Getting a perm can be a great way to achieve the curly, wavy hair you’ve always wanted, but to ensure the best results, it’s crucial to prepare your hair properly before the treatment. Many people are unaware of the things they should avoid doing before a perm, which can lead to undesirable outcomes, such as damaged hair, uneven curls, or even hair breakage. In this article, we will explore the essential pre-perm precautions to take, highlighting what you should not do before undergoing this hair treatment.
Understanding the Perm Process
Before diving into the precautions, it’s essential to understand the perm process. A perm, short for permanent wave, is a chemical hair treatment that breaks down the hair’s structure and re-forms it into the desired shape. The process involves several steps, including washing, winding, and applying a perming solution to the hair. The perming solution contains chemicals that break down the hair’s keratin bonds, allowing the hair to be reshaped into curls or waves. After the perming solution is applied, a neutralizer is used to stop the perming process and restore the hair’s pH balance.
The Importance of Pre-Perm Preparation
Pre-perm preparation is critical to achieve the best results and minimize potential damage to your hair. When you don’t prepare your hair properly, you may end up with uneven curls, frizzy hair, or even hair breakage. A good pre-perm preparation routine can make a significant difference in the outcome of your perm. It’s essential to follow a pre-perm care routine that includes avoiding certain hair practices and using specific hair products to ensure your hair is in the best condition possible before the treatment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are several common mistakes people make before getting a perm, which can negatively impact the outcome of the treatment. Some of these mistakes include using heat styling tools excessively, using harsh hair products, and getting a perm too soon after coloring or chemically treating your hair. Using heat styling tools excessively can damage your hair and make it more prone to breakage during the perming process. Similarly, using harsh hair products can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry and brittle, which can lead to poor perm results.
Things to Avoid Before a Perm
To ensure the best results from your perm, there are several things you should avoid doing before the treatment. These include:
- Using heat styling tools excessively, as this can damage your hair and make it more prone to breakage during the perming process
- Using harsh hair products, such as those containing sulfates, parabens, or silicones, as these can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause damage
- Getting a perm too soon after coloring or chemically treating your hair, as this can cause further damage and lead to poor perm results
- Washing your hair with hot water, as this can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness
- Using hair accessories that can cause hair breakage, such as tight hair ties or clips
Pre-Perm Hair Care Routine
In addition to avoiding certain hair practices, it’s essential to follow a pre-perm hair care routine to ensure your hair is in the best condition possible before the treatment. This routine should include using gentle hair products, such as sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, and avoiding excessive heat styling. Using a pre-perm treatment, such as a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment, can also help to nourish and moisturize your hair, making it more receptive to the perming process.
Nutrition and Hair Health
A healthy diet rich in nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, can help to nourish your hair and promote healthy hair growth. A diet that is deficient in essential nutrients can lead to hair loss, dryness, and breakage, making it more challenging to achieve the best results from your perm. Therefore, it’s crucial to eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated to ensure your hair is in the best condition possible before the treatment.
Conclusion
Getting a perm can be a great way to achieve the curly, wavy hair you’ve always wanted, but it’s crucial to prepare your hair properly before the treatment. By avoiding certain hair practices, following a pre-perm hair care routine, and eating a healthy diet, you can ensure the best results from your perm. Remember, a good pre-perm preparation routine can make a significant difference in the outcome of your perm, so take the time to prepare your hair properly before the treatment. With the right preparation and care, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy-looking curls that last for weeks to come.
What are the common mistakes to avoid before getting a perm?
To achieve a successful hair treatment, it is crucial to be aware of the common mistakes that can negatively impact the outcome of the perm. One of the primary mistakes is using hair care products that contain sulfates, parabens, or silicones, as these can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause damage to the hair cuticle. Additionally, using heat styling tools excessively before a perm can also cause damage to the hair, leading to frizz, breakage, and uneven perming results. It is essential to avoid using these products and tools for at least a week before the perm to ensure the hair is in the best possible condition.
By avoiding these common mistakes, individuals can help ensure that their perm is successful and achieves the desired results. It is also important to note that the hair should be free of any product buildup, tangles, and knots before the perm, as this can affect the perming process. Using a clarifying shampoo and a deep conditioning treatment before the perm can help to remove product buildup and nourish the hair, making it more receptive to the perming process. By taking these precautions, individuals can help to achieve a healthy, bouncy, and long-lasting curl pattern from their perm.
Can I color my hair before getting a perm, and if so, how long should I wait?
It is generally recommended to wait at least two weeks after coloring the hair before getting a perm. This allows the hair cuticle to close, and the color to settle, reducing the risk of overlap damage. However, the waiting time may vary depending on the type of hair color used, the condition of the hair, and the type of perm being applied. If the hair has been colored with a permanent or demi-permanent dye, it is best to wait for the recommended two weeks to ensure that the cuticle is fully closed. On the other hand, if the hair has been colored with a semi-permanent or temporary dye, the waiting time may be shorter.
It is essential to consult with a professional stylist to determine the best course of action when it comes to coloring the hair before a perm. They can assess the hair’s condition and provide personalized advice on the best timing for the perm. In some cases, the stylist may recommend a strand test to check the hair’s porosity and elasticity before the perm, ensuring that the hair can withstand the perming process. By waiting the recommended amount of time and consulting with a professional stylist, individuals can minimize the risk of damage and achieve a successful perm that lasts.
How long should I wait after using a hair relaxer before getting a perm?
It is generally recommended to wait at least six weeks after using a hair relaxer before getting a perm. This allows the hair to recover from the relaxing process, and the cuticle to close, reducing the risk of overlap damage. Using a perm too soon after a relaxer can cause the hair to become over-processed, leading to breakage, frizz, and uneven perming results. Additionally, the relaxer can alter the hair’s pH balance, making it more challenging for the perm to penetrate the hair shaft evenly.
Waiting the recommended six weeks allows the hair to return to its natural pH balance, making it more receptive to the perming process. During this time, it is essential to use gentle, nourishing hair care products to help repair and restore the hair’s natural moisture balance. A deep conditioning treatment can also help to nourish and moisturize the hair, preparing it for the perming process. By waiting the recommended amount of time and taking good care of the hair, individuals can help to achieve a successful perm that is healthy, bouncy, and long-lasting.
Can I use a perm on hair that has been previously permed, and if so, how long should I wait?
It is possible to use a perm on hair that has been previously permed, but it is essential to wait for a significant amount of time to allow the hair to recover from the previous perming process. The waiting time will depend on the condition of the hair, the type of perm being applied, and the amount of time that has passed since the previous perm. As a general rule, it is recommended to wait at least three to six months after a previous perm before applying a new perm. This allows the hair to grow out, and the previous perm to relax, reducing the risk of overlap damage.
If the hair is in good condition, and the previous perm was applied correctly, it may be possible to apply a new perm sooner. However, it is crucial to consult with a professional stylist to determine the best course of action. They can assess the hair’s condition, and provide personalized advice on the best timing for the new perm. In some cases, the stylist may recommend a gentle perm formula or a different perming technique to minimize the risk of damage. By waiting the recommended amount of time and consulting with a professional stylist, individuals can help to achieve a successful perm that is healthy, bouncy, and long-lasting.
What are the risks of getting a perm while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are potential risks associated with getting a perm while pregnant or breastfeeding. The chemicals used in the perming process, such as thioglycolate, can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the fetus or baby. Additionally, some of the chemicals used in the perming process have been linked to birth defects, miscarriage, and other pregnancy complications. It is essential for pregnant or breastfeeding women to consult with their doctor before getting a perm, as they can provide personalized advice on the best course of action.
In general, it is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid getting a perm altogether, especially during the first trimester. If a perm is necessary, it is crucial to choose a salon that uses gentler, more natural perming formulas and follows proper safety protocols. The stylist should also take precautions to minimize exposure to the chemicals, such as using gloves, and ensuring good ventilation in the salon. By taking these precautions, and consulting with a doctor, pregnant or breastfeeding women can help to minimize the risks associated with getting a perm.
Can I get a perm if I have hair extensions, and if so, how should I prepare them?
It is possible to get a perm with hair extensions, but it requires special preparation and care. The type of extension and the method of attachment will determine the best course of action. For example, if the extensions are bonded or glued, it is essential to avoid getting the perm solution on the bonds or glue, as this can cause them to loosen or dissolve. If the extensions are clipped or taped, it is crucial to remove them before the perm, and then reapply them after the perm is complete.
To prepare the extensions for a perm, it is essential to wash and condition them separately before the perm, using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. The extensions should be completely dry before the perm, and it is recommended to use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup. After the perm, the extensions should be reapplied, and the hair should be washed and conditioned with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to help lock in the moisture and minimize frizz. By taking these precautions, individuals with hair extensions can help to achieve a successful perm that is healthy, bouncy, and long-lasting.