Permed hair is a popular hairstyle that involves chemically altering the hair's texture to form curls or waves. It's a great way to add volume and body to your hair without using hot styling tools. However, permed hair requires extra care and attention to maintain its shape and health. In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for maintaining permed hair.
Table of Contents
- How to Maintain Permed Hair
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for Maintaining Permed Hair
- FAQs
- Hair Care Products for Permed Hair
How to Maintain Permed Hair
Permed hair requires regular maintenance to keep its shape and prevent damage. Here are some basic steps to follow:
1. Avoid washing your hair too often
Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. This is especially true for permed hair, which is already more delicate than straight hair. Try to wash your hair no more than twice a week. You can use dry shampoo in between washes to keep your hair looking fresh.
2. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip your hair of its natural oils. Look for a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner formulated for permed hair. These products are gentler on your hair and won't cause your curls to fall flat.
3. Avoid heat styling
Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can damage permed hair and cause your curls to lose their shape. If you must use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature low. Better yet, try air-drying your hair and using rollers or flexi rods to set your curls.
4. Protect your hair while sleeping
Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can cause friction and frizz, which can ruin your curls. Try sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase instead. You can also use a silk or satin scarf to wrap your hair at night.
5. Trim your hair regularly
Permed hair is more prone to split ends and breakage, so it's important to trim your hair regularly to keep it healthy. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks. This will also help your curls look bouncier and more defined.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here's a step-by-step guide to maintaining permed hair:
Step 1: Wash your hair
Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for permed hair. Be gentle and avoid scrubbing your scalp too hard, as this can damage your curls.
Step 2: Apply a leave-in conditioner
Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair to help detangle and moisturize your curls. This will also help protect your hair from heat and environmental damage.
Step 3: Air-dry your hair
Avoid using a blow dryer, as this can cause your curls to lose their shape. Instead, let your hair air-dry naturally. You can use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your hair on low heat if you're short on time.
Step 4: Use a curl defining product
Apply a curl defining product, such as a mousse or gel, to your hair to help enhance your curls and keep them in place.
Step 5: Style your hair
Use rollers or flexi rods to create more defined curls, or leave your hair as is for a more natural look. Avoid using heat styling tools, as these can damage your curls.
Tips for Maintaining Permed Hair
Here are some additional tips for maintaining permed hair:
- Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair moisturized.
- Avoid using hair products that contain alcohol, as these can dry out your hair.
- Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a UV-protectant spray.
- Avoid swimming in chlorinated water, as this can damage your curls. If you do swim, wear a swim cap or rinse your hair with fresh water afterwards.
- Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel after washing it, as this can cause frizz. Instead, gently pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a hair straightener on permed hair?
A: It's not recommended, as heat styling tools can damage permed hair and cause your curls to lose their shape. If you must use a hair straightener, use a low temperature setting and a heat protectant spray.
Q: How often should I get my permed hair touched up?
A: It depends on how fast your hair grows and how quickly your curls loosen. On average, it's recommended to get a touch-up every 3-6 months.
Q: Can I color my permed hair?
A: Yes, but it's important to use a hair color that's safe for permed hair and to avoid coloring your hair too often, as this can cause damage.
Hair Care Products for Permed Hair
Here are some hair care products that are safe and effective for permed hair:
- Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
- Leave-in conditioner
- Curl defining mousse or gel
- Deep conditioning treatment
- Heat protectant spray
- Silk or satin pillowcase or scarf
By following these tips and using the right hair care products, you can keep your permed hair looking healthy, bouncy, and beautiful.
