Avoid Perm Burns

Minimize chemical burns from perms by applying petroleum jelly to your hairline.

Perms allow those with straight locks to sport spiral curls, even if their hair is hard to curl. Perms last anywhere from two weeks to three months, and you can reapply them once the hair starts to lose its shape. Continually applying perms to your hair can cause chemical damage to the scalp resulting in redness, flakes, itching and burning. If you are worried about chemical burns, there are steps you can take to reduce the burns and even avoid them altogether.

Instructions

1. Refrain from washing your hair at least 72 hours before getting your perm. Natural oils in your hair and scalp will act as a barrier between your skin and the chemicals.

2. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline, behind and on the tops of your ears, and around the back of your neck before you get your perm.

3. Dab a tiny amount of olive oil into your scalp with your fingertips. Apply the oil to your scalp only, and not your hair. Oil on your hair may prevent the perm from taking hold.

4. Keep an eye on the amount of time the perm chemicals are in your hair. Keeping the chemicals in for too long can result in chemical burns on your scalp.

5. Wash the perm out of your hair if you believe you are burning too much. Apply another perm at a later date when your scalp has healed.

6. Use ample amounts of conditioner if you do get a chemical burn. Moisturizers from the conditioner will help heal the burns on your head.

7. Apply rubbing alcohol to affected areas with cotton balls if scabs form.

Tags: your hair, your scalp, chemical burns, burns your, petroleum jelly, your hairline, your perm