Caring for permed hair

• Make sure that you don’t wash your hair for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours after you get the perm. This will give the curls in your hair a chance to develop, without falling apart. Your hair is highly brittle at this time and the chemicals need a day to settle in. The perm will also last for at least a couple of months if you do not wash your hair for a day or so.
• Once the waiting period is over, you should wash your hair only with a shampoo that is designed for permed hair. These shampoos contain milder ingredients as compared to regular hair products.  Ask your hair specialist which brand will best suit your hair.
• Condition your hair as suggested by your hair expert, to keep it from getting excessively dry. Opt for a conditioner that has been specially designed for chemically treated hair. Pour a quarter-sized bit of conditioner in the palm of your hand and gently work it into your hair, focusing more on the tips. Leave the conditioner on for a couple of minutes, so that it interacts with the cuticle, locking in the perm. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water.  This step detangles your hair and keeps it from breaking when you brush or comb it.
• Towel-dry your hair very lightly, making sure that you do not twist it or rub it too hard. Remove the extra water from your hair by blotting the moisture lightly.
• Avoid brushing permed hair when it is still wet; use a wide-toothed comb instead. Start towards the end of your hair and gently work your way up to the scalp. Check with your specialist about the necessity of a hair detangling spray, if your hair gets excessively knotted.
• Whenever you blow dry your hair, make sure that you use a diffuser. Direct and strong heat on the hair can cause the cuticle to open, which relaxes your perm.
• Products that contain alcohol cause your hair to become excessively dry and therefore, should be avoided. Look for hair products that are free of alcohol, or at least contain minimal alcohol.
• Make sure that you visit your hair stylist at least once every 4 to 6 weeks, for regular trims and other necessary treatments.
  

answered by M W

Time will improve the condition of your hair and if you are gentle with it and use natural organic ingredients to nourish and condition it, it will recover - try to choose a style which enhances the type of hair you have rather than using chemicals to change the hair into permed curls. Soaking the hair in a hair mayonnaise made with eggs and olive and avocado oils will help it recover - when you use eggs remember to rinse with cool water so you don't set the egg!

answered by J R M