Can I Wash My Hair 36 Hours After a Perm?

Getting a perm involves chemically treating your hair to rearrange the structure and give you new waves or curls. After enduring the intensive process, your first instinct may be to wash your hair. But how soon can you shampoo after perming? Is 36 hours enough time for the curls to set?

This article provides a detailed look at the implications of shampooing too soon after a perm, whether 36 hours is advisable, and tips for gentle cleansing if you must wash within that timeframe.

Overview of Perming Hair

First, let’s do a quick recap of what a standard perm service involves.

During perming:

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

This chemical restructuring makes hair fragile. Washing immediately after can disrupt the new bonds before they set, leading to disappointing results.

Is 36 Hours Long Enough Before Washing?

The standard advice is to wait 48 hours before wetting or washing permed hair. This gives the new bonds completely set and stabilize. Wetting hair earlier can degrade the chemicals leading to looser, irregular curls.

However, some people may be eager to wash out chemical residue or refresh their hair sooner. So is 36 hours after a perm okay for shampooing?

The short answer is yes, it is possible to gently wash hair after 36 hours. But extra care must be taken to avoid disturbing the new curl pattern.

When unsure, it’s always safer to wait the full 48 hours. But if you must shampoo at 36 hours, here are some tips:

• Use lukewarm water rather than hot, which is harsher.

• Apply shampoo only to roots, avoiding lengths and ends.

• Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free formula for processed hair.

• Avoid vigorous scrubbing, instead gently massage shampoo on roots.

• Let conditioner sit on mid-lengths to ends before rinsing.

• Blot hair dry gently with a towel. Air dry instead of blow drying.

• Do not brush for another 24 hours after washing.

While washing at 36 hours can work, there are risks to keep in mind, as we’ll explore next.

Potential Risks of Washing at 36 Hours

Perming achieves the new curl or wave pattern by reforming the inner bonds in the hair structure. This takes some time to fully set – around 48 hours.

Washing too soon can impact the perm results:

• Weaker curl formation: Shampooing before bonds fully set can lead to looser, irregular curls that lack definition.

• Increased frizz: Wetting hair opens up the cuticle. This can cause frizz once hair dries, obscuring perm results.

• Dryness: Shampoo removes oils that protect hair from moisture loss. Permed hair is prone to dryness already.

• Damage: Wet hair is weaker. Rubbing while shampooing can cause breakage of fragile permed strands.

• Failed perm: In worst cases, washing before the neutralizer fully sets can make curls straighten out entirely.

So while possible to shampoo at 36 hours, waiting the full 48 is highly recommended. Consult your stylist too for guidance based on your hair condition.

Next, let’s go over tips for gentle cleansing if you must wash your permed hair under 48 hours.

How to Gently Wash Hair 36 Hours After Perming

Again, shampooing 36 hours after perming is risky but doable if done carefully to avoid ruining the new curls or waves.

Follow these tips for gentle hair cleansing:

Use a mild, moisturizing shampoo

Avoid sulfates that can be harsh on processed hair. Look for a formula infused with oils or hydrators.

Some good options are:

• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
• DevaCurl Low-Poo Delight Lightweight Cleanser
• Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt Down Extreme Repair Shampoo

Apply only to roots

Focus lather solely on roots and avoid scrubbing lengths and ends to preserve the perm result on those areas.

Use lukewarm water

Very hot water can swell and damage hair. Warm or lukewarm water is gentler for shampooing.

Let conditioner sit

After shampooing roots, apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Let it soak in for a few minutes before rinsing for extra moisture.

Blot dry gently

Rubbing with a towel can cause frizz and breakage. Gently squeeze out moisture then blot dry sections carefully.

Air dry hair

Avoid heat styling for 48 hours post-perm. Air drying reduces damage risk.

Don’t brush for 24 hours

Wait 24 hours after washing before brushing to allow bonds to restabilize. Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb for now.

Perm Aftercare to Maintain Results

To keep your permed hair in the best condition after the initial 48 hour waiting period:

• Shampoo just 1-2 times per week. Use a hydrating, curl-friendly formula.

• Load up on moisture with leave-in conditioners and hair masks.

• Let hair air dry instead of blow drying to minimize damage.

• Sleep on a satin pillowcase. The smooth fabric minimizes frizz.

• Use a detangling spray and wide-tooth comb if brushing is needed.

• Protect hair from chlorine, saltwater and sun exposure to retain moisture.

With proper aftercare, you can enjoy beautiful permed locks for months. Be extra gentle while washing and styling during the initial 2 days.

The Bottom Line

• It’s possible to gently shampoo hair after 36 hours. But not recommended or risk-free.

• Wait the full 48 hours if possible. But if you must wash at 36 hours, use extreme care.

• Apply shampoo only to roots and use a moisturizing formula.

• Rinse with lukewarm water and let conditioner soak in.

• Blot dry and allow hair to air dry naturally.

• Do not brush for 24 hours after washing.

While results may vary, waiting the full 48 hours before wetting or washing permed hair remains the safest approach. Take great care if cleansing slightly early at 36 hours to avoid ruining your new perm.

Common Questions about Washing After Perms

How soon can you wash your hair after a perm?

The standard advice is to wait 48 hours before washing permed hair. This allows bonds to set completely.

Can you wash your hair immediately after a perm?

No, washing immediately can prevent the perm result from taking properly. Wait 48 hours for safe washing.

What happens if you wash your hair too soon after perming?

Washing too soon can lead to dry, damaged hair and loss of curl definition or formation.

Is it OK to just rinse with water after a perm?

No, wetting at all can disrupt the new bonds. Avoid water entirely for 48 hours.

When can you brush your hair after a perm?

Avoid brushing for 48 hours to let the new curl pattern set properly first.