Transition From A Curly Perm To A Relaxer

Change from a curly perm to a relaxer.

A curly perm changes relatively straight hair to a permanently curly texture, while a relaxer makes curly hair permanently straight. Both styles require chemicals to break the disulfide bonds in the hair strands, so they can become either straight or curly. This process weakens the hair severely, and for this reason, many stylists do not recommend applying a curly perm to relaxed hair. The best way to transition from a curly perm to a relaxer is to grow the perm out.

Instructions

1. Begin the process of growing the curly perm out. Focus on keeping your hair as healthy as possible by shampooing and conditioning once a week, applying a hot oil treatment once a month and drinking as much water as is ideal for you. During this time of growth, consider wearing protective hair styles, such as braids, wigs and extensions, to minimize breakage.

2. Wait for the new growth under the permed hair to reach a length that you are comfortable with. Hair grows at a rate of 0.5 inch per month. Use this to estimate how long it will take to grow your hair to your desired length. For instance, it will take four months for new growth to reach 2 inches.

3. Prepare for a relaxer. Do not wash your hair the day before your appointment for a relaxer. A clean scalp is more likely to burn from the chemicals. For the same reason, stop scratching your scalp from the day before your appointment.

4. Visit a professional hair stylist for a haircut and a relaxer application. In "Don't Go Shopping For Hair Care Products Without Me: Over 4,000 Products Reviewed, Plus the Latest Hair-Care Information," author Paula Begoun recommends professional attention over at-home relaxer applications. This is because the process requires many details that are even challenging for professional stylists. For instance, combing the hair in the wrong direction or leaving the relaxer on too long could lead to hair loss.

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