How To Wash Hair After A Perm: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Wash Your Hair After Getting a Perm PDF download Download Article When to wash permed hair (plus which products to use) Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Tiffany Carnevale-Russo

Last Updated: April 12, 2025

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Tiffany Carnevale-Russo. Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Chief Operating Officer at Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. With over 19 years of beauty industry experience, she specializes in haircuts and hairstyling for men and building salon brands. Tiffany received her Cosmetology License from Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island. This article has been viewed 218,097 times.

How to Wash hair after a perm. The way you wash your hair can affect your perm.

Things You Should Know

  • Wait at least 3 days before you wash newly permed hair to help it last longer.
  • Rinse, wash, and apply conditioner to your hair using gentle rubbing motions to prevent tangles and damage.
  • Brush through your hair with a wide tooth comb starting at the ends of your hair. Then, apply a deep conditioner once per week.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wait at least 3 days to wash newly permed hair, or your perm will not last as long. 1 Wait at least 3 days to wash newly permed hair, or your perm will not last as long.
  2. Step 2 Use hair care products that are safe for permed hair . 2 Use hair care products that are safe for permed hair . Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Wash your hair gently (don't scrub too hard or your hair will tangle up)(your hair is very porous and fragile). 3 Wash your hair gently (don't scrub too hard or your hair will tangle up)(your hair is very porous and fragile).[1]
  4. Step 4 Gently rinse your hair. 4 Gently rinse your hair.
  5. Step 5 Apply conditioner to your hair (Conditioner will help you reduce the damage to your hair). 5 Apply conditioner to your hair (Conditioner will help you reduce the damage to your hair).[2]
  6. Step 6 Use a wide... 6 Use a wide tooth comb to untangle your hair) (start at the bottom and work your way to the top to reduce breakage to a minimum).
  7. Step 7 Once a week use a deep conditioner, (follow instructions on the back). 7 Once a week use a deep conditioner, (follow instructions on the back).
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question What kind of conditioner should I use? Community Answer Community Answer Preferably a deep conditioner that does not contain sulfates or parabens. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 37 Helpful 56
  • Question Can I wet hair only just to set it with curlers? Sherry Gregory Williams Sherry Gregory Williams Community Answer Yes. It should be fine to re-wet with curlers, or just spritz with a spray bottle, then reshape by scrunch drying with a low dryer setting. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 42 Helpful 55
  • Question I accidentally washed my hair after a perm. Is it okay? What should I do? Aquanet Queen Aquanet Queen Community Answer It depends on how long ago you got the perm. If you washed it after 48 hours of having the perm, you should be fine. But if you get your hair wet before that, then your curls will most likely be ruined. Perhaps you should contact your hair stylist and tell them what happened, and they can tell you what you can do. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 42 Helpful 72
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Set salon appointments every 4-6 weeks to maintain your perm as your hair grows out.[3] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
  • If Hair is frizzy your hair needs deep conditioner! Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 8
  • To determine if your favorite hair care product is safe for permed hair or color-treated hair look at the back of the container (it will say: "gentle enough for color-treated or permed hair) Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 7
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Do not flat iron hair (this will remove your pretty curls) Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 18
  • but you can curl relaxed hair only (not permed hair) Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 19
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.mochimag.com/mochi-magazine/perm-digital-hot-cold-shampoo-conditioner-curls-tips
  2. ↑ https://hairpros.edu/how-long-does-a-perm-last/
  3. ↑ Tiffany Carnevale-Russo. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Tiffany Carnevale-Russo Co-authored by: Tiffany Carnevale-Russo Licensed Cosmetologist This article was co-authored by Tiffany Carnevale-Russo. Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Chief Operating Officer at Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. With over 19 years of beauty industry experience, she specializes in haircuts and hairstyling for men and building salon brands. Tiffany received her Cosmetology License from Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island. This article has been viewed 218,097 times. 24 votes - 83% Co-authors: 8 Updated: April 12, 2025 Views: 218,097 Categories: Perms In other languages Italian Japanese
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 218,097 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Barbara G.

    Barbara G.

    Oct 8, 2023

    "I now comb my hair from the bottom up, much better at getting the snarls out."
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Tiffany Carnevale-Russo Co-authored by: Tiffany Carnevale-Russo Licensed Cosmetologist Co-authors: 8 Updated: April 12, 2025 Views: 218,097 83% of readers found this article helpful. 24 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote Barbara G.

Barbara G.

Oct 8, 2023

"I now comb my hair from the bottom up, much better at getting the snarls out." Share yours!

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