In corner cases, you might want to wet your hair intentionally to achieve beachy waves, but check with your stylist first. Think of this waiting period almost like a curing process—your hair needs 48 hours for all the bonds in your hair to be completely reformed.
Dyeing or bleaching your hair is particularly damaging. It’s best to wait two or three months after the perm before trying something like this, to give your hair time to recover. [3] X Research source
Even a blow dryer can get hot enough to damage your hair and affect the perm. [5] X Research source If you still want to use one, let your hair air-dry 50% of the way, then finish with the blow dryer’s diffuser attachment. Loosely permed, wavy hair might get away with a normal blow dry, but hold the dryer at a distance to avoid flattening the waves. [6] X Research source
A leave-in conditioner can double as a detangler, making your hair easier to comb.
Check shampoo and conditioner ingredients for anything containing the words protein, keratin, collagen, amino acids, or cystine bis-PG-propyl silanetriol. A standalone “protein treatment” is much stronger than protein-rich shampoo and a good choice if your hair is showing signs of damage. If a moisturizing leave-in conditioner doesn’t do the job, try a hair cream or hair oil. Heavier creams can work better, but may also weigh down your curls. Experiment to find a balance.
Alcohol is often blamed for frizz—but the story’s a bit more complicated. “Fatty alcohols” are an exception whose chemical structure makes them perfectly fine to use on curls. [12] X Research source Put the specific alcohol on your label into a search engine along with “is it fatty?” before you throw out that bottle. Silicone (found in many ingredients ending in -cone or -oxane) can build up over time and weigh down curls, but can help with conditioning. If you can’t find a silicone-free alternative you like, just use a clarifying shampoo once in a while as a reset. [13] X Research source Sulfate-free shampoo is a common recommendation for permed hair. But honestly? The effect on most people’s curls might be too small to notice, at least according to one dermatologist. [14] X Research source
Restrain your hair fairly loosely, especially at the front where the curls will fall around your face. A tightly twisted scrunchie will create more dents and curls, and you already paid good money for the hairstyle you wanted! If your hair tends to climb out of a scrunchie overnight, try a hair clip. A clip with a flat bottom will be more comfortable to sleep in, and a clip with a rubber interior is more likely to stay in. [16] X Research source
