How to Style Permed Hair

Last Updated: February 24, 2023 References

Getting a perm can be a great way to change up your style and add body to your hair without having to use a curling iron. Whether your perm is loose and wavy or tight and curly, there are a number of ways you can show off your new look. Choose hair products designed for curly hair, keep your hair healthy and hydrated, and be bold in experimenting with fun styles.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Style

1
Do a side-sweep for a casual, retro look. Parting your hair on the side makes for a fun, 80s-inspired style. Simply use a comb or your fingers to gently separate your hair and let most of it fall to one side. You can pin your hair back on the side it’s parted on to make the look more defined.^{[1]
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2
Go for a blunt cut and a center part for dramatic effect. If you want your hair to make a statement, get a cut with minimal layers and part it down the middle. This will create a dense, symmetrical look, especially if your hair has tight curls, which can be perfect for someone with a bold, unique style.^{[2]
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3
Accent your perm with bangs. Long, layered bangs look good with wavy perms, and short, blunt bangs can be a fun addition to tighter, ringlet-like curls. Keeping your bangs straight can also make an interesting contrast to your perm.^{[3]
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4
Try a layered cut for a light, breezy look. Perms add a lot of body to your hair, and layers can help make that look softer and less heavy. Try long layers for a summery, boho style, or go for a layered bob if you prefer shorter hair.^{[4]
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5
Wear a high ponytail or bun to add length to your face. Gathering your hair above your head can create an elegant look that makes your face and neck appear longer and thinner. Try a high bun or use hairpins to pin the sides and back of your hair up and let your curls fall down from above.^{[5]
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6
Brush out the ends of long hair to make it appear softer and lighter. While brushing permed hair too much can make it frizzy, gently brushing the ends of your hair can give it a softer, less coiled look. This can work especially well with long, tight curls.^{[6]
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7
Try a low side bun or ponytail. Loosely gathering your hair towards one side of your neck can keep your hair in control while still showing off your curls. Part your hair slightly to the side and use a hair tie to secure it in a ponytail, braid or bun.^{[7]
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8
Pull back just the top half of your hair. When you want to keep your hair out of your face or try a more professional, restrained look, tie back just the top half of your hair, above your ears, and leave the rest down. For an especially dramatic effect, pull the top half back tightly so that it appears straight and sleek, and brush out the bottom half to give it extra body.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Hair Products

1
Look for products that are designed for curly hair. These will be formulated to add body and texture to your hair without weighing it down. These products should say on the label that they are intended for curly or permed hair, and are available at most supermarkets, drugstores, and beauty shops that carry hair care products.
- Ask your stylist for product recommendations.
- Make sure not to shampoo 24 hours after getting a perm.
- Avoid shampoos with sulfates in them.
2
Use mousse to add volume to your curls. When your hair is still a little damp after washing, lean over so your hair falls forward and comb about a handful of mousse through your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Gently scrunch your curls with your fingers. If you have time, let your hair air-dry for a more natural look.^{[9]
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- You can also use a little water in a spray bottle to dampen your hair before using mousse.
3
Try a defining cream to give your curls structure. Defining creams are designed to reduce frizz and add structure and body to your curls without weighing them down or making them crispy. You can work the cream into your hair by hand, using your fingers to gently shape and twist individual curls.^{[10]
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4
Avoid gel and leave-in conditioners to keep your hair light and soft. Leave-in conditioners and oil-based products can weigh your hair down and make your curls appear less soft and bouncy. Gel can make curly hair become crunchy and rigid.^{[11]
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5
Use a diffuser attachment with your blow dryer. If you frequently blow dry your hair, invest in a diffuser attachment to avoid causing frizz or damaging your hair with heat. It disperses the blower’s air more evenly, which means the heat won’t be as intense and it won’t move your hair around as much while you’re drying it.^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Keeping Permed Hair Healthy

1
Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Perms can dry out your hair, which can damage it in the long term. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are designed to moisturize and hydrate your hair, and use them every time you shower.^{[13]
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2
Do a deep conditioning treatment once a month. Permed hair can become dried out and damaged if it isn’t properly cared for, and sometimes regular conditioner isn’t enough. Use a store-bought deep conditioning product, preferably one that is designed specifically for permed or chemically-treated hair.
3
Avoid any dyes or chemicals for at least a month after your perm. To keep your hair healthy and hydrated, wait at least a month before you dye your hair or use any strong chemical treatments. If your perm didn’t take or you’re not happy with the results, you should still wait a month before trying another perm.
4
Get a trim every 6-8 weeks. Even if you want to maintain your hair length as it is, it’s a good idea to get a simple trim every 6-8 weeks. This will remove split ends, which makes your hair look better, and also keeps your hair healthy and encourages it to grow faster.
5
Limit how much you use heat on your hair. Perms can weaken and damage your hair, so it’s important to be careful not to damage your follicles any further. Try not to use blow dryers, straighteners or curling irons for more than a few minutes at a time, or more than a few times a week.
- Always apply a heat-protectant product before using heat-styling tools.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can I go swimming when I have a perm?

Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.

Courtney Foster

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Generally speaking, you really want to stay away from a lot of water because it will relax your curls so they become straight again. It's especially important to avoid submerging your hair in water 24 hours after you get a perm.
Question

How do I care for my hair after I've given it a relaxing treatment to make it permanently straight?

Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.

Courtney Foster

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

For curly, coily hair that's been relaxed, make sure to get touch-ups. Usually, it's best to give your hair a deep conditioning every 8 to 12 weeks to make sure your it's thoroughly moisturized. Essentially, deep conditioning, trims, using the right products, and avoiding harsh chemicals are all important because hair that's been relaxed is very fragile.
Question

My spiral perm I got 2 weeks ago has some places where it's almost going straight, while other pieces are corkscrew curls. What should I do?

Celeste Martorana

Community Answer

The thing I recommend is to begin shampooing the hair with clarifying shampoo. This begin to strip the perm out. The perm, after quite a few washes, will begin to form into more of a beach wave instead of ringlets. Let your hair heal a little bit before going to a new salon and getting a perm.