avoid tugging.
4. Skipping Moisture and Deep Conditioning
A perm can dry out your hair, especially if it was already color-treated or heat-damaged. Without proper hydration, your curls can turn brittle, dull, or frizzy over time.
- What to do instead:
Make moisturizing a core part of your hair routine. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week and apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream after each wash. Look for ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil to lock in hydration without weighing your curls down.
5. Tying Your Hair Too Tightly
A tight ponytail or bun might be your go-to style, but after a perm, it’s a big no-no. Tight hairstyles can disturb the curl pattern, cause unnecessary tension on the scalp, and even lead to breakage around the crown or hairline.
- What to do instead:
Opt for loose hairstyles, especially during the first few weeks. If you need to tie your hair up, use a soft scrunchie and keep it loosely gathered. When sleeping, consider a loose braid or pineapple style to preserve your curls overnight without strain.
6. Exposing Hair to Excessive Heat
Heat styling—like flat ironing, curling with wands, or even blow-drying without a diffuser—can undo all the work of your perm. Since the perm restructured your hair chemically, applying too much heat can weaken that structure and damage the strands.
- What to do instead:
If you must dry your hair, use a diffuser attachment on a low-heat setting. Better yet, allow your curls to air dry. Embrace heat-free styling methods like twisting, scrunching, or plopping.
Conclusion: Baby Your Perm, Especially at First
The first few weeks after a perm are the most critical. It’s when your hair is adjusting to its new texture and needs the most care and caution. Avoid washing too soon, use gentle products, treat your strands delicately, and always prioritize moisture.
Perms can be a beautiful way to add texture and movement to your hair, but they also require a new level of attentiveness. With the right care, you can maintain your curls longer, keep your strands healthy, and enjoy your new look to the fullest.
