{"id":2736,"date":"2025-08-29T11:42:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T15:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prose.com\/?p=2736"},"modified":"2025-08-29T11:42:02","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T15:42:02","slug":"guide-to-perm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prose.com\/blog\/guide-to-perm","title":{"rendered":"Should I Get a Perm? Your Guide to Hair Perming & Wavy Looks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hair Perming Works Best on Healthy Hair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your hair has already undergone a chemical process, such as bleaching or relaxing, you probably want to skip a perm because doubling up on the chemicals can lead to chronic dryness and breakage. Similarly, if your hair is currently very dry or breakage-prone due to frequent heat-styling<\/a>, very dry weather, genetics, or even illness, now may not be the best time for a perm. Those that find the greatest success and most improvement with a perm are typically those whose strands are healthy to start\u2014and so better able to handle the needed chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curly or Wavy Loose Perm – There\u2019s a Learning Curve<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA perm isn\u2019t always a wash and go style,\u201d says veteran stylist Faith Huffnagle<\/a>, \u201cIt can be a challenge to learn how to manage curly or wavy hair<\/a> if that isn\u2019t your natural texture.\u201d Those new to waves will have to make an initial financial investment and switch to styling products made for textured hair<\/a>, like creams, serums or soft-hold mousses that provide natural hold plus moisture to minimize frizz. And they\u2019ll have to learn how to use a diffuser to accelerate drying, leave enough time to air-dry\u2014or become comfortable commuting with damp hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Does a Perm Work and Why You Can\u2019t Just Color Your Hair Whenever You Want<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To avoid over-drying and compromising the result of your perm and your color, do not color your hair within seven to ten days of a perm. Why? Coloring and perming hair involves opening the hair\u2019s cuticle (a.k.a. its outer layer), so, if this is done in quick succession, the chemicals you just spent a pretty penny depositing may wash right out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: This advice is for permanent or semi-permanent hair color<\/a> that does not involve bleach. If you lift your color, as previously mentioned, hair perming is probably not for you because it could cause too much damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Wet Your Hair After a Perm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Expanding on the cuticle-opening explanation, above, wetting permed hair\u2014either by frequently shampooing or by swimming\u2014can also hamper the longevity of your new wave. Why? It opens your hair\u2019s protective outer layer and allows the perm chemicals to leak out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider Your Current Haircut Carefully<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever curled ribbon, you know how much it shortens once it\u2019s spiraled. Well, the same thing happens to your hair. So, if you like the length of your hair right now, keep in mind that it could be as much as two inches shorter once it\u2019s wavy\/curly. Choosing the right perm haircut is key to ensuring your new style maintains the desired length and shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re prepping for a perm (and want your hair in optimal health)\u2014or you already have a perm and want hair care to make it last longer, Prose can make it happen. Get your customized formula <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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