You just got a fabulous new perm that has given your hair beautiful waves or curls. But now you’re wondering – how soon can I wet my permed hair? Is it okay to wash, shower or even just get it damp right away?
The answer is, you’ll need to wait before introducing any moisture to freshly permed hair. Here’s a detailed guide on wetting hair after a perm, along with tips for perm care.
Why You Shouldn’t Wet Hair Immediately After Perming
Right after getting a perm, the bonds in your hair have been chemically altered to take on the new curly or wavy shape. Your hair is in a fragile state at this point.
Wetting the permed hair too soon can cause the following issues:
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The perm and curl pattern may loosen or completely relax.
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The curls may lose their definition and become frizzy or stringy.
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The perm solution may not set fully, causing the curls to drop over time.
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The cuticle may open up, causing damage and dryness.
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The new bonds formed may break, leading to hair breakage.
So clearly, it’s best to keep your new perm completely dry initially to “set” it and allow the new bonds to stabilize.
How Long to Wait Before Wetting Permed Hair
Most experts agree you should wait at least 48 hours before wetting freshly permed hair. Some even advise waiting 72 hours if possible.
This gives the perm solution ample time to fully oxidize, neutralize and set your hair in its new curly formation.
The wait time recommended by your stylist may vary slightly depending on:
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The specific chemicals used in the perm solution
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Your individual hair type and texture
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Any pre-existing damage to your hair
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The tightness of the curls
Your stylist should advise you on the ideal wait time for wetting based on these factors. But 2-3 days is typical for most standard perms.
Is It Okay to Wet Hair a Little Before 48 Hours?
We know waiting 2-3 days to wet permed hair at all can feel difficult, especially if you’re used to daily showers.
Lightly misting your hair without fully drenching it may seem like a tempting compromise. However, we suggest avoiding even a small amount of moisture until the full waiting period is up.
The reason is that even a little bit of dampness can begin to alter the perm bonds before they set. A few light spritzes here and there can add up over the 48 hours, disrupting the curl pattern.
It’s best to keep your hair completely dry until you can do a full wetting.
How to Wash Hair After Perming
Once the waiting period is over, you can wet your permed hair fully. But there are still precautions to take for that first post-perm wash:
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Use lukewarm or cool water rather than hot, which can cause damage.
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Apply shampoo very gently, focusing on the scalp rather than lengths. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
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Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo formulated for permed or curly hair.
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Use a wide-tooth comb only. No brushes until hair is stronger.
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Rinse out shampoo and conditioner thoroughly.
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Avoid any additional products like oils or creams for 2-3 washes.
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Air dry hair naturally rather than using hot tools.
Follow these steps for your first few washes to keep perm damage to a minimum. Over time, as your hair adjusts, you can ease back into your regular washing and styling routine.
Perming Myths and Facts
There are some common myths floating around about washing hair after perming. Here are the facts:
Myth: You should never wet permed hair at all for 48 hours.
Fact: It’s fine to wet your hair fully after 48 hours. Just don’t do any light misting or dampening before that.
Myth: You can’t shampoo for 48 hours after perming.
Fact: You can gentle shampoo after 48 hours. Just don’t scrub vigorously.
Myth: Don’t use conditioner for 48 hours after perming.
Fact: Conditioner is okay after 48 hours as long as you rinse thoroughly.
Myth: Avoid washing too frequently after perming.
Fact: Stick to your usual washing frequency after the first 48-72 hours.
Myth: Sleeping on damp permed hair is fine.
Fact: No – dry hair fully after the initial waiting period before sleeping to avoid damage.
Tips for Caring for Permed Hair
Here are some tips for keeping your perm looking fabulous:
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Use sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner formulated for curly or permed hair.
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Wash no more than every 2-3 days to avoid dryness.
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Use a leave-in conditioner and curl cream post-shower.
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Air dry hair naturally rather than using hot tools.
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Sleep on a satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and friction.
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Use a wide-tooth comb only when conditioning to detangle.
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Avoid brushing once dry, which can cause frizz.
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Use hair masks weekly to keep permed hair conditioned.
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Protect hair from UV damage with hats or gentle styles.
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Get regular trims to snip away damaged ends and refresh curls.
With proper aftercare following the initial 48-hour dry period, your perm should give you fabulous curly or wavy locks for months!
When to See a Stylist About Perm Issues
Consult your stylist right away if you notice:
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Curls becoming limp, loose or falling out
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Significant frizziness and lack of definition
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Excess tangles or hair feeling gummy and sticky
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Hair breakage or shedding more than normal
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Scalp irritation, redness or excessive dryness
Don’t try to correct perm problems at home. Seek professional advice on the proper treatment.
In rare cases, a perm may need to be fully or partially redone if it fails to hold. Early intervention can help minimize permanent damage.
The Takeaway
Avoid wetting new perm for 48 hours. This allows the hair to stabilize in its new curly form. Light misting before 48 hours can gradually disrupt the curl over time.
After the initial 48-hour period, you can shampoo and condition hair gently. Ease back into regular washing and styling after a week. Proper care keeps permed hair healthy and helps the curls last.