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Personal Care and Style
Hair Care
Hair Texture
Curly Hair
Curling Hair
Perms
How to Take Care of Permed Hair Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 What should I not do after a perm? 2 How often should I wash permed hair? 3 How do I wash permed hair? 4 What are the best types of products to use for permed hair care? 5 How do I sleep with permed hair? + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Steven Waldman
Last Updated: April 12, 2025 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Steven Waldman. Steven Waldman is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Director of Technical Training at Hair Cuttery. Steven uses his creative insight and extensive experience to drive educational programming and motivates facilitators and learners to communicate effectively, create and execute strategies to maximize potential, and achieve success. He uses unexpected sources such as art genres, architecture, and cooking to inspire shape, color, and cuts. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 44,358 times.
Perms live up to their name once they've taken hold, and it won't take any drastic efforts to maintain your curls. That said, there are a few adjustments that are good to make for the sake of your new hairstyle. It's especially important to go easy on your perm in the first few days after your treatment, even if it means enduring the weird-smelling phase.
Steps
Question 1 of 5:
What should I not do after a perm?
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1 Wait at least 48 hours before wetting your hair. Avoid washing or wetting your hair for at least two days after the perm—three if you can manage. Washing your hair before the curls are locked into place can partially undo the treatment.[1]X Expert Source Steven WaldmanProfessional Hair StylistExpert Interview
In corner cases, you might want to wet your hair intentionally to achieve beachy waves, but check with your stylist first.
Think of this waiting period almost like a curing process—your hair needs 48 hours for all the bonds in your hair to be completely reformed.[2]X Expert Source Steven WaldmanProfessional Hair StylistExpert Interview
2 Minimize styling for the first week. Using hair accessories or even brushing newly permed hair can cause breakage or make it set into an odd position. Get by for a few days by combing and positioning your hair gently with your fingers, or with a wide-toothed comb in the shower.
Dyeing or bleaching your hair is particularly damaging. It's best to wait two or three months after the perm before trying something like this, to give your hair time to recover.
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3 Avoid heat treatments. Your hair's permed now, so abandoning your curling irons and straighteners shouldn't be much of a loss. Avoid them to keep your perm, well, permanent![3]XResearch source
Even a blow dryer can get hot enough to damage your hair and affect the perm. If you still want to use one, let your hair air-dry 50% of the way, then finish with the blow dryer's diffuser attachment. Loosely permed, wavy hair might get away with a normal blow dry, but hold the dryer at a distance to avoid flattening the waves.[4]XResearch source
Advertisement Question 2 of 5:
How often should I wash permed hair?
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1 Try shampooing as little as once a week. It's a surprising fact that over-washing your hair can actually make it more vulnerable to damage and cause it to build up grease more quickly. The texture of curly hair slows down the spread of oil from your scalp, so you'll likely need to shampoo less often than when you had straight hair. Perms also damage your hair, which means it's best to go gentle on it and wash only as often as you need to.[5]XResearch source
2 Take a conditioner-only wash as needed. If you need to wash your hair more often to stop it becoming a mess, try skipping the shampoo for some of the washes and using a conditioner only.
Advertisement Question 3 of 5:
How do I wash permed hair?
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1 Shampoo less, condition more. Permed hair needs less shampoo than straight hair, and is more easily stressed by overwashing. Conditioning after every wash is a good habit for maintaining your hair's health.
2 Comb out tangles while your hair is still damp. Brushes are hard on permed hair. Try a wide-toothed comb, instead.[6]X Expert Source Steven WaldmanProfessional Hair StylistExpert Interview Work gently from the bottom to minimize breakage.
3 Consistently use a leave-in conditioner. Add this to your routine in addition to the conditioner you use in the shower. The leave-in product will help keep your hair moisturized and the cuticles sealed, addressing the damage perming can cause.
A leave-in conditioner can double as a detangler, making your hair easier to comb.
Advertisement Question 4 of 5:
What are the best types of products to use for permed hair care?
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1 Use products meant for curly hair. There are shampoos and conditioners marketed specifically for perms, but just switching to products for curly hair should be fine. After all, the goal of these products is to keep your curls light and avoid frizz, and that's what both perms and natural curls need.
2 Try protein-rich and moisturizing products. Perms can damage the proteins in your hair, which can make it both brittle and quick to lose moisture. Products with added protein and hydrating ingredients can help restore strength and shine to your hair, and keep your curls frizz-free for longer between treatments:[7]XResearch source
Check shampoo and conditioner ingredients for anything containing the words protein, keratin, collagen, amino acids, or cystine bis-PG-propyl silanetriol.
A standalone "protein treatment" is much stronger than protein-rich shampoo and a good choice if your hair is showing signs of damage.
If a moisturizing leave-in conditioner doesn't do the job, try a hair cream or hair oil. Heavier creams can work better, but may also weigh down your curls. Experiment to find a balance.
3 Demystify the ingredients label. Too often, the front of the product label just tells you the company's marketing plan. The ingredient list can be more helpful, and you can use this guide to cut through some of the myths and jargon:
Alcohol is often blamed for frizz—but the story's a bit more complicated. "Fatty alcohols" are an exception whose chemical structure makes them perfectly fine to use on curls.[8]XResearch source Put the specific alcohol on your label into a search engine along with "is it fatty?" before you throw out that bottle.
Silicone (found in many ingredients ending in -cone or -oxane) can build up over time and weigh down curls, but can help with conditioning. If you can't find a silicone-free alternative you like, just use a clarifying shampoo once in a while as a reset.[9]XResearch source
Sulfate-free shampoo is a common recommendation for permed hair. But honestly? The effect on most people's curls might be too small to notice, at least according to one dermatologist.[10]XResearch source
Advertisement Question 5 of 5:
How do I sleep with permed hair?
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1 Put your hair up at night. Just like natural curls, permed hair benefits from being kept up while you're asleep, so it's out of the way while you toss and turn. Any method that leaves the back of your hair smooth and restrained will work, such as a loose top bun, or a "pineapple" (a high, loose ponytail gathered at the top of your head).[11]XResearch source If your hair is too short to gather it all at the top of your head, make two or three smaller buns or ponytails on the top and sides.
Restrain your hair fairly loosely, especially at the front where the curls will fall around your face. A tightly twisted scrunchie will create more dents and curls, and you already paid good money for the hairstyle you wanted!
If your hair tends to climb out of a scrunchie overnight, try a hair clip. A clip with a flat bottom will be more comfortable to sleep in, and a clip with a rubber interior is more likely to stay in.[12]XResearch source
2 Sleep on silk or satin. These fabrics cause less friction against your hair than cotton, so you'll wake up with less frizz and tangles. If you don't have a silk pillowcase, a silk scarf wrapped around your pillow (or loosely around your hair) is sometimes a cheaper option.
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Tips
Avoid using too much product. For most products you can use about the size of a dollar coin on your palm. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Warnings
Permed hair is more vulnerable to sun damage. Try not to go out in peak UV times (~10am to 2pm) without putting in a leave-in conditioner that contains zinc oxide (the same ingredient in many sunscreens), or putting on a wide-brimmed hat.[13]X Trustworthy Source American Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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Things You'll Need
Wide toothed comb
High quality shampoo and conditioner
Leave in conditioner and smoothing/anti-frizz products
Blow dryer with diffuser attachment (optional)
Silk or satin scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase
You Might Also Like
How toStraighten Permed HairThe Ultimate Guide to Taking Care of Permed HairHow to Wash Your Hair After Getting a PermHow toGet the Smell of a Perm out of Your HairEverything You Need to Know About Styling Short Permed HairHow to Sleep with a Perm (for Guys)How toRepair Perm Damaged HairDo Perms Damage Your Hair? Risks, Preparation, and AftercareHow toTake Care of Relaxed African HairHow Often Should You Wash Relaxed Hair?How toCare for Wavy Hair10 Ways to Take Care of Your Rebonded Hair and Make It LastHow toGrow Black Girls HairHow toTake Care of Black Girls' Hair Advertisement
References
↑ Steven Waldman. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
↑ Steven Waldman. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Steven Waldman Professional Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Steven Waldman. Steven Waldman is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Director of Technical Training at Hair Cuttery. Steven uses his creative insight and extensive experience to drive educational programming and motivates facilitators and learners to communicate effectively, create and execute strategies to maximize potential, and achieve success. He uses unexpected sources such as art genres, architecture, and cooking to inspire shape, color, and cuts. This article has been viewed 44,358 times. 16 votes - 88% Co-authors: 15Updated: April 12, 2025 Views: 44,358 Categories: Perms
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Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
May 22, 2023
"My hairdresser has never told me not to wash my hair for several days, so this tip alone was helpful. Thank you."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Steven Waldman Professional Hair Stylist Co-authors: 15Updated: April 12, 2025 Views: 44,35888% of readers found this article helpful. 16 votes - 88% Click a star to add your vote
Anonymous
May 22, 2023
"My hairdresser has never told me not to wash my hair for several days, so this tip alone was helpful. Thank you."
Stephanie H.
Sep 25, 2024
"Everything that was posted in this article, I followed, and my perm is more beautiful than ever." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 What should I not do after a perm? 2 How often should I wash permed hair? 3 How do I wash permed hair? 4 What are the best types of products to use for permed hair care? 5 How do I sleep with permed hair? + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Steven Waldman 
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Co-authored by: Steven Waldman Professional Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Steven Waldman. Steven Waldman is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Director of Technical Training at Hair Cuttery. Steven uses his creative insight and extensive experience to drive educational programming and motivates facilitators and learners to communicate effectively, create and execute strategies to maximize potential, and achieve success. He uses unexpected sources such as art genres, architecture, and cooking to inspire shape, color, and cuts. This article has been viewed 44,358 times. 16 votes - 88% Co-authors: 15 Updated: April 12, 2025 Views: 44,358 Categories: Perms 
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1 Wait at least 48 hours before wetting your hair. Avoid washing or wetting your hair for at least two days after the perm—three if you can manage. Washing your hair before the curls are locked into place can partially undo the treatment.[1] 
2 Minimize styling for the first week. Using hair accessories or even brushing newly permed hair can cause breakage or make it set into an odd position. Get by for a few days by combing and positioning your hair gently with your fingers, or with a wide-toothed comb in the shower. 
3 Avoid heat treatments. Your hair's permed now, so abandoning your curling irons and straighteners shouldn't be much of a loss. Avoid them to keep your perm, well, permanent![3] 
1 Try shampooing as little as once a week. It's a surprising fact that over-washing your hair can actually make it more vulnerable to damage and cause it to build up grease more quickly. The texture of curly hair slows down the spread of oil from your scalp, so you'll likely need to shampoo less often than when you had straight hair. Perms also damage your hair, which means it's best to go gentle on it and wash only as often as you need to.[5] 
2 Take a conditioner-only wash as needed. If you need to wash your hair more often to stop it becoming a mess, try skipping the shampoo for some of the washes and using a conditioner only. Advertisement 
1 Shampoo less, condition more. Permed hair needs less shampoo than straight hair, and is more easily stressed by overwashing. Conditioning after every wash is a good habit for maintaining your hair's health. 
2 Comb out tangles while your hair is still damp. Brushes are hard on permed hair. Try a wide-toothed comb, instead.[6] Work gently from the bottom to minimize breakage. 
3 Consistently use a leave-in conditioner. Add this to your routine in addition to the conditioner you use in the shower. The leave-in product will help keep your hair moisturized and the cuticles sealed, addressing the damage perming can cause. 
1 Use products meant for curly hair. There are shampoos and conditioners marketed specifically for perms, but just switching to products for curly hair should be fine. After all, the goal of these products is to keep your curls light and avoid frizz, and that's what both perms and natural curls need. 
2 Try protein-rich and moisturizing products. Perms can damage the proteins in your hair, which can make it both brittle and quick to lose moisture. Products with added protein and hydrating ingredients can help restore strength and shine to your hair, and keep your curls frizz-free for longer between treatments:[7] 
3 Demystify the ingredients label. Too often, the front of the product label just tells you the company's marketing plan. The ingredient list can be more helpful, and you can use this guide to cut through some of the myths and jargon: 
1 Put your hair up at night. Just like natural curls, permed hair benefits from being kept up while you're asleep, so it's out of the way while you toss and turn. Any method that leaves the back of your hair smooth and restrained will work, such as a loose top bun, or a "pineapple" (a high, loose ponytail gathered at the top of your head).[11] If your hair is too short to gather it all at the top of your head, make two or three smaller buns or ponytails on the top and sides. 
2 Sleep on silk or satin. These fabrics cause less friction against your hair than cotton, so you'll wake up with less frizz and tangles. If you don't have a silk pillowcase, a silk scarf wrapped around your pillow (or loosely around your hair) is sometimes a cheaper option. Advertisement