Are you one of those who have a love-hate relationship with their permed hair? Do you wake up every morning, staring at your unruly, frizzy locks and wondering how to tame them? Styling permed hair can be challenging and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we’ll show you how to style permed hair in the morning like a pro.
What Is Permed Hair?
A perm or permanent wave is a chemical process that changes the structure of your hair to create curls or waves. The process involves wrapping your hair around rods and applying a solution that breaks down the hair bonds and reforms them into a new shape. The result is bouncy, full-bodied curls or waves that can last for several months.
Permed hair is suitable for anyone who wants to add volume, curl, or wave to their hair. But, it’s not recommended for people with damaged hair, as it can further weaken the hair strands. If you’re unsure whether permed hair is right for you, consult with a professional hairstylist who can help you determine if your hair is healthy enough for the process.
Perming your hair is best done when your hair is in good condition and not too short. It’s also important to consider your schedule and lifestyle. Permed hair requires some maintenance, so make sure you have the time and patience to care for your curls before getting a perm.
How to Style Permed Hair in the Morning
- Start by shampooing and conditioning your hair with products formulated for permed hair. Avoid using hot water, which can strip your hair of natural oils and cause your curls to become dry and brittle.
- Use a microfiber towel or T-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water from your hair. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel, as this can cause frizz and breakage.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl-enhancing cream to your hair to help define your curls and keep them hydrated.
- Use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to dry your hair gently. Hold the diffuser close to your scalp and use the low heat setting to avoid damaging your curls.
- Once your hair is dry, apply a light-hold styling gel or mousse to your hair to help hold your curls in place. Scrunch your hair gently with your hands to enhance the curls.
- For a more polished look, you can use a curling iron or hot rollers to touch up any areas that need extra curl definition.
- Finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold your curls in place throughout the day.
Pros and Cons of Permed Hair
Like any hairstyle, permed hair has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Adds volume and texture to fine, limp hair
- Can last for several months with proper care
- Versatile – can be styled in a variety of ways
- Low-maintenance – eliminates the need for daily heat styling
Cons:
- Can be damaging to hair if not done properly
- Requires some maintenance to keep curls looking their best
- Can be challenging to style at times
- Can loose curl definition over time and become frizzy
Permed Hair vs Natural Curls
Permed hair and natural curls have some similarities, but there are also some differences to consider.
Similarities:
- Both permed hair and natural curls can be beautiful and add texture to your hair.
- They both require some maintenance to keep them looking their best.
- Styling techniques for permed hair and natural curls can be similar.
Differences:
- Permed hair is a chemical process that alters the structure of your hair, while natural curls are determined by your hair’s genetics.
- Natural curls tend to have more volume and bounce, while permed hair may require more styling products to achieve the same effect.
- Permed hair can last for several months, while natural curls are permanent.
Tips for Maintaining Permed Hair
- Use products formulated for permed hair to avoid stripping your hair of natural oils.
- Avoid using hot water when washing your hair.
- Gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or T-shirt.
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to avoid frizz and breakage.
- Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet, as this can cause breakage.
- Limit heat styling and use a heat protectant spray when you do.
- Get regular trims to prevent split ends.
The Best Products for Styling Permed Hair
When it comes to styling permed hair, choose products that are gentle and nourishing. Here are some of the best products for styling permed hair:
- Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie: This curl-enhancing cream defines curls and keeps them hydrated.
- DevaCurl SuperCream: This styling cream provides moisture and hold without weighing down your curls.
- Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush: This brush is gentle on your hair and helps enhance your curls while providing volume.
- Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel: This light-hold gel helps control frizz and humidity while keeping curls in place.
- Kinky-Curly Original Curling Custard: This custard provides long-lasting hold and definition for your curls.
Conclusion
Styling permed hair can be challenging, but with the right techniques and products, it can also be rewarding. Whether you’re looking to add volume or create bouncy curls, permed hair can give you the look you desire. Remember to take care of your permed hair by using gentle products and avoiding excessive heat styling, and you’ll have beautiful, luxurious curls that last for months.
FAQs
- Can I perm my hair at home? While it’s possible to perm your hair at home, it’s not recommended. Perming your hair requires knowledge of chemicals and hair structure that only a professional hairstylist has. Attempting to perm your hair at home can lead to damage or uneven results.
- How often do I need to get a perm? Perms can last for several months, depending on how well you care for your hair. It’s recommended to wait at least six months before getting another perm to avoid damaging your hair.
- Can I color my permed hair? Yes, you can color your permed hair, but it’s important to wait at least two weeks after getting a perm before coloring your hair. Coloring your hair too soon after a perm can cause damage and weaken your hair.
- How do I prevent my permed hair from becoming frizzy? To prevent frizz, use products formulated for permed hair, avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet, and sleep on a satin pillowcase. You can also apply a small amount of hair oil or serum to your ends to tame frizz.
- How do I revive my permed curls after sleeping on them? Spray a small amount of water or leave-in conditioner onto your hair, scrunch gently with your hands, and use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to revive your curls. Avoid using too much heat, as this can cause damage to your curls.
