Would you love to get a perm to update your look with some stylish texture and waving curls?
Sure you would! But right now, you are hesitating because you know it's happened before!
Your hair looked great when you left the salon, but every day, it got a little bit dryer, a little bit more damaged, and a little bit more frizzy, and you were ready to turn your mirror to the wall!
Well, don't despair! We're going to show you some awesome options to make every day just like salon day, and it's way easier than you think!
You will love these 4 winning products when you learn how they will help to keep your healthy hair dreams alive!
How We Choose Our Favorites
Your hair needs the best products to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
That means we need to find a shampoo formulated specifically for chemically treated hair that is also designed to provide moisture, repair damage, reduce frizz, and keep your curls in shape!
Easy right?
Ok, no - it takes hours to narrow down the top options and then do some additional digging to read reviews and ratings that will either confirm or deny the value of a particular product.
Well, we've done all that for you because you need to be out looking good with your new hair, not searching the internet on your phone!
Once you've scrolled through the options to see what you think, we've got some additional FAQs and tips you'll want to read before you make a final decision!
But for now, it's time to keep on scrolling!
Our Top FeedbackFinds
Why It's A Winner
Looking for a shampoo that's gentle on your bleached, permed, or relaxed hair? Davines NOUNOU Shampoo's rich formula gently cleanses treated hair and nourishes it with deep hydration.
Even better, it has a strong shine-enhancing effect. It's on the pricey side, but reviewers rave that it's worth the price to bring their hair back to life!
Know A Little Bit More
Are you on the lookout for a new shampoo that will take your hair to the next level?
The key ingredient in this shampoo is Fiaschetto Tomato extract, which will leave your hair soft and deeply hydrated, as well as revive damaged hair and promote a healthy scalp.
This is a fantastic option for permed hair that will keep down the frizz while your curls remain bouncy and full of life. And they say it smells great!
We think you'll want to splurge and get the Nounou Deep Conditioner that will protect moisture balance and frazzled strands.
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
Nounou Deep Conditioner - companion to Nounou Shampoo
Visit the Davine's Store - great info on their philosophy and unique products
Why It's A Winner
If you're looking for a shampoo that will hydrate and strengthen your severely dry hair, check out Redken's All Soft Mega Shampoo.
This shampoo is infused with aloe vera and Sacha Inchi Oil, two key ingredients that will help lock in moisture all day long.
This All Soft Mega system features Redken's Nourish Complex, which will help keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.
So if you're looking for a shampoo that will give you the hydration and nourishment you need, try Redken's All Soft Mega Shampoo. Your hair will thank you for it!
Know A Little Bit More
All Soft vs. All Soft Mega? Both are great! But if you have severely dry or coarse hair, then you need All Soft Mega!
All Soft Mega features Redken's Nourish Complex with Aloe Vera to hydrate, strengthen, and moisturize.
On the other hand, if you have normal to dry hair, All Soft which includes an argan oil formula is best for you.
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
Visit the Redken Store - so many more fabulous products!
Redken All Soft Shampoo - normal to dry hair formulation
Best Color Safe, Botanical, and Sulfate-Free
Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Colored & Chemically Treated Hair
Why It's A Winner
Looking for a shampoo that won't strip your hair of its natural oils?
Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo is specially formulated to cleanse colored and chemically treated hair without harsh sulfates.
Over-use of sulfates can damage the hair and scalp, so this gentle, sulfate-free formula is a great way to keep your hair healthy and looking its best.
With just a few washes, you'll see softer, healthier hair that's full of bounce and shine.
So ditch the harsh chemicals and switch to Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo for healthy, beautiful hair.
Know A Little Bit More
This botanical option is perfect for chemically and color-treated hair, but it's also an outstanding option for all types of culry, kinky, and or wavy hair.
It adds shine and manageability without weighing your hair down or causing residue build-up.
Plus, the botanical extracts provide an array of benefits for both hair and scalp.
This site has one of the best explanations about how each of the special botanicals will benefit your hair.
I've included the info near the end of the article so you don't even have to click over there to see it!
These include sweet almond oil, panthenol, sesame seed oil, aloe vera, avocado oil, and olive oil.
So if you're looking for a shampoo that will help your permed hair look its best, this is the one for you.
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
Mixed Chicks Curl Defining & Frizz Eliminating Leave-In Conditioner - companion conditioner
Visit the Mixed Chicks Store
Best Jamaican Castor Oil and Peppermint Oil Benefits
Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Shampoo
Why It's A Winner
If you're looking for a shampoo that will strengthen and restore your damaged hair, you will love this product!
This shampoo is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and removes buildup while infusing your hair with nourishing moisture.
It's perfect for those who regularly color, straighten, perm, or heat style their hair. The Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Shea Butter keep the cleansing agents from stripping your hair of all natural oils.
This will help repair damaged hair from chemical, colored, and heat-styled hair. The added peppermint oil will invigorate your scalp.
Know A Little Bit More
If you've ever had a perm, you know that achieving that perfect curl can sometimes come at a price.
Shea Moisture's cruelty-free shampoo is one of the best on the market for permed hair.
It gently cleanses the scalp and hair without stripping away natural oils, and it provides essential moisture to help revive damaged strands.
Plus, it's free of harsh chemicals like silicone, sulfates, and parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, or petrolatum so you can feel good about using it on your hair.
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
Sheamoisture Strengthen and Restore Shampoo with the Companion Conditioner
Visit the Shea Moisture Store
Shampoo for Permed Hair Buyers Guide
You've got a lot to think about when choosing the shampoo that will provide the best care for your hair.
We tried to provide a good amount of information about each product, but we're sure you might have more questions.
Here's a list of our best tips and with the most commonly asked questions following below.
Top Tips
Wait! Don't Wash Your Hair Too Soon!
Be sure to check with your hair stylist for specific perm care instructions and routines.
Most perms suggest that you wait a short time-frame, like 24-48 hours following the perm before you wash your hair.
This is because the chemicals in the perm will open up the cuticle during coloring, so you need to give some time for that to close back up. Otherwise, you'll be washiing the color out right from the start.
Get Good and Ready with a Quality Shampoo and Conditioner
Purchase a quality shampoo and conditioner to have them on hand before you get a perm. The perm is going to create extra dryness that will make your hair weaker.
Your perm will hold up so much better if it is getting gentle, moisturizing, healthy treatment from a great shampoo right from the start.
You've learned a lot in this article, so you will know what to look for when you are choosin a product to keep your hair healthy, shiny, hydrated, and manageable.
Do This!
Putting together all the product choice recommendations, we need to make sure your final product has extra rich hydration properties, but is still lightweight so you will be enjoying bouncy curls without weighing them down.
Look for products that mention phrases like gentle cleansing, chemically-treated, extreme dryness, scalp care, the and ability to restore and revive.
Don't Do This!
There are certain ingredients you need to avoid to keep your permed hair in the best shape possible.
Coconut oil is recommended by some but not others. Please check with your stylist for a recommendation.
Many of these ingredients are common additives to preserve the shampoo itself, but are too harsh, especially for permed hair.
These include but are limited to: sulfates, parabens, silicone, phthalates, mineral oil, or petrolatum. The truth is there not great for any hair type!
FAQs
What type of shampoo is best for permed hair?
First, please check with your personal stylist who is familiar with your hair and the products she has used to perm your hair.
She is in the best position to make a personal recommendation.
Second, scroll back through our favorites and tips above to decide which factors will be most important for your hair type and condition.
Basically, you are looking for a gentle cleanser with super hydration and damage repair, while avoiding harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients.
Do you need special shampoo for permed hair?
You've invested a good amount of time and money in your beautiful hairstyle, so you need a great shampoo for permed hair.
It's best to look for a shampoo that's made specifically for chemically-treated hair which means it will have advanced hydration ingredients with no harsh chemicals.
There are other shampoos that offer advanced hydration and other benefits that may be able to meet your needs.
Just do your research to make sure you've chosen the best one for you!
What products should not be used on permed hair?
Permed hair becomes more fragile and should not be exposed to any harsh chemicals.
So do not use products including alcohol, silicone, sulfates, parabens, silicone, phthalates, mineral oil, or petrolatum.
Continue to use nourishing products that support and encourage healthy hair growth.
With proper care, you will avoid dry and frizzy hair.
How often should you wash permed hair?
Permed hair will attract dirt and retain oils just like non-permed hair. But now your hair is so much dryer and more fragile.
You will be the best judge of how often you should wash your hair based on your normal experience and observing your hair's response to regular washing.
Generally, this could be 2-3 times per week up to once per week.
Using a gentle cleanser with advance hydration as well as keeping additional styling products to a minimum if you are noticing any signs of over dryness and damage.
How can I make my perm last longer?
As always, please check with your personal stylist who can make a recommendation based experience, your hair type, and the products used to perm your hair.
In general, you will need to wait at least 24-48 before washing you hair; some recommend up to two weeks.
You should not color treat your hair in the two weeks before and after your planned perm.
Each of these processes weakens the hair which increases the likelihood of excessive damage.
Another little know tip is to avoid using a comb in your hair or using hair pins or pony tails because these pull and put a constant tension on the hair strands.
Finally, invest in the best shampoo and conditioner offering advanced hydration without any harsh chemicals.
Limit the use of additional hair styling products and heat-styling tools which will cause further dryness and damage.
Should you condition permed hair everyday?
You should condition your permed hair each time it is washed which will depend on your hair care routine.
How do you keep permed hair from frizzing?
A great deep moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are your first defense against frizz, as well as staying away from harsh chemicals and styling routines.
If you're needing a little more help, consider adding a leave-in conditioner or using a hair mask twice a week.
You need to consider that curly hair reacts differently to humidity, moisture, and heat. Minimize heat styling such as blow drying and flat irons (I mean you did just perm it!)
Use a quality heat protection spray for treated hair. (We recommend this one for permed hair!)
If you use a blow dryer, try to use the lowest effective heat setting and a diffuser which will do wonders for your curls.
How can I make my perm more Curly?
The key to curly hair is that you need to moisturize while avoiding frizz! Read through the previous question about controlliing frizz.
Great curls really come down to super hydration and minimal styling steps.
A heat protectant spray is a must if you plan to blow dry. One of the best tools for curls is the diffuser on your blow dryer.
If you would like to skip the blow drying that's one less heat source! You can add some definition to your curls and a little structure with a light non-alcohol hair gel or similar product.
How long does a permanent perm last?
Very generally, perms are expected to last in the 3-6 months range.
These times can vary depending upon your hair type and condition at the time of the perm.
Fine hair for example, will have less strong strands to maintain heavier curls, while thicker hair can support more weight. Naturally curly hair is also able to handle more weight as your hair grows.
As time passes, your curl definition may change as your hair grows and adds weight that will open up the curls.
However, keeping your hair healthy will give you the longest-lasting results possible. While your hair will change over time, it will still have a lot of body and texture that are great to style with at every stage.
Can I wet permed hair?
It is important that you do not wet your hair during the first 24-48 hours, sometimes longer.
Be sure to check with your stylist who will have the best recommendation based on your hair condition and the perm product used.
After the suggested time frame, you can get your hair wet during regular showers and other activities. We would caution against pool or spa water that is treated with chlorine and other chemicals.
Our Final Thoughts
We care about your hair! We hope that reading about our favorites has given you the information you need to keep it healthy, shiny, and manageable!
We realize we've recommended some premium products with higher price tags, but these products will outperform less expensive brands.
We understand these may not be in your budget right now, but with the information we shared today, we are confident you can find a product to meet your needs and keep your hair in great shape.
If you still aren't sure which shampoo is the best for your permed hair, scroll back through or use our quick links below to go straight to the source for more information.
Products Featured In This Article:
Best Deep Hydration and Shine
Davines NOUNOU Shampoo
Nounou Deep Conditioner - Companion to Nounou Shampoo
Visit the Davine's Store - great info on their philosophy and unique products
Best for Severely Dry or Coarse Hair
Redken All Soft Mega Shampoo
Redken All Soft Shampoo - argan oil formulation for normal to dry hair
Visit the Redken Store - so many more fabulous products!
Best Color Safe, Botanical, and Sulfate-Free
Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Colored & Chemically Treated Hair
Mixed Chicks Curl Defining & Frizz Eliminating Leave-In Conditioner - companion conditioner
Visit the Mixed Chicks Store
Best Jamaican Castor Oil Benefits
Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Shampoo
Sheamoisture Strengthen and Restore Shampoo with the Companion Conditioner
Visit the Shea Moisture Store
Hope to see you soon again soon!
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As Promised: A short list of the benefits of some common hair care ingredients.
- Sweet Almond Oil: adds shine, strengthens damaged hair.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B complex): adds body and strength.
- Sesame Seed Oil: Nourishes hair which encourages new growth.
- Aloe Vera: Restores natural pH balance of the hair & scalp. Helps to heal dry and itchy scalp, irritation, and reduces dandruff.
- Avocado Oil: Moisturizes frizzy, dry, brittle, and damaged hair.
- Olive Oil: Replenishes moisture in both hair and scalp, adds shine and softness, provides antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Argan Oil: has Vitamin E, powerul hydration, helps repair damage.
