Permed hair: bouncy, voluminous, and undeniably stylish. But along with those enviable curls comes a whole new set of hair care rules. One of the most crucial? Knowing how often to wash your permed tresses. Over-washing can lead to dryness and frizz, while under-washing can result in product buildup and a lackluster look. Finding the perfect balance is key to maintaining healthy, vibrant curls. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about washing your permed hair, from the ideal frequency to the best products and techniques.
Understanding Permed Hair and Its Unique Needs
Perming fundamentally alters your hair’s structure. The process breaks down the hair’s natural bonds and reforms them into a curly or wavy pattern. This chemical alteration, while creating the desired curl, also makes your hair more porous and vulnerable to damage.
Porous hair absorbs moisture quickly but also loses it just as rapidly. This means permed hair tends to be drier than natural, un-permed hair. This dryness contributes to frizz, breakage, and a loss of curl definition.
The chemicals used in perming can also strip your hair of its natural oils. Sebum, the natural oil produced by your scalp, is essential for keeping hair moisturized and healthy. When this oil is removed, your hair becomes more susceptible to damage and dryness.
Therefore, the goal of washing permed hair is to cleanse the scalp and hair without further stripping away moisture or disrupting the curl pattern. This delicate balance requires careful consideration of washing frequency, product selection, and washing techniques.
Factors Affecting Washing Frequency
Several factors influence how often you should wash your permed hair. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as individual hair types, lifestyle, and products all play a role. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Hair Type: Fine hair tends to get oily faster than thick hair. So, if you have fine, permed hair, you might need to wash it slightly more frequently than someone with thick, permed hair. Coarse hair may require even less frequent washing.
- Scalp Oiliness: If you have an oily scalp, you’ll likely need to wash your hair more often than someone with a dry scalp. Pay attention to how quickly your scalp gets greasy to determine your washing schedule.
- Activity Level: If you exercise regularly or live in a humid environment, you’ll probably need to wash your hair more frequently to remove sweat and buildup.
- Products Used: Heavy styling products, like gels and mousses, can build up on the hair and scalp, requiring more frequent washing. Lightweight products may allow you to extend the time between washes.
- Perm Type and Hair Condition: A tighter curl may require less washing to maintain the shape, while damaged hair may need less washing due to its fragility.
General Guidelines for Washing Permed Hair
While individual needs vary, a good starting point is to wash your permed hair no more than 2-3 times per week. Many people find that washing only once or twice a week is sufficient to keep their hair clean and healthy.
If you notice your hair becoming excessively dry or frizzy, try reducing your washing frequency. Conversely, if your scalp feels greasy or your hair looks limp and lifeless, you might need to wash it more often.
Listen to your hair and adjust your washing schedule accordingly. The key is to find a balance that keeps your hair clean and healthy without stripping it of essential moisture.
Choosing the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner is crucial for maintaining the health and beauty of your permed hair. Avoid harsh sulfates and opt for gentle, moisturizing formulas specifically designed for curly or chemically treated hair.
Shampoo Selection
- Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Choose sulfate-free shampoos to gently cleanse your hair without removing essential moisture. Look for ingredients like cocamidopropyl betaine or decyl glucoside.
- Moisturizing Shampoos: Look for shampoos that contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, or aloe vera. These ingredients will help to hydrate your hair and keep it soft and manageable.
- Shampoos for Curly Hair: Shampoos specifically formulated for curly hair are designed to cleanse without disrupting the curl pattern. They often contain ingredients that enhance curl definition and reduce frizz.
- Clarifying Shampoos (Use Sparingly): While moisturizing shampoos are essential, occasionally using a clarifying shampoo can help remove product buildup. However, clarifying shampoos can be drying, so use them sparingly, no more than once or twice a month, and always follow with a deep conditioner.
Conditioner Selection
- Hydrating Conditioners: Permed hair needs extra hydration, so choose a conditioner that is rich in moisturizing ingredients. Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and glycerin.
- Leave-In Conditioners: Leave-in conditioners are a great way to add extra moisture and protection to your permed hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner after washing and conditioning to help detangle, hydrate, and define your curls.
- Deep Conditioners: Deep conditioning treatments are essential for restoring moisture and repairing damage. Use a deep conditioner once a week to keep your permed hair healthy, strong, and hydrated. Look for ingredients like hydrolyzed protein, which helps to strengthen the hair shaft.
- Protein Treatments: Permed hair can sometimes benefit from protein treatments, especially if it’s damaged or brittle. Protein treatments help to strengthen the hair and reduce breakage. However, too much protein can make hair stiff and dry, so use them sparingly.
Washing Techniques for Permed Hair
How you wash your permed hair is just as important as how often you wash it. Gentle washing techniques can help minimize damage and maintain curl definition.
Pre-Shampoo Detangling
Before you even step into the shower, gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Detangling dry hair can cause breakage, so it’s best to detangle while it’s slightly damp or coated with a leave-in conditioner.
Gentle Cleansing
When shampooing, focus on cleansing your scalp rather than scrubbing the entire length of your hair. Use your fingertips to gently massage the shampoo into your scalp, loosening dirt and buildup. Avoid using your fingernails, as they can scratch and irritate the scalp.
Distribute the shampoo down the length of your hair by gently squeezing and smoothing the suds. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can create frizz and tangles.
Rinsing Thoroughly
Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause damage. Make sure to remove all traces of shampoo and conditioner, as residue can lead to buildup and weigh down your curls.
Conditioning Correctly
Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp. This will help to hydrate the dry ends without weighing down the roots. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time, or longer for a deeper treatment.
Cold Water Rinse (Optional)
After conditioning, try rinsing your hair with cold water. This helps to seal the hair cuticle, which can reduce frizz and enhance shine.
Drying and Styling Permed Hair
Proper drying and styling techniques are essential for maintaining the shape and health of your permed hair. Avoid harsh drying methods and use styling products that are designed for curly hair.
Towel Drying
Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel, as this can create frizz and damage the curl pattern. Instead, gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to remove excess water. Microfiber towels are more absorbent and less abrasive than regular towels, making them a better choice for permed hair.
Consider “plopping” your hair. This involves flipping your wet hair into a microfiber towel or t-shirt and wrapping it up. This technique helps to encourage curl formation and reduce frizz.
Air Drying
Air drying is the gentlest way to dry permed hair. Allow your hair to air dry naturally, avoiding touching or manipulating it too much. This will help to maintain curl definition and minimize frizz.
Diffusing
If you’re short on time, you can use a diffuser to dry your permed hair. A diffuser is a hairdryer attachment that disperses the airflow, preventing frizz and enhancing curl definition. Use a low heat setting and move the diffuser around your head, scrunching your hair as you go.
Styling Products
Choose styling products that are specifically designed for curly hair. Look for products that are lightweight, moisturizing, and alcohol-free. Alcohol can dry out your hair and lead to frizz.
- Curl Creams: Curl creams help to define curls, reduce frizz, and add moisture.
- Gels: Gels provide hold and definition. Look for gels that are alcohol-free and moisturizing.
- Mousses: Mousses add volume and definition.
- Oils and Serums: Oils and serums can help to add shine, reduce frizz, and protect your hair from damage.
Protecting Your Hair at Night
Protecting your hair while you sleep is essential for preventing frizz and breakage.
- Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can help to reduce friction and prevent frizz.
- Pineapple Method: Gather your hair into a loose ponytail on top of your head (the “pineapple”) to prevent your curls from being flattened overnight.
- Silk or Satin Scarf: Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf to protect it from friction and moisture loss.
Recognizing and Addressing Problems
Even with the best care, permed hair can sometimes experience problems like dryness, frizz, and breakage. Recognizing these issues early and addressing them promptly can help to maintain the health and beauty of your curls.
Dryness
Dryness is a common problem with permed hair. To combat dryness, use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, deep condition regularly, and use leave-in conditioners. Avoid harsh styling products and excessive heat styling.
Frizz
Frizz can be caused by dryness, damage, or humidity. To reduce frizz, use moisturizing products, avoid rubbing your hair with a towel, and protect your hair from humidity. You can also use anti-frizz serums or oils.
Breakage
Breakage can be caused by chemical damage, heat styling, or rough handling. To prevent breakage, avoid over-processing your hair, use heat protectant sprays when heat styling, and handle your hair gently. Protein treatments can also help to strengthen the hair and reduce breakage.
Product Buildup
Product buildup can weigh down your hair and make it look dull. To remove product buildup, use a clarifying shampoo occasionally.
Professional Advice
When in doubt, consult a professional hairstylist who specializes in permed hair. They can assess your hair type and condition and recommend the best washing frequency, products, and techniques for your individual needs. Regular trims are also important for removing split ends and maintaining healthy hair.
Maintaining permed hair requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to experiment. By understanding your hair’s unique needs and following these guidelines, you can keep your permed curls looking healthy, bouncy, and beautiful for years to come. Remember that finding what works best for your hair is an ongoing process. Be observant, adjust your routine as needed, and enjoy your gorgeous, permed locks!
How often should I wash my permed hair?
Washing your permed hair too frequently can strip it of essential oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and a loss of curl definition. A good starting point is to wash your hair no more than two to three times per week, allowing your natural oils to nourish the curls and maintain their shape. However, this can vary depending on your hair type, activity level, and the products you use.
Listen to your hair; if it feels oily or weighs down your curls, it’s time for a wash. Conversely, if it feels dry and brittle, you might be overwashing it. Adjust the frequency based on how your hair responds and always use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners formulated for permed or chemically treated hair to minimize damage and maintain moisture.
What type of shampoo should I use on my permed hair?
The most crucial factor in choosing a shampoo for permed hair is that it is sulfate-free. Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and a faster fading of your perm. Look for shampoos specifically labeled as “sulfate-free,” “for permed hair,” or “for chemically treated hair.”
In addition to being sulfate-free, consider shampoos that contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil. These ingredients help to replenish the moisture lost during the perming process and keep your curls hydrated and bouncy. Avoid shampoos with alcohol, as this can further dry out your hair.
Can I use dry shampoo on my permed hair?
Yes, dry shampoo can be a lifesaver for permed hair, especially on days when you don’t want to fully wash it. It helps absorb excess oil and refresh your curls without stripping them of their natural moisture. However, moderation is key; overuse can lead to buildup and dullness.
Choose a dry shampoo that is specifically formulated for fine or dry hair, as these tend to be less harsh and won’t weigh down your curls. Apply it sparingly to the roots, focusing on areas that tend to get oily. Gently massage it in and brush through to distribute it evenly. Opt for dry shampoos that are free of sulfates and alcohol for the best results.
How soon after getting a perm can I wash my hair?
It’s essential to wait at least 48 to 72 hours, preferably 72 hours, after getting a perm before washing your hair. This waiting period allows the perming solution to fully set and the curl structure to stabilize. Washing your hair too soon can disrupt the perming process and cause the curls to loosen or become uneven.
During this initial waiting period, avoid getting your hair wet in any way, including swimming or excessive sweating. This includes using styling products. After the recommended waiting time, you can wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for permed hair, following the guidelines for washing frequency.
What temperature of water is best for washing permed hair?
When washing permed hair, it’s best to use lukewarm water. Hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. It can also cause the cuticle layer to open, making the hair more susceptible to damage. Lukewarm water, on the other hand, helps to cleanse the hair without being too harsh.
Rinsing with cool water after conditioning can help to seal the cuticle layer, locking in moisture and adding shine. This also helps to prevent frizz and keeps your curls defined. Avoid extreme temperatures, sticking to lukewarm for washing and rinsing with cooler water when possible.
How can I protect my permed hair while sleeping?
Protecting your permed hair while you sleep is essential for maintaining curl definition and preventing frizz and breakage. Using a silk or satin pillowcase or wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf can significantly reduce friction and tangling as you move during the night. These materials are much smoother than cotton, minimizing damage.
Consider loosely braiding or pineapple-ing your hair before bed. Pineapple-ing involves gathering your hair into a high, loose ponytail on top of your head. These techniques help to maintain curl shape and prevent flattening or stretching overnight. Avoid tight hairstyles that can cause tension and breakage.
What styling products should I use and avoid on permed hair?
When styling permed hair, opt for products specifically designed for curly or permed hair. These products typically contain moisturizing ingredients and help to enhance curl definition while minimizing frizz. Look for products like curl creams, mousses, and gels that are lightweight and won’t weigh down your curls.
Avoid products that contain alcohol, sulfates, or silicones. Alcohol can dry out your hair, sulfates can strip it of its natural oils, and silicones can build up over time, making your hair dull and heavy. Also, minimize the use of heat styling tools like curling irons or straighteners, as heat can damage permed hair and cause it to lose its curl pattern.