Why You Shouldn't Wash Your Hair After a Perm

Hair care after getting a perm can be a bit tricky. If you've recently had a perm, you might be wondering when it's safe to return to your regular hair care routine. Washing your hair might sound refreshing, especially after spending hours at the salon or Hairdresser. However, it’s recommended to wait for a certain period before diving into a shampoo session. Let’s find out why.

Understanding the Perm Process

To understand why washing your hair after a perm is not recommended, it's important to know what happens during the procedure. A perm is a chemical process that breaks down the structural bonds of your hair and then reforms them into a particular shape. The reformation of these bonds gives your hair a new, curly appearance.

Chemical Composition and Bonding

• Disulphide Bonds: At the core of your hair structure are disulphide bonds. The perm solution breaks these down, making the hair flexible.
• Neutralisation: After your hair has been reshaped, a neutralising solution is applied to rebuild those disulphide bonds in their curly formation.
  

Here's how washing your hair immediately after a perm can affect the longevity and quality of your perm:

Interrupting the Bond Formation

• Allowing Time: Your hair needs time for the disulphide bonds to settle into their new structure. Washing your hair too soon can interfere with this stabilising process.
• Disturbing the Curls: The initial days after a perm are important. The curls are still settling and aggressive washing can pull and stretch them, leading to an uneven finish.

Washing Away Essential Oils

• Natural Protection: Your scalp naturally produces oils to protect and nourish your hair. After a chemical treatment like a perm, these oils are vital for recovery.
• Risk of Dryness: Washing too soon can strip your hair of these beneficial oils, making your locks dry and prone to breakage.
  

Looking after your newly permed hair doesn't have to be a challenge. Here are tips to guide your hair care routine:

• Allow Time: Wait at least 48 hours after getting a perm before washing your hair. This gives the bonds ample time to stabilise.
• Use the Right Products: When you wash your hair, opt for shampoos and conditioners designed for chemically treated hair. They're gentler and will help maintain your curls.
• Avoid Brushing: For the first few days, try to avoid brushing your hair. Instead, use your fingers or a wide toothcomb to detangle and style.
  

Taking care of your hair after a perm is important to ensure the longevity and beauty of your curls. By understanding the chemistry behind the perm process and the importance of waiting to wash your hair, you can enjoy gorgeous, bouncy curls that last. Looking for more hair care tips or thinking about getting a perm? Reach out to Southside Hair and Beauty Design.