These After-Perm Care Tips Are a Must-Know

Many women know this feeling all too well: right after getting a perm, you're thrilled with it and can't stop admiring yourself.

Then you get home, wash your hair, blow-dry it yourself, and it's like a heavy rain washed all the makeup off. Just like that, you're back to square one. You want to cry but no tears come. It definitely didn't look like this when you left the salon!

The biggest reason? You never learned how to care for curly hair. Today, we're going to show you how to get light, bouncy curls at home.

01. Combs

After a perm, hair is curly, so the general advice is to avoid using a comb as much as possible and shape curls with your hands instead.

But many people still aren't used to styling their hair without a comb. That's when a wide-tooth comb becomes especially important. A flat comb with wider teeth works well for curly hair.

After every wash, detangle with a wide-tooth comb so the curls bounce back naturally (or gently push the hair upward with the comb as you go). Never comb the curls straight with force.

Tip: On the day of your perm, don't comb your hair. Keep its natural shape as much as possible.

02. Washing

Don't wash your hair right after a perm

After a perm, it's best not to wash your hair immediately, since it can affect the perm result. Wait one to two days before washing.

Warm water is best for washing

Water between 31 and 38°C is ideal. Above 40°C can damage the scalp and hair, making hair brittle and easy to break. Water that's too cold can irritate the scalp and won't clean as well.

Press dry with a towel after washing

After washing, comb your hair smooth first. If you want to keep the curl, remember to press the hair dry with a towel.

Gently pressing the hair dry won't change the curl much, and it helps protect the hair. Never rub your hair hard with a towel.

Then cup the ends and scrunch upward, then scrunch again to bring out bounce. Evenly apply hair oil and scrunch a few times.

03. Blow-Drying

Blow in the opposite direction

When blow-drying, blow-dry the scalp in the opposite direction. If you have bangs, blow them backward. This keeps volume at the crown so it doesn't fall flat.

Tip: If you part your hair in the same direction for a long time, your hair will develop a memory. So when one side becomes especially flat, switch the direction every few months.

Point the blow-dryer down the hair, from top to bottom. This helps prevent post-wash frizz, keeps hair from tangling, makes it easier to comb through, and leaves hair looking smoother.

Twist curls with your fingers

If you want the curls to keep their shape, you can also twist them with your fingers while blow-drying. Slowly twist following the curl pattern of the perm. Don't change direction. After twisting, let the hair cool for a moment, then gently separate the curls.

Diffuse dry

Diffuse drying is best for longer, finer, softer curls, and a diffuser attachment is ideal. If you blow-dry the curled ends directly with a regular dryer, the curls will all fall out.

04. Styling After Everyday Blow-Drying

Use curl activator

After every wash, while hair is half dry, rub curl activator between your hands and scrunch the ends to bring out the curls.

Curl activator helps maintain the curl. With regular use, your curls will last longer.

Use hairspray

If you have a lot of hair, you can use hairspray in your daily routine to set the curls. Rub the hairspray between your hands and apply it to the ends.

Hairspray helps hold the style, so even if you're out in the wind, your hairstyle stays firmly in place.

We've shared so many practical tips. Go home and try them now.