Let”s find out: do you need to wash your hair before a perm?

You can achieve the stunning curls or waves you’ve always desired by getting your hair permed. However, there’s one thing that a lot of people wonder before they go to the salon: should you wash your hair before getting a perm? Although it may seem insignificant, it has the potential to impact how your treatment turns out.

Freshly cleaned hair is free of styling products and oils, but is that why it’s perfect for a perm? Is it preferable to let some natural oils on your hair and scalp to shield them from the chemicals during the process?

We’ll examine the benefits and drawbacks of shampooing your hair before getting a perm in this post to help you decide what’s best for the health of your hair and the durability of your new look.

Do you need to wash your hair before a perm?

Prior to undergoing a popular procedure like a perm, you must wash your hair. However, under these circumstances, you should wash your hair very carefully to avoid removing the natural sebum layer that shields each hair from the damaging effects of harsh chemicals.

It’s important to choose detergents carefully and adhere to specific washing guidelines in order to maintain the integrity of the protective fatty film and guarantee that hair is clean. It is best if you wait at least one day between washing and curling.

Natural fat has an oily consistency and is secreted by the sebaceous glands of the scalp.

Its minimal presence is very beneficial to the condition of the hair because it serves several protective roles. These include shielding individual hair strands from damaging microorganisms, excessive brittleness and dryness, and harsh chemicals used in curling.

REFERENCE. Proteins, cholesterol, oleic and palmitic fatty acids, and extractive materials are all present in sebum. The combination of these elements results in the formation of a unique film that covers the hairs and shields them from chemicals that are based on acids and alkalis and cause excessive hair breakage and drying out.

How a chemical composition can harm hair?

Certain chemical compounds used in the perm process can cause serious damage to hair if it is washed right before the appointment. Thus, in certain situations, it’s best to let a professional hairstylist wash your curls.

The traditional alkaline permanent for chemical perm is the most hazardous for the state of the hair. This thioglycolic acid-based mixture should only be applied to hair that is completely healthy and natural.

It aids in the creation of elastic curls that look good for extended periods of time. This kind of chemical composition has a pH range of 8.5 to 9.5, depending on how much ammonia is in it.

Although they have some drawbacks, alkaline permanents give curls that are both beautiful and long-lasting. They dry out and damage the structure of well-washed hair that doesn’t have natural oil protection. They are particularly damaging to hair that has previously experienced some damage from hairstyling processes. Therefore, a tiny bit of sebum needs to be on the curls when using such compositions.

Depending on the type of perm and how your scalp feels, you may or may not want to wash your hair before getting one. Because natural oils shield the scalp from chemicals during the treatment, some hair stylists advise against washing your hair right before. On the other hand, excessive accumulation may also compromise the effectiveness of the perm. For optimal outcomes, it’s advisable to heed the advice given by your stylist.

Are all solutions dangerous?

Thankfully, effective alternatives with far more gentle effects are available to members of the fair half of humanity thanks to the modern hairdressing industry. You can therefore safely wash your hair as usual before using them.

• The most harmless option is foamy permanent for curling. This tool acts as softly as possible, so the curls even with a minimum curl acquire an attractive and stable volume.
• Soft alkaline permanent, unlike the classic version, does not have an aggressive effect on hair, since it contains amino acids in its base.
• Acid-balanced and neutral compositions for chemical perm are much less harmful to the condition of curls than classic alkaline. Their pH level is close to the natural pH of the scalp – it is approximately 5-7.

Crucial! You should consider the type of hair when selecting a composition for a permanent hairstyle. Leading companies that produce these products range from those that create compositions for weak and porous hair to those meant for highlighted and bleached hair and even for perfectly healthy hair that has never undergone the perm process.

How to properly prepare strands for the procedure?

The curls must be appropriately prepped for this process in order to produce the most attractive and secure curl possible. They are currently being strengthened and restored. It is advised to begin getting ready two to three weeks prior to the permanent curling process.

1. First of all, it is necessary to trim the ends of the strands, especially if they are split.
2. After this, you should provide your hair with intensive hydration and nutrition. Porous and damaged curls require a course of deep restoration with the help of specially selected oils and balms.
3. Before curling, you should wash your curls with a mild shampoo, to rid them of the remains of styling products.

For many women, the question of when to wash their hair before this procedure is crucial. Here, opinions are ambiguous.

According to some hairdressers, it’s best to wait at least a day between washing and curling because then the curls will stay clean and be shielded by a thin layer of sebum.

Some say you can wash your hair right before curling it, but there are a few guidelines you need to remember in this situation:

• the shampoo used should have a neutral pH level – that is, no more than 5-7.
• The cleanser should be applied only once, without massaging the scalp – this will allow it to retain the necessary fatty layer to protect against the chemical composition.
• It is necessary to dry the hair naturally without using a hair dryer – gently blot the hair with a soft towel and wait until it dries completely.

When combing hair, it is advised to use a comb with rare teeth. A brush is not recommended in these situations because it may harm the cuticle of the hair.

Is it worth doing a perm: video on the topic

What you wash your hair before getting a perm depends on a few things. It is best to avoid washing your scalp right before if it is sensitive because the natural oils in your hair shield it from the chemicals used in the process. However, to ensure that the perm takes as evenly as possible, you may need to give your hair a gentle wash if it is heavily product-built.

Your stylist is the expert on your hair type and will always suggest the best course of action. They can advise you on the best course of action, such as washing or leaving your hair unwashed.

Ultimately, each hair head is unique, so there isn’t a universal solution. Maintaining a healthy scalp and clean hair are essential for a flawless perm.

Video on the topic

HAD TO RETURN THE MONEY 💰 UNSUCCESSFUL PERM in my performance \ biochemical perm

How to redo a hair perm that failed

10 important factors before going to hair chemistry / Modern chemical curl