Are Perms Bad for Your Hair?

• What Is A Perm?
• Are Perms Safe?
• Effects Of Perming On Different Hair Types
• How To Take Care Of Your Hair Post Perm?
• Should You Perm Your Hair?
• Conclusion

What Is A Perm?

Perming is a technique that alters your hair appearance. Perming usually refers to adding curly or wavy texture to your hair. However, modern perm techniques offer different curl patterns (including straight hair) to choose from. A professional hairstylist wraps fabric or sponge rods around your hair. The stylist then applies a solution to alter your hair structure. Another chemical solution is applied to the hair to set the curls. This is a simple process, but is it safe?

Are Perms Safe?

Perming exposes your hair to alcohol, boric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonium thioglycolate. These chemicals open up the hair cuticles to make the hair-restructuring process easy and semi-permanent. This, in turn, can make your hair weak and affect hair health. However, perming is not as damaging to hair as bleaching.

Also, perming can be safer and less damaging if done by a professional keeping your hair type in mind. We will now see how perming affects different hair types.

Should You Perm Your Hair?

The golden question – should you perm your hair? Well, is your hair bleached? Is it colored? Or is it dry and damaged? Talk to your hairstylist and take the call. If your hair is bleached or processed, wait it out. Also, you should be extra careful if you are pregnant. The chemicals can be harmful. Talk to a dermatologist before you perm your hair during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Bouncy curls or waves definitely add panache to your hairstyle. Perming is a good solution if you want to add volume and texture to your hair without using heating tools. It also allows you to choose any type of curl. However, practice caution. The use of chemicals can have damaging effects. You can also avoid perming bleached, colored, or dry hair to reduce any hair damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to get a perm while pregnant?

It is better to avoid perming your hair during pregnancy. Chemicals used during perming that have an acidic pH can cause an itchy scalp. On the other hand, if they have an alkaline pH, they can weaken your hair.

How long does a perm last?

A perm can last for about 6 to 8 months, depending on your hair type and perm type (curly, wavy, coiled, etc.).

Are perms good for thin hair?

Perming thin hair can add hair volume. However, the chemicals used in the process can further weaken your hair and cause hair thinning and hair fall.

Will my perm get curlier after I wash my hair?

No, your perm will not get curlier after you wash your hair. Instead, it will take on a more natural shape and look natural.

Read more on: hair