Timing for Wetting Your Hair After a Perm

After getting a perm, it is common to question how long you should wait before washing your hair. Ideally, you want to give the perm at least 48 hours to set properly. Doing so helps ensure your curls form correctly and avoid unwanted frizz. However, in a perfect world, we often face unexpected situations, such as catching the rain. Don't panic if you accidentally get rained on. Gently pat your hair to dry it with a microfiber towel, and avoid tampering with your curls too much.

Can You Wash Your Hair Right After a Perm?

The answer is yes—you can wash your hair shortly after a perm. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to wait 48 hours before shampooing or conditioning. In fact, we always recommend shampooing immediately after a perm to remove the perm solution and any residual odor. Removing the perm chemicals and scent is important for your hair's health. Importantly, a gentle shampoo will not strip the newly formed curls.

The Science Behind Perms

Perms work by breaking and then reconstructing the disulfide bonds in your hair. Perming chemicals reduce disulfide bonds, and then a neutralizer, usually 8 volume hydrogen peroxide, oxidizes and rebuilds them into a curly pattern. This process typically takes about 5 minutes to complete. While using a hair dryer can speed up the drying process, it is not necessary as the hair will naturally attract oxygen from the air and oxidize the disulfide bonds on its own, which takes a day or two.

Historical Context of Perms

The idea of waiting 48 hours before washing your hair after a perm has roots in the past. In the 1930s, the first cold perms were introduced, and people used to wet set their hair on rollers, then style with these rollers and only shampooed their hair once a week. Harsh shampoos back then often had instructions to wait 2 to 3 days to ensure the perm completion. However, most perms don't need this long and can air neutralize on their own. The myth of waiting 48 hours after a perm persists due to habits and the comfort of doing what has always been done.

Conclusion

If you are concerned about maintaining your perm's tightness and curls, consider waiting the recommended 48 hours. However, if you love the way your curls look after a few days, there is no need to stress. Remember, perms do have a natural drop, so you can always tweak your styling to achieve the desired look. The key is to give your hair the best chance to form and maintain its new shape.