Permed Hair Care 101: how to take care of permed hair

Hey gorgeous! If you've recently joined the permed hair crew, welcome! 💁‍♀️ Those beautiful, bouncy curls bring so much personality to your look, but we both know that a perm is no walk in the park when it comes to care. With a little bit of extra TLC, your curls can stay healthy, frizz-free, and full of life for as long as possible. So let’s dive in, girl-to-girl, on how to make your permed hair as fabulous as you are!

What Even Is a Perm?

For any curl newbie out there, let’s start with the basics. A perm, short for “permanent,” is a chemical treatment that reshapes the structure of your hair into curls or waves that last for months (usually three to six). When you get a perm, the stylist uses a solution to break down the natural keratin in your hair (yep, the same stuff that keeps your hair strong and straight). After that, they set your hair around curlers, and a neutralizer helps reshape the keratin around those curls. Voilà—curls that stay curly!

Permed hair does need some special care since it’s been through a lot to get that gorgeous texture. But don’t worry; I’ve got all the tips and tricks for keeping those curls happy and hydrated.

Essential Tips to Care for Your Permed Hair

1. Be Patient—Wait Before Washing!

After getting a perm, wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair. This lets the curls set in properly, helping your hair hold that fresh bounce. And while you're at it, avoid putting your hair up or using any tight elastics—let those curls breathe, girl!

2. Moisture, Moisture, Moisture

Perming can make your hair drier, so hydration is key. That’s where our Silk'e Repair Therapy Deep Conditioning Hair Mask comes in! 🧖‍♀️ This mask is loaded with keratin, a protein that works wonders for hair that’s been chemically treated. Keratin strengthens each strand, giving your curls structure while locking in moisture. Just apply it once a week, leave it on for 5–10 minutes, and let that mask work its magic. Trust me, your curls will thank you!

3. Use a Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner

Since perms can leave your hair feeling a bit delicate, reach for sulfate-free, hydrating shampoos and conditioners that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. Look for curl-friendly products, too. And yes, you should be conditioning every time you wash. For an extra moisture boost, follow up with a leave-in conditioner or a little hair oil on your ends.

4. Avoid Heat Styling

We all love a little heat for styling, but when you’re rocking a perm, it’s best to keep the heat tools on a break. High heat can lead to frizz, dryness, and even curl loss. If you must use heat, use a good heat protectant and keep the setting low. For drying, try a diffuser on your blow dryer—it’ll help your curls stay defined without the extra frizz.

5. Detangle Gently

After washing, don’t go in with a brush on those wet curls—it’ll only cause breakage. Instead, reach for a wide-tooth comb or use your fingers to gently work through any tangles, starting at the ends and working your way up. It’s all about being gentle with those new curls, babe!

6. Regular Trims Are Your Friend

Split ends are not a good look, especially with permed hair. Schedule a trim every 6–8 weeks to keep your hair healthy and prevent frizz from creeping in. Not only will your curls look fresher, but they’ll also be easier to style.

Why Keratin is Your Curl’s New BFF

You might be wondering, “What makes keratin so amazing for permed hair?” Keratin is a naturally occurring protein in your hair that provides structure and strength. But when your hair goes through a perm, a lot of that keratin gets broken down. Our Silk'e Repair Therapy Deep Conditioning Hair Mask is packed with this powerful ingredient, which helps rebuild and fortify those damaged areas. It’s like a mini spa day for your hair, giving it the protein it needs to stay strong, smooth, and defined. Using our deep conditioning mask regularly will help keep your curls resilient, shiny, and healthy from root to tip.

Love Those Curls—And Show Them Some Extra Care

Caring for permed hair doesn’t have to be hard. With the right routine and products, like our Silk'e Repair Therapy Deep Conditioning Hair Mask, you’ll keep those curls poppin' and healthy for months. So embrace those beachy waves, rock that curly look, and remember: hydrated hair is happy hair! You got this, curl queen! 👑

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