Are you tired of your tight perm curls, or are you looking to change your look? Then, you might want to straighten out those curls and opt for straight hair. In that case, it’s not uncommon to wonder if you can straighten a perm.
Straightening a perm is 100% possible, but not immediately after you just permed the hair. Depending on your hair texture, you’ll have to wait for approximately a month before straightening. This is because your hair becomes very delicate after a perm and is susceptible to damage from a hot iron. You can visit a salon or change your hairstyle yourself.
Straightening your hair might seem complicated, but it is straightforward. However, it takes a while to achieve, and doing it wrong can result in more harm than good. Keep reading to learn more about straightening a perm.
How to Straighten a Perm
Straightening your perm can be fantastic. You get a new look and a break from the bouncy or wavy curls. Aside from that, some outfits look better with straight hair.
However, before you delve into losing those curls, there’s something you should note. You can cause permanent damage to your hair when you straighten a perm. In other words, it’s impossible to change your style from curly to straight without causing minor damage.
Another thing to remember is that you should not straighten a perm immediately after getting it done. Even if you are uncomfortable with the styling or your stylist didn’t get it right, don’t attempt straightening your hair.
Remember that you had to get through a lot to curl it, and the hair is still very fragile. Trying to straighten it a few days later might be detrimental to your hair’s health. In some cases, you end up with coarse hair instead of what you had imagined.
As you have noted earlier, the best option is to wait for at least a month. Once this waiting period is up, you can straighten your perm in three ways:
- Use a flat iron
- Straighten your perm with an at-home perm kit
- Use Gel
Use a Flat Iron
You already know a flat iron, and you’re probably aware that this isn’t a permanent solution. However, using this option is better than using several chemicals to straighten a perm. Aside from this, a flat iron does minor damage compared to chemical mixtures.
It’s essential to use a heat protectant to reduce the heat damage that the flat iron could cause. Furthermore, it would be best to first dry it with a hairdryer and diffuser. While drying, stretch out your curls with a comb.
When your hair is dry, get comfortable and divide your hair into small sections. Each section shouldn’t be more than 1.5 centimetres to get a better result. Use the flat iron over each one, applying light pressure.
It’s best to start from behind before working your way through the rest. Sit in front of a mirror to get a clear image of your handwork. Your curls will straighten out if you do this two to three times weekly.
Using a flat iron can be time-consuming, so you have to be patient to get the job done. If you feel it’s something you can’t handle, visit a stylist to help you out.
Straighten Your Perm with At-Home Perm Kit
Right now, you’re probably laughing at utilizing a perm kit. However, you’d be using this equipment differently. The perm solution and neutralizer that come with the kit are all you’ll need.
You won’t use the rods this time because you aim to get rid of the curls. Wash your hair, dry it with a clean towel, and split it into four to six parts. Then, with gloves, begin applying the perm solution while combing each part of your hair. When doing this, always use a wide-toothed comb.
Continue combing your hair straight for around 10 minutes after you’ve finished applying the solution to your entire scalp. Thoroughly rinse the hair with hot water. By “hot,” it means slightly hot, not too much that it might burn your head.
After drying your hair, apply the neutralizer to your hair in the same manner as you did the previous solution. Allow your scalp to absorb it for some minutes before rinsing it with hot water.
You’ll notice that your curls have become more stretched out when you’ve finished. Your hair will most likely be dry after using this kit. Therefore, you should visit a salon for a professional deep moisturizing treatment.
Use Gel
Gels are also an excellent option to straighten your perm. Like a flat iron, they temporarily remove the curls. Despite this, they might only work for a while and not give you precisely what you want.
Ensure that whatever straightening gel you’re buying is high quality and won’t damage your hair. Before you use the gel, wash your hair thoroughly.
Use a light shampoo and a smoothening conditioner to make your hair better. When you’ve finished drying, pat your hair dry with a towel. After your hair has dry, apply a little gel to it, then use the lotion evenly through your hair, from root to tip. Dry your hair afterward.
Conclusion
If you want a quick way to straighten your perm, use a flat iron or a perm kit. The gel works just fine but might not give you the best result. However, if you’re not in a hurry, give your hair time, and the perm will wear out after a while.
