✨ Perm Aftercare Guide – How to Look After Your New Curls

By Adiba — Your Perm Specialist in London

Welcome to your complete Perm Aftercare Guide. If you’re reading this, you’ve just had a perm — congratulations! A perm chemically restructures your hair into curls or waves, and now the most important part begins:

👉 How you care for your hair AFTER the perm will determine how good it looks and how long it lasts.

This guide answers the most frequently asked questions people search for online — so you don’t have to wonder, guess, or panic.

🔥 The First 48–72 Hours – The “Danger Zone” of Perm Aftercare

During this period, your hair’s new disulfide bonds are still setting. That means your curls are soft, delicate, and vulnerable. Any pressure, moisture, or heat can permanently distort their shape.

❌ What Should You NOT Do After a Perm?

Avoid ALL of the following for at least 72 hours:

🚿 Do not wash your hair
Even clean water interferes with the setting process.

🪮 Do not brush or comb your hair
The curls are still forming — brushing stretches and weakens them.

🎀 Do not tie your hair up
No ponytails, buns, clips, or tucking behind your ears — they create dents that will NOT come out later.

🔥 Do not apply heat
No blow-drying, straighteners, curling irons, or hot air.

🎨 Do not dye or bleach
Colour + perm too close together = breakage and curl loss.

💦 Do not get your hair wet
Rain, sweat, steam, and shower mist all count as wet.

💪 Avoid gym workouts and sweating
Sweat acts like water and softens curls before they are fixed in place.

🌸 Recommended Products for Healthy Curls

Redken

Shampoo – Acidic Bonding Curls
Conditioner – Acidic Bonding Curls Conditioner
Lotion – Acidic Bonding Curls Leave-In Treatment
Styling – Acidic Bonding Curls Gel

Paul Mitchell

Shampoo – Spring Loaded Frizz-Fighting Shampoo
Conditioner – Spring Loaded Frizz-Fighting Conditioner
Lotion – Full Circle Leave-In Treatment
Styling – Super Sculpt Quick Drying Cream

Only Curls

Cleanse – All Curl Cleanser
Condition – All Curl Conditioner
Hydrate – Hydrating Curl Crème
Define – Enhancing Curl Gel

Can I Get My Hair Wet Without Shampoo?

No.
Water alone can loosen and relax curls before they’re stabilised. Even moisture in the shower can affect the shape.

If your hair accidentally gets wet:

✔ gently pat dry
❌ do not rub
❌ do not restyle
✔ let it air dry naturally

Can I Tie My Hair After a Perm?

Not in the first 72 hours.

Anything that compresses the curls leaves permanent marks.
After 3 days, use loose satin scrunchies only — never tight elastics.

Can I Sleep Normally After a Perm?

Yes — with protection.

Use one of these:

💤 Silk or satin pillowcase
🌀 Loose pineapple bun secured with a soft scrunchie
🎀 Silk bonnet if you move a lot during sleep

Cotton pillowcases pull moisture and cause frizz.

🤢 Why Does My Perm Smell Weird?

That sulphur smell comes from the perm solution.
It fades in a few days. Do NOT use perfume — alcohol dries curls.

💧 Washing and Caring for Your Hair After the First 72 Hours

Once the danger zone ends, you can start washing and caring for your curls correctly.

How Soon After a Perm Can I Wash My Hair?

Once the danger zone ends, you can start washing and caring for your curls correctly.

Do I Need a Special Shampoo for a Perm?

Yes. Look for:

✔ sulfate-free shampoo
✔ curl-friendly formulas
✔ moisturising conditioners

Sulfates strip moisture and shorten the life of your curls.

How Often Should I Wash My Permed Hair?

1–2 times per week is ideal.

Daily washing softens curls and reduces perm longevity.

How Do I Brush Permed Hair?

You don’t — not when it’s dry.

Correct technique:

1️⃣ Wet or damp hair only
2️⃣ Apply conditioner
3️⃣ Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb
4️⃣ Start from the ends and move upward

🌿 Keeping Your Curls Moisturised and Frizz-Free

Why Is My Perm Frizzy?

Frizz usually means:

❌ brushing dry curls
❌ lack of moisture
❌ wrong products
❌ too much heat

👉 Frizz is not a perm failure — it’s a moisture imbalance.

How to Prevent Frizz

✔ weekly deep-conditioning mask
✔ pat hair dry — never rub
✔ use curl creams, gels, leave-ins
✔ avoid hot air and cotton pillowcases
✔ regular trims every 3–4 months

💁‍♀️ Styling Your Perm the Right Way

Can I Use Heat on a Perm?

You can, but I strongly advise limiting it
— it shortens curl life.

If you must:

✔ heat protectant
✔ low heat
✔ diffuser only

How Do I Get Curls to Look Defined?

Use:

💧 curl cream on damp hair
🌀 scrunch upwards
🌬 diffuse gently

Avoid:

❌ heavy oils
❌ brushing
❌ blow-drying without diffuser

🏊 Lifestyle Questions About Perms

Can I Work Out With a Perm?

Not in the first 72 hours.

Afterwards, tie loosely and refresh curls with water + curl cream.

Can I Swim With a Perm?

Yes — but protect it:

✔ wet hair before entering pool
✔ apply conditioner as a barrier
✔ rinse immediately after swimming

Chlorine + salt = dryness

👨‍🦱 Are Perms Different for Men?

No — the chemistry is identical, but men often want:

looser waves
more volume
texture without styling

Men must follow the same aftercare rules.

💌 Stay Connected for Personalised Advice

Hi, this is Adiba. I’m a perm specialist based in London with more than 15 years of experience working with curls and hair transformations. I’ve created this guide to answer the most common questions about perms and perm aftercare, and I hope it has helped you understand how to look after your curls properly.

However, every head of hair is different — what works for one person may not be suitable for another. If you’re unsure about what’s best for your hair specifically, I’d be more than happy to guide you further.

To see real client results, techniques, and transformations, you can visit my TikTok page: @adiba.uk

📱 Message me on WhatsApp
📧 Email me
📝 Use the contact form on my website

Your curls deserve care that’s as unique as you are — and I’m here to support you every step of the way. ✨

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