Should I Wash My Hair Before Getting a Perm?

Deciding whether to wash your hair before getting a perm can be a tricky question. On one hand, you want clean hair for the perm chemicals to work effectively. But on the other hand, you don’t want to strip your hair of its natural oils before undergoing a chemical process.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when deciding if you should shampoo your hair before perming.

Overview of Perming Hair

First, let’s briefly go over what perming involves.

A perm uses chemical solutions to break and reform the inner bonds of your hair to create a new texture – usually curly or wavy.

The steps are:

• Hair is sectioned and wound tightly around perm rods
• A “waving” solution is applied to break down the inner bonds in the hair
• It is processed for 10-20 minutes
• A “neutralizer” is applied to restructure the bonds and set the new shape
• Rods are removed to reveal transformed curls or waves

So in essence, a perm involves deeply penetrating chemical processing.

The Pros of Washing Hair Before Perming

Here are the main benefits of cleansing your hair before getting a perm:

Removes Buildup

Shampooing removes dirt, oil, minerals, and product residue. This allows perm chemicals to penetrate optimally and work effectively.

Helps Perm Take Better

Clean hair allows even saturation of perm solution. This leads to tighter, more defined, longer-lasting curls.

Reduces Frizz

Washing hair smooths the cuticle and helps control frizz. Perms turn out best on hair that is smoothed out and frizz-free.

Fresh Canvas

Cleansing gives you a blank canvas to start with. This ensures the perm isn’t affected by any leftover products or accumulated buildup.

Prevents Scalp Irritation

Product buildup and dead skin cells on the scalp can cause irritation. Washing before perming minimizes this risk.

The Cons of Washing Before Perming

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to shampooing first:

Stripped Natural Oils

Shampoo removes the protective oils, making hair dry and brittle before chemical processing.

Weakened Hair

Water swells and opens the cuticles, causing subtle damage. Hair is then weaker going into the perm process.

Less Effective Perm

If hair is already wet, the perm solution may not penetrate as deeply into the hair shaft.

Increased Risk of Damage

Harsh perm chemicals have easier access to vulnerable newly washed hair, raising the potential of damage.

Should You Shampoo Before Perming?

The general consensus among stylists is that it’s better to wash your hair before perming. A clarifying shampoo is ideal for deep cleansing.

Here are some tips to wash hair safely before a perm:

• Shampoo a day or two before, not right before the perm. This gives time for the oils to return.
• Use a gentle clarifying shampoo to avoid over-stripping natural oils.
• Apply a deep conditioning mask after shampooing to nourish hair and scalp.
• Avoid brushing or heat styling to minimize damage to freshly washed hair.
• Get a trim to remove dead ends and minimize risk of breakage.

However, some experts suggest avoiding shampooing if:

• Hair was colored recently – the cuticle is already lifted and vulnerable.
• You have fine, fragile, or damaged hair – wetting may cause more harm than good.
• You have a sensitive scalp – skip lathering to avoid irritation.

Play it safe by consulting your stylist if unsure. They can evaluate your hair health and recommend accordingly.

What is the Best Shampoo Before Perming?

Look for a clarifying shampoo that gently cleanses without over-stripping the hair. Here are great options:

Clarifying Shampoos

• Redken Cleansing Cream Shampoo
• Aveda Dry Remedy Clarifying Shampoo
• Pureology Purify Clarifying Shampoo

Bond-Strengthening Shampoos

• Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
• Briogeo Farewell Frizz Shampoo
• Alterna Caviar Bond Repair Shampoo

Avoid sodium lauryl sulfate shampoos as they can be harsh.

Should You Shampoo After Perming?

There is no need to wait 48 hours after a perm to wash your hair. The neutralizer fully sets in within 15-20 minutes.

Shampooing right after perming will not affect the curls. In fact, it’s beneficial to:

• Remove perm solution residue
• Soothe the scalp after processing
• Hydrate hair after the damage from chemicals

Use a gentle moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Avoid brushing for a day or two while the new perm settles.

How to Protect Hair During the Perming Process

While washing hair beforehand is advisable, a perm can still dry and damage hair. Here are tips to minimize the risks:

• Do an Olaplex or keratin treatment 1-2 weeks before perming to strengthen hair.

• Request an “Olaplex perm” – Olaplex added to solutions helps protect bonds.

• Use a deep conditioning mask after perming to nourish hair.

• Avoid perming over-highlighted or previously permed hair as it is vulnerable.

• Request foiled perm rods if possible. They prevent rubbing and friction against hair.

• Avoid heat styling for 1-2 weeks after the perm.

When to Avoid Washing Before Perming

In some instances, it may be best to avoid shampooing before perming:

• If you have bleached or colored your hair recently. The swollen cuticle is vulnerable.

• If you have fine, fragile, or severely damaged hair. Wetting may cause breakage.

• If you have a sensitive scalp prone to irritation from washing.

Discuss your specific hair history and condition with your stylist first.

The Bottom Line

While opinions vary, most experts advise gently clarifying hair 1-2 days before perming. This removes buildup for optimal results.

However, for fragile orcolor-treated hair, skipping washing may be safer to avoid additional damage. Always consult your stylist beforehand.

With proper preparation and aftercare, perming doesn’t need to be unnecessarily stressful for your hair. Take steps to go into the process with strengthened strands.

Common Perming FAQs

How soon after perming can you wash your hair?

You can wash immediately after. The neutralizer fully sets in 15-20 minutes after application. No need to wait days to shampoo.

Does washing your hair right before perming make it not hold?

No, washing it right before will not prevent the perm from holding. The neutralizer reforms the bonds to set the new shape.

Can you perm dirty hair?

It’s not recommended. Oil and buildup prevent perm solution penetrating effectively. Wash with clarifying shampoo 1-2 days before perming for best results.

Does washing your hair too soon after perming ruin the curls?

Washing immediately after perming does not affect the finished perm. The neutralizer has fully set the new bonds by then.