How to Fix a Dry Frizzy Perm
Anyone who already had a perm knows that the results can be unpredictable. You may end up with beautiful, bouncy curls, or you may end up with dry, frizzy hair that’s difficult to style.
Unfortunately, frizzy hair is a common problem for people with hair perms. Why, though? Is there a way to prevent it? The good news is that there is, and we’ll tell you all about it in the following article.
Why Does Permed Hair Become Dry and Frizzy?
A perm is a great way to achieve beachy, tousled waves or tight, springy curls. But if you don’t take care of your new perm properly, you could have frizzy, flyaway hair.
The chemicals used in the perm process can strip away the natural oils that help keep hair healthy and hydrated. When your hair is permed, the chemicals used to break down the bonds in your hair also damage the outer layer of the hair shaft, known as the cuticle.
The damage in the hair’s outer layer makes it difficult for your hair to retain moisture, which can lead to dryness and frizz.
Also, permed hair is often heat-styled or treated with other harsh chemicals, damaging the hair and leading to frizz. In addition, perm solutions often contain alcohol, which can further dry the hair.
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Common Causes of Frizzy Hair
Several things may cause your hair to dry out and create frizz. These are the most common causes of frizzy and dry hair.
Use of harsh hair products
When shopping for hair care products, look for those specifically designed for frizzy hair. These products often contain natural ingredients that help tame frizz and leave your hair looking smooth and shiny.
Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that contain harsh chemicals can strip away the natural oils that protect your hair, leaving it dry and susceptible to frizz.
Diet
Diet can have a significant impact on the health of your hair. One of the leading causes of frizzy hair is lack of moisture, and several different nutrients play a role in keeping hair hydrated.
If you’re struggling with frizzy hair, take a closer look at your diet- you may find that making some simple changes can make a big difference.
Here’s a list of food that’s beneficial for healthy hair:
- Eggs – They are a great source of protein, essential for healthy hair. They also contain biotin, a nutrient that helps to keep hair follicles strong.
- Salmon – Another excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help to keep hair follicles moisturized, preventing dryness and breakage.
- Spinach – Packed with vitamins and minerals necessary for cell growth, including folate and vitamin A. These nutrients help promote healthy hair growth.
- Avocados – They are rich in vitamins B and E, essential for healthy hair. Vitamin B helps to keep the scalp moisturized, while vitamin E protects against damage from free radicals.
- Nuts – They are an excellent source of zinc, a mineral that helps keep hair follicles healthy.
Humidity
To understand why humidity causes frizz, you first need to know a little about your hair. Our hair strands have three layers:
- The innermost layer is called the medulla.
- The middle layer is called the cortex.
- The outermost layer is called the cuticle.
The cuticle is made up of overlapping cells that protect the inner layers of the hair. These cells absorb moisture from the air in humid weather, causing them to swell and lift away from the cortex.
Humidity creates gaps that allow strands of hair to fray and tangle, resulting in frizz. Managing curly hair during the summer can be challenging when humidity levels are typically higher.
Hot Water Temperature
While hot water may feel refreshing and help open up the cuticle for deeper cleansing, it can cause frizzy hair. When the cuticle is open, it is more susceptible to damage from styling products and the environment.
In addition, hot water can strip away natural oils that help keep hair healthy and hydrated. As a result, your hair may look dry, dull, and frizzy.
How to Avoid Dry, Frizzy Hair
While it may take extra effort, you can do a few things to help keep your permed hair healthy and hydrated. Here are some tips you can follow to fix your dry, frizzy perm.
Do not Wash your Hair After Perming
After getting a perm, it’s essential to let your hair “set” for a little while before washing it. Not washing your hair after perming allows it to settle into its new shape and texture.
Washing too soon can cause the curls to fall out or become distorted. You can harm the chemicals if you wash your hair too soon, resulting in more frizz.
According to hairstylists, washing your hair 24 hours after receiving a perm is ideal. And if you can go 48 hours without doing so, that’s even better.
Don’t Brush your Hair After Perming
After the perming process, it’s essential not to brush your hair for at least 24 hours so that the chemicals time to set and your hair time to recover from the perm process. Brushing your hair damages and tears apart the curls.
Brushing not only destroys the appearance of your perm, but it may also make your hair more frizzy. Brushing your hair too much or too hard can cause breakage, which is the last thing you want after spending money on a perm.
Don’t use a Hair Dryer
After a perm, keep away from the heat as it can harm your hair.
The heat from the blow dryer may not appear to be much of a threat. However, you’re making your dried and frizzy hair worse in the long run. Not only that, but the heat will loosen your curls and risk destroying your look.
If you’re concerned about the effects of a hair dryer, you can do a few things to minimize the damage. Use a thermal protectant before applying heat and the lowest setting possible. You can also look for a blow dryer that is less damaging to your hair.
In addition, try to give your hair a break from time to time to allow it to recover. Refrain from using a hair dryer every day, especially when not needed.
Use a Coconut oil Mask
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help hydrate and protect your hair. Coconut oil contains vitamins like vitamin E as well as minerals. And even if your hair is healthy, applying coconut oil to it as a hair mask is likely to improve the health and condition of your hair and scalp.
In addition to using a coconut oil mask, use a mild shampoo and conditioner after perming your hair. Apply the coconut oil to your hair and scalp, and let it sit for 30 minutes before shampooing it out. You’ll need to use the mask once a week for best results.
Removing Frizz From Permed Hair
Below, we’ll introduce a few ways of removing frizz from permed hair.
Use a Microfiber Towel
One of the best ways to avoid frizzy, dry hair is to use a microfiber towel after you perm your hair. These towels are excellent at absorbing water, thus removing excess moisture from your hair, minimizing frizz, and making your perm last longer.
Also, it prevents roots from drying flat due to being weighed down from moisture in the hair as it dries.
In addition, towels made of microfiber are much gentler on hair than traditional towels, so they won’t cause damaged hair and won’t hurt your newly permed locks.
Cut Split Ends
When you perm your hair, the chemicals break down the natural proteins in your hair, which causes the strands to become weak and susceptible to damage.
Cutting off the split ends can help prevent further damage and keep your hair looking its best. In addition, trimming your hair will also help to improve its overall health and appearance.
Apply Oil on the Ends
One of the best ways to keep your hair looking smooth and shiny is to apply oil to the ends every time you wash it. The oil will help remove frizz and give your hair a sleek appearance. You can use different kinds of oil, but some of the most popular options include coconut oil, almond oil, and argan oil.
You may need to experiment with different oils to find one that works best for your hair type. Apply a small amount of oil to your hands and massage it into the ends of your wet hair. Then, style your hair as usual.
Proper Hydration
To combat frizz, ensure your hair is properly hydrated. When your hair lacks moisture, it’s more likely to absorb environmental humidity, causing the strands to swell and become frizzy.
A gentle shampoo and conditioner or serum will help lock in moisture. You may also consider using a humidifier, especially during the dry winter.
Also, when your body is dehydrated, it’s reflected in your hair – it can become dry, brittle, and more susceptible to frizz. So, how much water should you drink?
The general rule of thumb is eight glasses a day, but that may vary depending on your activity level, climate, and other factors.
Good Shampoo and Conditioner
Plenty of shampoos and conditioners on the market can help smooth and de-frizz your hair. When choosing your shampoo and conditioner, you must know your hair type.
Once you know your hair type, you can narrow your options and focus on finding products specifically designed for your hair type.
Also, pay attention to the ingredients. Look for shampoo and conditioner containing soothing ingredients like silicone or almond oil. Avoid products with harsh sulfates, which can strip away natural oils and leave your hair feeling dry and brittle.
See also: Why Shampoo Twice?
Protein Treatment
Hair-styling techniques, such as perms and hair relaxers, affect overall hair health. When you have your hair permed, the hair’s naturally protective layers are destroyed by chemicals, exposing the strands to dryness.
In this exposed state, your strands are more susceptible to breakage, and frizziness is common.
Protein treatments work by infusing your hair with keratin, a protein that helps strengthen and protect your strands. Such treatments help smooth frizz and make your hair more manageable. You can ask about it at beauty stores or salons.
Conclusion
Dry and frizzy hair is a common problem for people with permed hair. To prevent the potential harm caused by hair perming, you should give your locks extra care and proper maintenance.
One of the ways to keep your hair healthy and shiny is by doing deep conditioning treatments for your hair regularly. Also, consider using a hot oil treatment weekly if you have dry or damaged hair.
And while following the tips mentioned above can help you avoid frizzy and dry hair after getting a perm, taking care of your hair in between perms is also essential.
Have more questions related to dry and frizzy hair? Please leave them in the comments below. We’d love to help.
Aida
