If you're unhappy with your perm, your first and most effective step is to communicate your concerns with your stylist to explore corrective solutions. It's a common experience for a new perm to not turn out exactly as envisioned, but there are several professional and at-home strategies you can employ to address the situation.
Don't Panic: Your First Steps
The most crucial step if you're unhappy with your perm is to return to your stylist and openly discuss the alternatives. They are the most qualified to assess your hair's current condition, understand how the perm chemicals reacted, and determine the safest and most effective course of action.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment immediately. The sooner you address it, the better.
- Clearly explain what you dislike. Be specific: Is it too curly? Not curly enough? Frizzy? Damaged? Does the overall style simply not suit you?
- Listen to their professional advice. Avoid trying to fix it yourself, as you could cause further damage.
Common Perm Problems and Their Solutions
Your stylist can offer tailored solutions depending on the specific issue with your perm.
1. My Perm Is Too Curly or Too Tight
If your perm has resulted in curls that are much tighter, springier, or more voluminous than you desired, there's good news: your stylist can often relax it. This process involves carefully reapplying a diluted perming solution or a specialized relaxing agent to gently loosen the curl pattern. It requires professional expertise to ensure even results and prevent over-processing.
- Professional Solution: A gentle relaxing treatment performed by your stylist.
- At-Home Care: Avoid harsh brushing, use a wide-tooth comb, and allow your hair to air dry when possible. Deep conditioning can also help soften the texture.
2. My Perm Isn't Curly Enough or Looks Flat
Conversely, if your perm didn't take well, resulting in waves that are too loose or virtually non-existent, a redo might be possible. However, it's essential to wait at least a week before attempting to redo it. This allows your hair to recover from the initial chemical process and prevents potential damage from immediate re-processing. Your stylist will evaluate your hair's health before recommending another perm.
- Professional Solution: A redo perm after your hair has had time to rest, ensuring it's healthy enough to undergo the process again.
- At-Home Care: Use curl-enhancing products like mousses or gels. Try scrunching your hair while drying or using a diffuser to encourage what little wave is present.
3. My Hair Is Damaged or Frizzy
Sometimes, a perm can leave hair feeling dry, brittle, or frizzy, especially if your hair was already compromised or the process was too harsh.
- Professional Solution: Your stylist can recommend in-salon conditioning treatments, protein treatments, or even a trim to remove damaged ends.
- At-Home Care:
- Intensive Conditioning: Incorporate deep conditioners and hair masks into your routine. Look for products rich in moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or keratin.
- Gentle Routine: Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for chemically treated hair. Avoid heat styling as much as possible, and always use a heat protectant if you do.
- Protect Your Hair: Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and breakage.
- For more tips on managing damaged hair, you can refer to resources like Healthline on Hair Damage.
4. It's Just Not the Style I Wanted
Sometimes the curls themselves are fine, but the overall look isn't what you envisioned or doesn't suit your face shape.
- Professional Solution: Your stylist might suggest a new haircut to better frame your face or enhance the new texture. Minor adjustments can make a big difference.
- At-Home Care:
- Experiment with Styling Products: Try different curl creams, mousses, or gels to see how they affect the definition and hold of your curls.
- Vary Drying Techniques: Air drying, diffusing, or even pin-curling can create different looks.
- Accessorize: Headbands, scarves, and hair clips can help disguise or enhance areas you dislike.
- Try Different Hairstyles: Braids, updos, or half-up styles can help you feel more comfortable with your new texture. Find inspiration for styling curly hair from sources like Naturally Curly.
Quick Guide to Perm Correction
| Problem | Immediate Action | Professional Solution | Home Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Too Curly | Contact Stylist | Relaxing Treatment | Gentle styling, avoid harsh brushing, deep condition |
| Not Curly Enough | Wait 1 Week, then Contact Stylist | Re-Perm (if hair is healthy) | Use curl-enhancing products, diffuser drying |
| Damaged/Frizzy | Contact Stylist | Deep Conditioning Treatments, Trim | Hydrating masks, sulfate-free products, avoid heat |
| Wrong Style/Unflattering | Discuss with Stylist for new haircut options | Haircut adjustment | Experiment with styling products, accessories, updos |
Living with a Perm You Dislike (Temporarily)
If immediate fixes aren't an option, or you simply need time to adjust, remember that "perm-anent" doesn't mean forever. Curls will naturally loosen over time, and your hair will grow out.
- Styling Disguises: Utilize headbands, scarves, braids, ponytails, or updos to manage or disguise areas you're not fond of.
- Heat Styling (with caution): If your hair is healthy and not severely damaged, you can carefully use flat irons or curling wands to temporarily alter the texture. Always apply a high-quality heat protectant.
- Patience and Care: Continue with a gentle, moisturizing hair care routine. The healthier your hair is, the better it will look and feel, even if the curl isn't perfect.
Preventing Perm Regret in the Future
To avoid similar situations down the line, consider these proactive steps for your next perm:
- Thorough Consultation: Spend ample time with your stylist discussing your desired outcome. Bring several reference photos that show the exact curl pattern and volume you want.
- Hair History Disclosure: Be completely honest about your hair's chemical history (coloring, previous perms, relaxers) to help your stylist choose the right formula.
- Strand Test: Ask your stylist to perform a strand test. This involves applying the perm solution to a small, hidden section of hair to see how it reacts before committing to the full head.
- Realistic Expectations: Understand that a perm will react differently to everyone's hair type and texture. Discuss what's truly achievable for your hair.
- Choose an Experienced Stylist: Opt for a stylist with extensive experience in perming and a portfolio that demonstrates their skill with various curl types.
