Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I got a perm in my cosmetology class and instead of actually curling it just frizzed up and broke off. It's been a couple weeks since I got the perm and I've been doing deep conditioning treatments at least once a week.
I would speak to the head of the school. There is something called a reverse perm. Hopefully that will help your hair recover.
My hair was permanently straightened and I used to go for touch ups after every 3-4 inches of new hair growth. I continued this process for almost 3 and a half years, from early 2010 till late 2012, as straightening gave shine and softness to my naturally dry, rough, and wavy hair. In between these 3 years I even colored my hair magenta red from root to tip in streaks. The color has now taken the shade of honey brown and is still there for about 40% of my hair from the tip.
Since the year 2013 I did not do anything to my hair chemically; only some cuts twice or thrice. Now that the straightening and color have grown out half the way down and my natural hair had reached half the way from the root towards the tip, it has a shabby look. So I decided to perm my hair.
I permed my hair on February 16, 2015. After this perm my hair has become utterly rough, dry, frizzy, and messy and the colored tips are burnt. The perm has also gotten washed out from around 30% of my straightened hair with just the first wash. Though I am not experiencing any hair fall right now; I feel very embarrassed to go to work with such a state of my hair and I am not really liking this perm on my hair.
Please help me. It would be really kind if you can suggest something with which I can get my normal hair back as soon as possible or at least I can nourish my hair and restore some softness.
What I thought could be a possible remedy is that I iron my hair with a straightener just as a temporary setting and leave it for a day or two and then wash it. Will this help me to get rid of the perm? Or if you can suggest something to reverse the perm effect without damaging my hair any further.
Please help!
By Shabana
Hi, Shabana,
Sorry to hear about your difficulties, but have you considered talking to a salon professional for advice?
In the meantime, before you decide on anything, check Google for styling tips on how to wear your hair attractively tied back or braided?
From personal experience, I can tell you that going ultra-short is very fun and hair grows back quickly. Last, not least, please consider investigating home-made conditioners? Egg yolks, for instance, are just great for additing nutrients.
Best of luck,
Rose Anne
Try wen cleansing conditioner. This will help rejuvenate your hair. It's pricey but you'll like how healthy your hair will look and feel.
I have had extensive damage from a perm as you described. If you can find "Infusion" (usually found on the bottom shelves), I guarantee it will help. There are two or three (or more) Infusion products. Get the one for damaged hair. It won't clear it up immediately but you'll notice the difference right away. I've had to use it twice and I swear by it.
Usually, hair straidgners are one of the most strongest chemicals for hair. When you go to a hair salon and they start consulting they ask you and warning you about possible side effects of doing so much chemicals on your hair.
I got my hair permed. The perm didn't take the first time so I waited a month, colored it, and waited 3 more weeks before my new perm. Now my hair is a mess. When dry it's manageable, but frizzy when wet. I am very upset I feel and look like Bozo the clown.
I was told to try hot oil therapy and intense moisturizing treatment will this work to help manage the craziness. I'm embarrassed to go out in public with my hair the way it is.
I had a perm on Friday and the day after it was frizzy and felt like straw. I had to wet it and same the day after that. What should I do to make it soft and curly? Thanks.
I let this chick perm my hair, something I don't ever do, and she used 2 of the chemicals that you are supposed to use just 1 per kit. And now my hair is slowly falling out. What can I do to stop the breakage? Every time I comb it I get wads of hair. Please help.
By Tylisha
Get a good hair cut. The hair is damaged and there is no way to save it except start all over. Go to hair cuttery which has good prices on hair procedures or find a school that trains hair dressers-a beauty school and you can find good deals on hair procedures.
I had the same problem until a friend told me to use "Infusium23". It is a leave in treatment. It comes in a gray plastic bottle, black top. I have used this for years, as it leaves my hair soft.
I just had a perm. and used it. I don't even have to curl my hair anymore as this problem makes me look like I have natural curly hair. Now all I do is wash, and use this product, and on my way out the door. I hope this helps you. Walmart sells it as well as all drug stores.
roadrouse AT yahoo.com
I tried this ApHogee protein product that can be bought at Sally's. It's a two step application.
Please be careful when using the Protein Treatment as you will find that your hair will be very stiff. This is for professionals only. Sit under a hair dryer for about 20 minutes. Don't touch it or put a bonnet on your head. Carefully rinse your hair and then put The Balancing Moisturizer on it. Keep it on for 2 minutes and then rinse out. You will finally have real hair again. Good luck.
I would also stop using a comb or brush on your hair, especially when it's wet. Condition it in the shower, don't rub it to dry it. Apply a leave-in and try to just use your fingers.
If I am thinking you are saying what you are saying, then I know what you mean. I did this once by accident to my hair. I used the perm on only half of my hair and it practically dissolved the hair. There is no way to fix it if it is as bad as I think it is. Get a really short hair cut and start over again. You could check with the salon where you get your hair cut and make sure there is not a way to save it. Live and learn! :)
I got a perm two weeks ago. I did everything I was instructed to do by my hairdresser. After I shower my hair looks great, the next day it goes kinda straight so I spray water on it, scrunch it, and add a little hairspray and it looks like I stuck my finger in a lightsocket and it's extremely frizzy.
After the 3rd day it looks limp and I repeat. I was told to wash it every few days. So my question is, am I not playing enough with my hair in between washes, you know I mean scrunching it enough?I bleached my hair 3 months ago and then dyed it 4 times after that, as my hair was looking yellow and I didn't like it at all. Then today I asked my aunt who is a hair dresser to perm my hair to make it curly, but after the 10 minutes that perm was left on my head, my long hair burnt. My hair didn't get dry after 6 hours so I had to use a dryer and straightener to make it look better as it totally looks like wool on my head.
Please help me, I don't know what I can do. The only way I found was to cut my hair a little and use straightener to straighten my hair a little bit and tie it back. Is my hair going to fall out later?
By Sasha
I don't know about your hair falling out, but it has been over processed too many times in too short of time period. If your aunt is a hair stylist she should have know that. In my 74 years I have been to numerous hair stylists and they all say the same thing, you have to wait a certain period of time in between doing the different processes.
Being I no longer color or perm my hair I can't remember the time frame, but I do know you have done too much to your hair in too short of time. The first stylist that told me this was my sister, and I didn't quite believe her because she tends to be quite opinionated, so the next time I went to beauty shop I asked the stylist that was doing my hair, and she agreed with what my sister had said. Even students in the beauty schools say the same thing.
I don't think you hair will fall out from over processing but stress can make your hair fall out. Since you seem to be overly stressed about your hair problems, if it falls out stress may be the cause. (learned this from a hairdresser years ago) Your hair has been so overly processed I doubt that you can fix it.
Some really good deep conditioners may help it look better, you might even try some natural ones that use raw eggs and mayonaise, I think. Never tried that as I don't process my hair any more. But I think you are fighting a losing battle and really need to cut it really short and keep it short until you have cut off all of the overprocessed hair and then start over. And talk to a reputable hairdresser about different processing - everything you have done has and is causing severe damage. Good luck.
Wow, that was way too much chemical exposure in a very short time. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but your hair is over-processed, and there's not much you can do to turn back from that kind of damage.
The only things you can do for now is have a keratin conditioning treatment, and keep moisture in your hair, with a moisturizing conditioner. Keep getting it trimmed frequently to get rid of the bad ends. Treat it gently, wear it in styles which won't use much tension or heat, such as a slightly loose ponytail or some sort of bun.
Even a tiny amount of a liquid hair oil will help as a styling aid. Minimize brushing, and no brushing while wet. Comb gently with a comb with fairly large teeth, and minimize combing while wet; finger detangle as much as possible. All that being said, even though your hair won't fall out from your scalp, it will likely break off between the new growth and the processed hair as it grows out.
Once there is enough breakage to make it look bad, go ahead and get a nice haircut to get rid of the damaged hair. All the tips I gave you will just help to keep your length on your head as long as possible, so you have time to accumulate some new growth, so your new cut won't have to be so short.
Next time you bleach your hair, if you plan to perm it, have the same stylist do both, as the stylist should know how far apart to space the chemical services. Alternately if you decide to just bleach your hair on your own and not get a perm, if it is too yellow go to a beauty supply and ask for a violet-based toner and tips how to use it: a violet-based toner will neutralize the yellow in one or two applications, without further damaging your hair-toners are meant to be used with bleached hair to alter the undertones without completely changing the color away from blonde. Good luck!
Information sources: 10 years of cosmetology career.
I had a home perm 8 months ago. I have lost 10 inches of hair due to breakage. I don't feel like it's getting better. My hair is dry all the time and feels like straw. I have been using hair masks and protein treatments, and homemade treatments for 8 months and it hardly makes a difference.
Is there anything I can do? I feel like it's always gonna be like thisA few months ago I got a perm. It was great the first 2 or 3 days, but after I washed it, it lost all texture. Now when I wash it, some hair falls out when brushing and while dry. I have to keep gel or mousse in it which makes my hair feel greasy and nasty, and it doesn't have the same texture and shine to it as it use to.
I need a good shampoo and conditioner to get rid of the damage. Any good products?I need advice for bleached and permed hair damage. I went for my every three month hair highlight when I decided to go blonde from brown. The stylist sold me some leave in keratin and chi oil and I went home. When I got home it looked orange. She said she had already used 6 solutions so we waited a week and did again.
I am a person that uses several different styling hair products and about three different shampoos are in my bathroom at any given time. Since it looked orange I bought some John Frieda lightening conditioner. I went back to stylist and she redid it saying we needed it one more time to fully lift.
The next time I went which was a month later for roots she said that if I wanted a perm at all this summer it had to be done that day because can't color over perm. I did this.
When she took off rods she started yelling at me that I had a film on hair from the lye in the Frieda or the shampoo choices I made and I may lose all my hair because of it. She gave me two clarifying masks to lift the film and olaplex treatment.
It is three days later and my hair won't dry for hours and feels like rubber at the roots and crown and complete straw everywhere else.
She told me that if I use any product but it's a 10 it will not work out for me.
I am on a very limited budget and paid her 160 so there is not a lot left. I did buy the 10 miracle mask and am getting coconut oil to try to sleep in.
Will my hair fall out? I am sick and scared. Oh yeah. She said that if we had done the bleach root instead of perm it would have fallen out for sure.
My hair is fine and baby soft. The perm was given under a hair dryer and as a result I have frizz, especially on the top and it is also on the thin side. What can I do to correct this?
By Catherine
I have previously had my hair stripped, like 6 months ago, and had two perms done to my hair within the space of a month or so. It is now two months later and I have only just realised that I have hair that has broken off and left about an inch from my scalp. I am so worried and I am crying everyday :(. I have spoken to a trichologist and they have booked me into an appointment to get all the chemicals used in the perm out of my hair, as this may not have been washed out properly when it was done.
Can someone please tell me whether you have experienced this, or whether you know if more of my hair will eventually fall out? Would this have happened straight after or will I be expecting more severe breakage?By Victoria
Basically you did too many chemical processes to your hair within a short time. I have a sister that is a retired beautician and she always told people how long to wait between various chemical treatments, especially the people that did "DIY" processes.
I can tell you what will fix your hair. First, get ALL the chemicals out. Then start using Organix conditioner. I use the coconut and my my mom uses the macadamia nut. It is available at Wal-Mart and has saved our hair.
Hers was thinning and breaking due to stress, a medication she was taking, and very hard well water. Mine was breaking off every time I brushed it due to stress and arid climate. I started using the Organix and then made sure she started using it. Now both of our hair has recovered. Mine is soft and shiny and hers has gotten long again and wavy. You should definitely try it with a really gentle shampoo.
I had my first perm in the beginning of February, so it's been about 8 months. At this point it's in the transition of "loosening up" or "expiring." My hair is naturally thick and harder to perm, according to my stylist, because I have Asian hair. Apparently most Asian hair doesn't work well with perms? Is this true? The first 4-5 months I would follow the routine of deep conditioning every week, rinsing with cold water, shampooing 1-2 times every week, and moisturizing my hair with natural oils and products. I don't use a lot of products in my hair because it gets oily and frizzy, so if any of you ladies out there know a good natural brand for frizzy hair, please help!
Up until my 7th month mark I began to feel super frustrated with the fuzziness of my curls! And I know perms don't last that long, but at my 8th month mark, what can I do to help heal my hair? I want to maintain the curls and the frizz as best as I can.
What happens now? I've had my wonderful experience with a curly perm, but what do I do now that it's been 8 months and my hair not really cooperating with this routine? I would love to put my hair down again without worrying about how horrendous the curls look, but lately I've been side-braiding it or wearing it in a bun. I want the va-va-voom back, now I am struggling with the womp-womp-womp.
Ladies, if you've got any tips at all, Please help!
By Lila D.
I get my hair permed and colored at the same time. Sometimes it comes out extremely dry. Is that because of processing time or what? It's not falling out, but looks and feels very dry. What can I do to help it now?
By Jennifer from ID
I'm 74 and have talked to a lot of hair stylists over the years and they all recommend waiting several weeks between coloring and perming. You should probably discuss this with the person that did your hair or did you do it yourself?
Your hair will be dry as you are putting chemicals on it. I would recommend using a deep conditioner either with coconut oil or Moroccan argan oil. This puts moisture back into your hair. Use after shampooing as you would a normal conditioner or for a weekly treatment leave it on your hair for 10-15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. I hope this helps :)
I have lines or parts that I cannot get rid of since having the perm.
What to do?
By Elaine F
I have had many perms in the past and I have found that they will relax after you wash your hair a few times. Don't worry. I would pin my hair up to hide the parts until my hair settled down. Good luck!
I have a bad colic in the back of my hair. The only way I resolved it was by having a hair cut in a V pattern. If your beautician doesn't know how to do it she needs to check around for help at some beauty schools.
What can I do to get healthy and smooth hair back after having it permed 1 month ago and before that I also had highlights done with blond? 2 years back I had rebonding done as well. Now it's totally damaged and too rough. How can I get it smooth and healthy? Please help.
By Latika from India
A month ago I got a perm and one day I touched my nape area to find that I was bald. I lost hair in the middle, back, sides, and some edges. I have some of the top of my hair left. Since then I noticed that my hair was shedding very badly so I started using Apogee damaged hair shampoo and 2 minute reconstruction. I cut the perm part out of the back, but not on the top.
I want to grow the perm out of the longer part so it can come to the natural curl and let the short part grow a little more before I cut it. What can I do to help my the perm leave and what products can I use for the short hair before transitioning to natural hair? I want to cut it in December if possible. Please help.By Jenkins
Are you speaking of a relaxer, or a permanent wave? I feel you may be speaking about a relaxer. If so, you are on the right track with ApHogee, however it would also be in your best interest to get and use the ApHogee reconstructor. It will help add back some of the protein which was damaged and is missing from your hair after the relaxer.
You only need to use it once every 2 months, and since you are considering cutting the remaining relaxer off, you will probably need just the one treatment. Follow the instructions exactly, or even better go to a salon that gives the treatment and get it there.
To get your hair and scalp back healthy again, make sure you are eating right and drinking plenty of water. Keep your hair and scalp clean and use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, alternating with a protein treatment conditioner. shampoo your hair & scalp gently using fingertips, not fingernails. Detangle gently with your fingers and a large-tooth comb.
Apply a good oil (coconut oil from the grocery store has been found to be great for a lot of people, so has olive oil-both of them the same ones we eat). Keep styling products like mousses gels and sprays, etc. to a minimum. Massage your scalp each day-while you watch tv in the evening to wind down is a good time, massaging is relaxing.
Wear protective styles as often as possible, such as an updo like a bun or puff, a headwrap, or some kind of set like a curly straw set, so you don't have to mess with your hair as much. And finally, since you want to go natural, seek out a few natural hair blogs and discussion groups to join-the information and discussions you read will provide valuable information to help you along in your journey to natural hair.
I was a haircare specialist for 10 years, I have been natural myself for almost all my life, and my approach to haircare was to get my clients' hair healthy and get it to grow, whether natural or processed. Good luck in your journey and don't let any small setbacks discourage you, just keep pressing on!
By the way, I forgot: Hair grows about 1/2 inch per month, so you will have nearly 2 inches of new growth when you cut it in December. To see the full 2 inches stretch the curl, it will look shorter in its natural state.
I did a really stupid thing about 3 months ago and bleached my fringe and put crazy colour on and a week later I had a perm. I knew it would dry my hair out a little bit, but I then did the stupid thing of putting a Nice and Easy dark box colour on and burned my scalp at the front and my hair went like chewing gum. The colour obviously didn't take as I only left it on for ten minutes before I couldn't leave it on anymore.
Anyway needless to say I was mortified. I have conditioned it everyday since then and had to use a temporary colour so it matched the rest of my hair, but what I need to know is can I use a dark hair dye (permanent) on my hair now as it's been 3 months.By Gemma
I would leave it alone for another few months until all the damaged hair can be trimmed off. Or, go to a hairdresser to have this done; someone who is good with damaged hair. Have your mother ask around. I suspect you may be allergic to the Nice and Easy brand. It should not burn your scalp.
Wait at least another 3 months. I am a hair dresser and I would not touch it for at least that long-keep getting it trimmed to cut off the damage and then be very select in the product you choose.
How do I fix my hair? I got a perm done and it burned. I can't even brush it and it's so dry. I hate it, but don't want to cut it off. I feel so bad all I want is for it to be straight. What can I do? There has to be something.
By Espie from CA
Mayonnaise is an excellent hair corrector for over processed or dry hair. A couple tablespoons should be plenty applied to dry hair. Leave as long as you want or 30 minutes. Shampoo as usual.
I had a similar problem and the answer for me was to not wash your hair with any shampoo but use hair conditioner as shampoo. My hair still came out really nice and clean and not so horribly dry and much softer appearance. I have heard that some people with naturally, very curly hair use only conditioner for shampooing. It sure worked for me.
I just went to a salon for an air perm, it was just about 2 days ago. I was instructed not to wash it for 3 days. My hair was previously rebonded and has color and highlights. The problem now is that my hair became so dull and dry. It's damaged. Is there any remedy? I haven't reached the 3rd day yet. It's making me feel so awful. I don't want to go back to that salon coz I don't want further damage. Should I consult a different salon? I feel like my hair texture has become synthetic. Is there any way to save it?
Please help me.
I permed my hair like 3 weeks ago, but I guess I didn't do it right. My hair is super dry and frizzy. I went and had it cut, but still looks the same. My end hair pieces break off really easily.
I was thinking to relax my hair. Do you guys think it would be safe to do it or what can I do because I really want my hair to be straight and healthier?I would like to dye my hair, but because I had gotten so many perms in the past, I was forced to cut it from the extensive damage. My hairstylist styled it and cut out most of the damage from the perm. It's been 2 years and everything else has grown back except the middle section of my hair. I suppose that's where most of the damage took place, but I don't know how to help it grow back. It's been utterly stagnant in the growth process and my hair breaks off at the ends a lot. It appears as if I'm shedding at times. What should I do?
By Mylette from Hinesville, GA
I understand your issue. My hair was once burned by relaxer and when i later on tried to dye it, it was completely stripped. I then began to start all over. I cut my hair until all the dead and damaged hair was removed. I would wash my hair twice a month, and add baby oil to the ends of my hair. This would prevent split ends. I then used argan oil and products to retreat my hair. I applied hair grease only to my scalp to keep it from becoming dry and flaky. Then I would use less heat. try using these methods and leave a comment on the results you will be amazed.
I was supposed to get a spiral perm. Needless to say it turned into a huge frizz mess. It was way over processed and the color is coming out. I'm using a protein spray, a condition and shampoo, and it's not getting any better. I washed it the same day after I saw it. I have to go to interview this week and it's awful. Please help.
You should return to the shop now and request immediate help for your hair. If they refuse, speak with the manager directly. If the manager is out, return when the manager is in. You should be pleased with your perm!
I have put a perm in my hair. I used hair color, but it has been a few weeks. I put the perm in my hair, used sponge rollers, and did as the instructions said. Now my hair is fried. I comb my hair and pieces of hair break off and fall out in my comb. I barely can take the comb through it at all it's so stiff and matted together. Please help. Please respond to me by email.
By Sandra
Does perming affect the hair which will grow after the perming is over?
By Neena from bhilai
I got a wave perm last week. After I shower, my hair still feels dry, and is extremely tangled to the point where I have to start combing it out, and the hair is almost impossible to comb. Not to mention a lot of hair falls out during the process. Also I have a baby that is 4 months old now (so I know the falling out comes from that too).
I have also received a magic straight perm over a year ago, and another one preceding that the year before. I was told that my hair was already damaged from the magic straight, but since it has been over a year it should be okay. However the hair is completely damaged, dry, and impossible to comb. Need some advice on what to do from here.By Ang M.
If you got it at a salon, go back for them to fix the problem, especially if they are the ones who told you getting a perm "should be ok" after the magic straight treatments. The treatments chemically alter your hair, so the ends have had 3 chemical treatments, 2 magic straight, then one permanent wave.
You will likely have to get your hair cut, at least up above the part that has had magic straight on it twice and now permanent wave, and maybe even up past the part that has had magic straight once then permanent wave. It sounds like the ends were overprocessed. While you may be suffering some hair loss from childbirth, you are likely suffering breakage in the overprocessed areas as well. You will need to have some deep conditioning treatments, after your cut. So sorry this happened to you!
I had really long hair and I've always used a perm, but did it the right way and took care of it so it didn't stop my hair growth. I tried a new perm that had even more chemicals in it and ever since I've had chunks of hair that are kinda long, and other chunks that are cut really really short. I need help to bring back my hair.
By Aminata
I got a perm to get it straight, I got one in December and then in March. I haven't had one since. I love my perm very much, except when I come out of the shower my hair turns very, very dry. It will only go silky and smooth if I straighten it, but sometimes I just leave it wavy and dry like when I come out of the shower. Are there any solutions I can use for my dry hair? I'm getting it permed again next Monday.
By Sara
After washing, put your conditioner on, but don't rinse it out. When you towel dry your hair, most of it will be removed, but enough will be left on your hair to condition it and able to comb.
I had bleached my hair and a week later I put in a perm. My hair is falling out every time I touch it. It feels slimy and nasty. How do I fix it without having to cut all my hair off?
By Meli
I am having the same trouble except I got mine highlighted and now my blonde hair is nasty and stretchy on the ends. I'm looking up solutions I'll let you know if I find anything.
My hair is so damaged from years of perms. I want to start all over, but I'm scared I'll look terrible with a really short cut. What do I do to get my hair more healthy? Do I have to keep getting perms? What do I do?
By Noel
Sadly, you'll have to either grow out or cut off the damaged hair.
The only other option you might want to try is to do weekly (or more often) *deep* conditioning treatments. Walmart has good prices on trustworthy brands. (Sally Beauty Supply might also be able to suggest good treatments.)
They might help soften the hair's cuticle & leave behind some shine ~ making you hair appear healthier while it grows out.
Hope that helps! Best of luck
I permed my hair, right after I rinsed it jet black by myself for the first time. I didn't know that I was supposed to rinse my hair until all of the jet black was completely washed out. I semi-rinsed it and left half of the chemicals in my hair. 2 months later my hair is super dry, itchy, and slowly, but surely it is breaking off. What should I do to repair my hair to stop the itching and breakage?
By Deedee C
Hair stylists will tell you to never perm your hair for a few weeks after coloring it. I can't remember, exactly how many weeks, but I know it is between three to six weeks. I used to color my own hair, but always went to a styling salon for my perms. Now I don't do either, because I have developed psoriasis on my scalp. You should probably consult a professional hair stylist, and you might have to get your hair cut really short in order to get rid of the damaged hair. Most of what I learned about things like this is from my sister who is a retired hair stylist and every now and then I question other hair stylists when I am getting a hair cut. Also if a person is on certain medications that could change the effects of chemical hair processes. The same right before or after having a baby or surgery can affect things like that too. My sister was really fussy about things like that and whenever a new lady went to her salon and wanted a chemical process she questioned the lady about things like that. I found out all about this about a month before I had my second baby, I wanted her to put a perm in my hair and she wouldn't, explaining that I didn't know what, if any type of drugs I would have to have and she told me after delivery I should wait at least a month.
Okay in the beginning of last school year I colored my hair and it came out really good. I got a perm and everything was fine. My mom recolored my hair a few months after and about a month later, I got a perm and my hair fell out. I had to get a short cut and a couple weeks later my mom made me cut it again. It's a short cut, but I was wondering since the color's still there a little, is my hair okay or is there some product I should be using? I'm 18 and sadly I need help.
By Vanessa
Personally, I think you are OK now. But you really have to pace any chemical treatments done to your hair, not too many too close together. Again, I think you can just let it grow out for awhile & you'll be fine!
