Aftercare for Perm: Hair Tips You Won't Find Anywhere Else

Caring for your newly permed hair and curls is like taking care of a newborn—it requires patience, know-how, practice, and consistent care. Without the right approach, those beautiful curls may not last as long or look as fabulous as you envisioned. But don’t worry! With this tried-and-tested perm aftercare guide, you’ll master the art of maintaining your curls in no time.

Before reaching for shampoo, mist this groundbreaking pre-shampoo treatment on dry, unwashed hair and leave it on for at least 10 minutes. The treatment repairs broken disulfide bonds, boosts elasticity and restores hair structure, which is essential for long-lasting, well-defined curls.

Pro Tip: Make sure to use it on your first wash after your perm procedure.

Choosing the right shampoo is tricky. If it’s too nourishing, it will weigh your curls down. If it’s too lightweight, your hair will lack moisture and look parched. Overloading with proteins? Your curls could turn stiff and lack movement.

Our Top Pick: Advante Duo Shampoo—It’s hydrating without being heavy. In addition, it contains hematin instead of proteins to reverse chemical damage, boosting elasticity for bouncy curls without stiffening them.

Proteins are crucial for maintaining curl elasticity, but hydration is even more important to keep your curls glossy, soft, and frizz-free. Curls need more hydration than other hair types, so don’t let them go thirsty!

What to Do:

1. Use Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask as Your Regular Conditioner.

This mask has smaller molecules compared to most conditioners, allowing it to penetrate deep into the hair’s cortex and provide hydration from within—without weighing your curls down.

Application Tip: Apply the mask to very wet hair, massaging it in a downward motion until your hair feels perfectly smooth and glossy. This will take a minute or two—then rinse immediately.

2. Use Moroccanoil Restorative Mask Once a Week.

Swap the Hydrating Mask for the Restorative Mask once a week. This protein-rich formula strengthens and repairs hair from within to maintain curl structure and elasticity. However, too much protein can make hair feel hard and dry. Use it no more than once a week to avoid overloading your hair with proteins.

Application Tip: Add a teaspoon of Moroccanoil Treatment to the Restorative Mask for added shine and slip. Do not leave the mask on for more than five minutes to prevent hair from hardening. Rinse thoroughly.

After years of experimenting with different techniques, we’ve found the perfect way to apply curl cream for maximum frizz control without weighing your hair down.

1. Start with Advante Duo Mist: Generously mist your wet hair with Advante Duo Mist. This state-of-the-art treatment works on multiple levels. It uses three types of bio-active keratins that penetrate deep into the hair’s cortex to boost elasticity for well-sculpted bouncy curls, while lightweight ceramide conditions the hair without weighing it down. What makes it truly exceptional is Trametes Versicolor, a groundbreaking ingredient that helps keep hair in shape and reduce frizz until your next wash. Bonus: It’s also a heat protectant!

2. Use a Good Detangler Brush: Brush your hair to evenly distribute the product and detangle any knots.

3. Blow Dry with Care: Blow dry your roots first, using your fingers to lift them for greater volume. Then, section your hair according to your preferred parting and continue blow drying the lengths while twisting the hair with your fingers. If you twist one side clockwise, twist the other side counter-clockwise for a balanced look. Vice versa.

4. Apply Curl Cream: Once your hair is dry, squeeze out a tiny bit of Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème (less than a 5-cent coin), mix it with a three drops of K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil, and rub it between your palms. Use your hands like a brush to distribute the product evenly through your hair in a downward motion—no more than three passes to avoid over-brushing, which can straighten the curls.

With this method, you’ll get defined, frizz-free curls that last!

Leaving your newly permed hair to air-dry will lead to frizz and unruly curls. Blow-drying in a twisting motion helps define the curls to your desired style and keep them looking smooth.

Swimming dries out permed hair, making it frizzy and dull. If you have to swim, apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner beforehand, but the best solution is to avoid swimming for as long as possible.

Scalp care shampoos are too harsh for recently permed hair, stripping away moisture and making curls lose their shape. Stick to gentle shampoos for at least two weeks to let your curls stabilize.

To keep your curls bouncy and shiny, go for monthly in-salon moisture and reparative treatments like the Tokio Inkarami Hair Treatment. Many customers find that their curls last significantly longer, become more manageable, and look healthier with this added TLC.

At Chez Vous: HideAway, we’re passionate about helping you achieve and maintain beautiful, permed hair. Our team of experienced stylists carefully manages just five appointments a day, dedicating two hours to each client to provide the best possible attention and care.

We believe in transparent pricing and a no hard-selling policy, so you can enjoy your time with us without any pressure or surprises. Since our establishment in 2019, we’re grateful to have received a consistent 4.9-star rating on Google reviews, reflecting our focus on quality service and customer satisfaction.

We’ve also been honored to receive several hair awards over the years, including Best Hair Caring Perm and Best Perm for Airy Movement by Her World Hair Awards, Best Perming Service for Korean Filler Perm by Harper’s Bazaar Beauty Awards, and Best Low Maintenance Perm by Elle Spa Awards. These recognitions motivate us to keep improving and to continue delivering the best results for our clients.

We’d love to welcome you to Chez Vous: HideAway and show you what personalized perm care is all about!