Can You Put Product in Your Hair After a Perm?
The Short Answer
Yes, you can put product in your hair after a perm, but there are some important things to consider before doing so.
Understanding Perms
Before we dive into the question of whether you can put product in your hair after a perm, it’s essential to understand what a perm is. A perm is a type of hair treatment that involves applying a solution to the hair shaft to make it curly or wavy. The solution is then rinsed out, and the hair is left to sit for a period of time before being styled as usual.
Why Put Product in Hair After a Perm?
There are several reasons why you might want to put product in your hair after a perm. Here are a few possibilities:
- To enhance curl definition: If you want to enhance the definition of your curls, you can use a leave-in conditioner or curl activator to help hold your curls in place.
- To add moisture: If you’ve been swimming or using a hot shower, you may have stripped your hair of its natural moisture. Adding a hydrating product to your hair can help restore moisture levels and keep your hair healthy.
- To add shine: If you’re experiencing frizz or flyaways, adding a light-hold styling product can help smooth the hair and add shine.
What Products Are Safe to Use After a Perm?
Not all products are created equal when it comes to using after a perm. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- No heavy styling products: Avoid using heavy styling products, such as pomades or mousse, as they can weigh your hair down and make it difficult to style after a perm.
- Look for sulfate-free: Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it more prone to dryness and damage after a perm.
- Opt for lightweight products: Choose lightweight products that won’t weigh your hair down or make it feel greasy.
- Avoid using hair ties and clips: These can cause friction and lead to frizz and damage.
What Products Can Be Used After a Perm?
Here are a few products that are safe to use after a perm:
- Leave-in conditioners: Leave-in conditioners can help moisturize and add shine to your hair after a perm.
- Curl activators: Curl activators can help define curls and add moisture to your hair.
- Light-hold styling products: Light-hold styling products, such as sprays or mousses, can help hold your curls in place without weighing your hair down.
- Hydrating serums: Hydrating serums can help add moisture to your hair and keep it healthy after a perm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when using product after a perm:
- Using too much product: Using too much product can weigh your hair down and make it difficult to style.
- Not letting product sit long enough: Not letting product sit long enough can cause it to lose its effectiveness and leave your hair feeling greasy.
- Using product that’s not formulated for curls: Using product that’s not formulated for curls can lead to frizz and damage.
Table: Common Product Ingredients
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Sulfates | Can strip hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage |
| Parabens | Can cause irritation and dryness |
| Artificial fragrances | Can cause irritation and dryness |
| Synthetic preservatives | Can cause irritation and dryness |
| Heavy styling products | Can weigh hair down and make it difficult to style |
Conclusion
Putting product in your hair after a perm is a common practice, but it’s essential to choose the right products and use them in moderation. By following these tips and guidelines, you can achieve healthy, beautiful curls and enjoy the benefits of a perm.
Further Reading
- The Natural Perming Book
- The Curl Guide
- The Hair Perfumer’s Handbook
Additional Resources
- The Perms subreddit
- The Curl Community
- The Hair Perfumer’s Facebook Group
Note: This article is not intended to provide medical or professional advice. If you have any concerns about your hair or perm, it’s always best to consult with a professional hairstylist or doctor.