How to curl hair is harmful to hair? Risks, how to prepare and care for permed hair

If you are bored with your hairstyle and want to do something new with your hair, curling is the option for you. With today’s modern curling methods, you can have all sorts of curls, from wavy hair to tight curls. The chemicals used to curl your hair are quite strong, so it’s important to know the risks before embarking on a perm journey. Here are our answers to some frequently asked questions to help you take care of your hair and prevent damage.

Table of Contents

Does perm damage hair permanently?

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Not if you have original and unprocessed hair. Although there is a misconception that curling will make hair dry and damaged, with healthy hair there is not much damage. If your hair has been lightened or bleached the risk is slightly higher, so it’s better to go to a professional hairdresser. ^{[1] X Research Source}

If you’ve dyed or bleached your hair, be sure to use a curling iron made for dyed hair. It will cause less damage and better protect the hair.
Hot (acid) bending is slightly less damaging than cold (alkaline) bending. With bleached or damaged hair, you should consider hot curling.

What are the risks of perm?

Hair can be dry or frizzy. The curling process changes the outermost layer of your hair, which can leave your hair dry and frizzy. If your hair is already damaged or dry from bleaching or dyeing, you probably shouldn’t curl it. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Hair may weaken. Perm chemicals change the protein bonds in the hair. After curling, the hair will lose a lot of natural moisture, leading to easy split ends and breakage, especially at the ends. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Curling your hair for the first time usually doesn’t cause any problems. Only when you curl many times will damage the hair. If you pay attention, you may notice that the more you curl, the drier and frizzy your hair becomes.

What do you need to prepare before curling your hair?

Hair care. The process of curling your hair will make your hair very dry and take away a lot of your hair’s natural moisture. A few days or weeks before perming, you should apply an intensive conditioner and hair mask as often as possible. This way, you will lock the moisture in your hair, so your hair doesn’t get dry and frizzy after curling. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

How long does permed hair last?

About 6 months. This depends on how fast your hair grows and how you take care of it. Most people need to have a perm twice a year. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

It is extremely important to moisturize the hair after perming. Use an intensive hair conditioner and hair mask at least once a week to rebuild strands and keep hair healthy. ^{[6] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

Does perm cause hair loss?

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Possibly, if the medication is applied too close to the scalp. If the curling chemicals come into contact with your skin, you run the risk of chemical burns and hair loss. As long as the curling iron is only on the hair shaft and not in contact with the scalp, it should not cause problems. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

However, you need to be aware that curling irons can cause hair to fall out. The chemicals in curling irons expand the hair follicles and make them prone to breakage. ^{[8] X Trusted Source FamilyDoctor.org Go to Source}

Can you make the hair back to its pre-perm state?

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Yes, if you wash your hair right away. Most perms take 24-48 hours to neutralize; That’s why stylists often recommend waiting 2 days before washing your hair. If you don’t like your newly curled hair, wash it as soon as possible and remember to wash it with shampoo. Use a hair conditioner to hydrate your hair and protect it from damage. ^{[9] X Research Source}

If your hair has been curled for more than 2 days, you probably can’t fix the curled hair. The best thing you can do right now is to use an intensive conditioner to hydrate your hair.

How should you take care of curled hair?

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Use hair conditioner and hair mask. The curling process can dry out your hair. To add extra moisture to your hair, use conditioner every time you wash your hair. Try a deep conditioner or hair mask at least once a week to lock moisture in your hair and prevent damage. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Advice

If you plan to curl your hair at home, read the instructions carefully. It is important to follow the instructions exactly to avoid damage to the hair.

Steps