Perming is now a trend and has been popular for many years now. When you get a hair perm, your hairdresser permanently changes the structure of your hair — this is the reason why it is called “perm” or “permanent”. Then again, perming is not only for people who want to get straight hair, but also for people who want to have their hair permanently curled.

But what if you change your mind and you want a new hairstyle? Getting rid of a hair perm is not easy to do so don’t assume that your hair will return to its original shape overnight. To understand this scenario better, you need to learn what a perm can do before learning how to get rid of it.
Perming Options

Perming your hair presents many options: you can loosen your hair, create curls or bends, or straighten it. Perming gives your hair just enough volume so you don’t have to deal with hair that looks too big on your head.

You can get different results depending on the hair tools that will be used. If you want to get curled up, a curler is normally used. Some use bendy sticks for spiral curls while others use pipe cleaners for tight curls.

Before having your hair permed, it is wise to ask your hairdresser on how long or short your hair will be after the perm. If you want to get curls, expect a short hairstyle. If you want straight hair, expect to have long hair. Discuss the length you want for your hair before going through the process so you won’t have to get rid of it after seeing an unpleasant result.
Don’t Expect Too Much

You still need to spend time and effort in styling your hair once you get a perm. In fact, you may even need to spend more time styling and taking care of it.

Sometimes getting the style you want can be done by teasing or using curlers and blow-driers — all of which take effect only after shampooing. In short, you don’t need a perm to achieve the style you want for your hair.

Some may try different methods in an attempt to get rid of perming; however, if you are aware of what a perm can and cannot do, you will be able to avoid such hair disasters. You need to know the different circumstances to help you decide whether or not you should perm your hair.

When Not To Perm

• It is advised not to perm your hair if you have dyed it, especially if you have used henna colours. Henna hair colour products coming from Asia, especially from India, are metallic-based. When used, these products can damage your hair. You should ask your hairdresser to do a strand-test first to make sure that your hair can handle these chemicals.
• Do not perm your hair if it is treated with leave-in lighteners. You may find styling difficult. You may also suffer from hair loss. If you think you badly need a perm, ask your hairdresser to test the strands of your hair.
• If your hair is glassy fine or silky smooth, your hairdresser may not recommend perming because your hair type won’t absorb the chemicals from perming. The result will last only for a short period of time. Perming your hair straight will be fine if your hair is already straight. Then again, if you want it curly, don’t expect to get the style you want.
• If you are taking blood pressure tablets, your perm will only drop out or loosen. If you recently had general anesthetics, perming is not advised too. You can talk to a trichologist though because he or she can recommend treatments to prevent a potential problem.

Last Resort: Getting Rid Of It

First, if you permed your hair curly from straight, blow-dry whatever is left of the curly perm. Use a round bristle brush while blow-drying. Make the result last by using a non-chemical straightening product.

Second, if you permed your hair straight from curly, blow-dry the new curly hair and let it blend with the rest of the hair. Keep blow-drying until your hair is long enough to give you space to cut out the perm. If your hair has waves, scrunch your hair and allow it to blend with the old perm. It is best to learn the different scrunching techniques to achieve the style you want.

You don’t have to go through all those grueling processes just to get rid of your perm. Just follow these simple tips and you surely wouldn’t complain a bit about hair perm disasters.