You did it! You have curls! I own The Clip Joint, and I’ve been cutting hair for more than 23 years. I can say with complete confidence that a perm offers you instant style, but what you do soon after is just as important as the treatment itself. Perms nowadays may be less harsh than those from the past, but they are still a chemical process that takes time to settle into your hair’s new shape.
And believe me, the questions come in fast. About 30 minutes after someone leaves my salon with new curls, I almost always get a text or a call that sounds a little panicky, asking, “Can I wash my hair after a perm?” I understand that it happens every time. You’re excited and nervous, and you want to make sure you don’t mess up the new appearance we just spent hours making for you.
So, let me tell you what to do and what not to do after a perm. This is the same advice I offer to every client who comes to our salon in Las Vegas. If you approach the first 48 to 72 hours like the honeymoon phase for your curls, they’ll stay bouncy, defined, and healthy for months. We need to make sure they last.
DO #1 — Wait the Full 48–72 Hours Before Washing
I know you all want to get that salon product off right away, but trust me: how long after a perm you can wash your hair is important. The perm solution changes the bonds inside the hair to make curls. These bonds are weak until they finish setting. Washing them in the first two to three days can make them less tight and cause the curl to be uneven. Set a reminder on your calendar and don’t give in.
DON’T #1 — Don’t Over-Handle or Comb Your Hair Dry
Your hair has to be treated gently after a perm. Don’t comb through dry curls; it will break the new shape and make it frizzy. If you need to untangle your hair, do it only when it’s wet and use a conditioner and a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends. This answers the practical part of the misconception that you shouldn’t wash your hair after getting a perm: it’s not about avoiding it forever; it’s about when and how.
DO #2 — Use Curl-Friendly Products (but hold off on styling for 48+ hours)
Once the initial wait is done, switch to a shampoo and conditioner that are sulfate-free and good for curls. Use mild, moisturizing products that are developed for hair that has been chemically treated. You can start applying curl creams and leave-ins after 48 to 72 hours, but only a little bit at first. Using too much product on hair that has just been permed might make the curls fall flat.
DON’T #2 — Don’t Swim or Shower with Full Water Pressure in Week One
Chlorine and salt remove and affect the chemistry of curls. Hot water and harsh showers can also make curls looser. If you have to shower, tilt your head and don’t let the high-pressure spray hit your roots directly during the first week. You should also shun pools and hot tubs for at least seven days.
DO #3 — Dry Gently and Fully
One thing our stylists always tell their clients is to dry their curls all the way after washing. Wet curls are weaker and may lose their shape as they dry. Don’t rub; instead, use a microfiber towel or a soft T-shirt to blot. When you blow-dry, use a diffuser on low heat and move the dryer around. The longer your perm will last, the better you dry it.
DON’T #3 — Don’t Use Heavy Oils or Silicone Serums on Wet Hair
When hair is wet, using heavy oils can make curls heavy and limp. Use serums just when your hair is completely dry, and you need to control frizz. This is related to the usual question, “Can I wet my hair after a perm?” Yes, but only after a while and with care about where and when you put the products.
DO #4 — Sleep Smart (Silk Pillowcase or Loose Pineapple)
Friction makes curls lose their shape. Put your hair in a loose “pineapple” on top of your head with a soft scrunchie and sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. This keeps your shape and cuts down on breaking, which is a small habit that makes your perm last longer.
DON’T #4 — Don’t Over-Wash — Aim for 2–3 Times a Week
One of the finest ways to live a long time? Less washing. Washing your hair often takes away natural oils and makes the perm softer, more quickly. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How long after a perm can you wash your hair?” for long-term maintenance, start with the first 48 to 72 hours of waiting. After that, wash your hair just 2 to 3 times a week to keep it healthy and defined.
DO #5 — Book a Gentle Follow-Up Trim
A light trim two to four weeks following your perm will give your curls a neat structure and get rid of any stressed ends. It’s not required, but it helps the style stay in place and keeps broken ends from ruining your new texture.
DON’T #5 — Don’t Use Hot Tools Without Protection or Need
Heat quickly flattens perms. If you have to style your hair with heat, apply a powerful heat protectant and keep the temperature moderate. But seriously, during the first few weeks, use methods that don’t require heat, like diffusing on low, finger-scrunching, or light rollers.
DO #6 — Refresh, Don’t Re-Perm
If your curls start to loosen, don’t rush to get them re-permed. Use a curl refresher spray, a mild mousse, or wet-set methods overnight. If you re-perm too soon, you could over-process. If you’re not sure, bring your hair in for a consultation. We’ll examine its elasticity and suggest the safest way to go.
DON’T #6 — Don’t Color or Chemically Treat Immediately After
Give yourself some time between color, straightening, or keratin treatments. Chemical layering might make hair too weak. You should wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before doing any more chemical treatments, or do what your stylist says based on how your hair looks.
DO #7 — Ask Your Stylist for a Personalized Aftercare Plan
Not everyone can get a perm. We take into account your hair history, daily routine, and how much upkeep you want to do at The Clip Joint. We’ll give you personalized product recommendations and a calendar that answers your true question of “when can I wash my hair after a perm?” in the context of your life, not a general norm.
When Things Go Wrong: What to Do If Your Perm Doesn’t Look Right
Even with excellent aftercare, your perm may still feel odd sometimes. It could be too tight, too loose, or just not what you thought it would be.
Don’t freak out at first. Also, don’t try to fix it yourself.
Call your stylist. Seriously. I’ve saved so many “DIY fixes” that made things worse. If you’re not happy with the outcome, most good salons (including ours) will work with you.
Wait at least a week before you decide what you think about your perm. It’s usual for perms to go a little looser after the first few washes. What appears really tight on day one might fit well on day seven.
My Final Advice After 23 Years of Perms
Listen, I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’ve seen perms that turned out great and ones that didn’t. And the difference is nearly always in how you take care of it afterward.
The customers who follow the 48-hour rule, buy decent products, and are nice to their curls? Their perms last longer, look better, and make them feel a lot less stressed.
The customers who wash their hair the next day, use conventional shampoo, and battle their curls instead of working with them? They generally come back in six weeks to complain that their perm didn’t last.
You just put money, time, or both into yourself. Follow these tips to keep that investment safe. Your curls and your future self will thank you.
Come See Us at The Clip Joint
We’re here to help if you’re thinking about having a perm or already have one and need some advice. I’ve been doing perms for more than 20 years, and honestly, seeing her work is like watching an artist.
We’re located at 4514 E Charleston Blvd, open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. Give us a call at (702) 452-6566, and let’s talk about your curl dreams.