There are some options to loosen or remove curls, if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your perm.
A perm is performed by applying a chemical solution to break down the hair's natural bonds and placing the hair in curlers, so it will hold that shape once a neutralizer is applied. While most probably walk out of the salon satisfied with the results, others may feel it does not suit them and wish their hair was in its previous state. Unfortunately, the word "perm" comes from "permanent" and cannot truly be reversed, but there are steps (some of which are natural) you can take to get a straighter texture back.
Washing Within 48 Hours of the Perm
If you received your perm within the past 48 hours, you can shampoo your hair a few times and it is highly likely that most of the curl will be taken out. However, the longer you wait to wash it out, the more likely that some curls will stick. This can potentially leave you with an inconsistent texture with some hairs being straight, some wavy and some curly or any combination of the three.
Excessive Washing
This will by no means reverse the perm, but washing your hair more frequently than you normally do with somewhat harsher shampoos or household items can help the curls relax more quickly. Dandruff shampoos and dish detergent are said to relax the effects of chemicals put in your hair, including perms and hair dyes. You can also create this effect by making a paste of baking soda and water or baking soda and shampoo, applying it to your hair and rinsing it out after leaving it in for about five minutes. All of this can leave your hair dry, so you will want to condition your hair afterwards.
Reusing The Perm Chemicals
Although not natural, you can significantly straighten out the curls by applying the perm solution once again. You will need to buy a perm made for your hair type, and preferably with the same main ingredient as the one that was used to curl your hair. You always need to read the directions before application; but, in most cases, you will first need to shampoo and towel dry your hair. You apply the solution and, instead of putting it in rollers like what was done to create curls, you will comb your hair as straight as possible. Comb as needed, not continually. After the suggested time has passed, you will rinse and towel it dry, before applying the neutralizer. You will comb the neutralizer in your hair one time, keeping the hair straight and leave it in for five minutes before conditioning. This will do some additional damage to the hair, but it is not recommended that you condition your hair for two weeks if you want your hair to remain as straight as possible. This is the only chemical method recommended to chemically straighten out a perm, never use a relaxer to try to reverse the perm.
Straightening
Besides washing shortly after the perm was done and washing frequently to relax the perm, the only way to minimize or remove the curls without chemicals is to straighten your hair with a blow dryer or flat iron until the perm grows out. Although many will recommend blow drying your hair and then using a flat iron, it is usually best to choose one or the other. Your hair is already damaged from the perm, and any kind of heat applied to it will damage it further. You should always use a heat protection product before performing any heat straightening technique and might also want to consider using a ceramide such as hydrolyzed keratin proteins and silk. When using a blow dryer, you will first apply the product(s) on damp hair. Then, while combing your hair straight and downwards with a round brush, you will aim the air from the blow dryer onto your hair. It is best to take small sections of hair at a time. If you choose to use a flat iron, you should let your hair air dry almost completely before applying the product(s). Taking small sections at a time, clamp the flat iron close the the root of the hair and slowly move down the shaft until you reach the ends. Depending on the tightness of your curls, you may need to do this more than one time per section.
Tags: your hair, your hair, flat iron, blow dryer, hair straight, baking soda, before applying
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