The ’80s are making a comeback, and we’re not just talking about neon and legwarmers; perms are back in vogue and better than ever. These aren’t your grandma’s perms either—today’s techniques yield softer, more natural-looking curls for all hair types. Whether you’ve just made the switch to curly life or you’re considering taking the plunge, you’ll want to know about the best products for permed hair to love your curls longer.
But why have perms stood the test of time? It’s simple: they offer the allure of wake-up-and-go styled hair. With a perm, you can say goodbye to the gruelling hours spent with curling irons and the heat damage that comes with it.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best products to help keep your permed hair on point.
The Best Products on the Market for Permed Hair
Whether you have newly permed hair or naturally curly hair, the following products are effective in restoring and nourishing hair strands and holding and amplifying curls.
Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner
Kicking off our list of the best products for permed hair is the Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner by Ouidad. The perming process can strip your hair of moisture and its natural oils, which is why a nourishing moisturizing conditioner is essential for post-perm aftercare.
This product is made to help preserve the curl of your perm, while making it smooth with added moisture. While this product is best known for its ability to preserve curls, it also leaves hair feeling smooth and soft. The best part about the Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner is that it uses all natural ingredients which makes your permed hair less vulnerable to damage than other products on the market.
The downsides to this product are that it does not work best on very dry hair, and can leave your hair looking greasy.
Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème
This product is best known for its ability to help your permed hair retain moisture, while adding shine and softness. The best part about the Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème is that it can be used on all types of hair including dry, damaged or coarse.
This product provides best results when used on damp hair. By applying the Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème to your wet or damp permed hair you can help it retain moisture, while also adding shine and softness. This is because hydrated strands are more pliable which makes them easier to shape into curls without causing damage.
The downside to this product is that some users have reported that they feel their hair gets greasy after using it.
Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Creme
Say goodbye to crunchy, frizzy curls and hello to smooth, defined locks with Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream. This rich, luxurious cream is a game-changer for anyone with permed hair.
Infused with a blend of nourishing oils like Avocado, Coconut, and Jojoba, as well as moisturizing butter such as Shea and Cocoa, this cream deeply hydrates while maintaining moveable, touchable curls. Bonus: It comes with UV filters to shield your tresses from the sun’s drying effects.
Best of all, Bumble & Bumble is a Cruelty-Free brand, so you can feel good about looking great.
TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier
This best-selling product is perfect for those with permed hair. It helps to define and hold your curls, while also adding shine without weighing down the hair like many other products on the market. The formula was designed to be gentle on chemically treated hair, so regardless if you have natural curls or a chemically produced perm, this mousse will give your hair a natural texture without making it feel waxy.
The TIGI Catwalk Curl Rock Amplifier provides best results when used on damp hair. By applying the TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier to your wet or damp permed hair you can help it hold its curl, while also adding shine and softness. This is because hydrated strands are more pliable which makes them easier to shape into curls.
Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
This best selling product is best known for its ability to help your hair stay moisturized, while keeping it frizz-free. The best part about this Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream is that it does not leave a white cast on your hair after you use it like many other products do.
The best results of the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream were achieved when it is used on damp hair. By applying this creamy product to your wet or damp permed hair you can provide your strands with hydration, while also adding shine and softness. This is because hydrated strands are more pliable which makes them easier to shape into
The downside to this product is that it does not have the best smell.
6 Tips for Caring for Permed Hair
- Use Sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner if possible; try to avoid shampoos with sulfates as these can be damaging to the scalp and cause frizziness in your curls.
- Be gentle when using styling products, especially heat protectants on permed hair.
- Use a deep conditioning treatment at least twice a month. The perming process can strip your hair of moisture and its natural oils that need to be replenished constantly using a nourishing conditioning treatment.
- Be sure to use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week or more if you experience dryness or frizziness after washing your hair. Try not to wash it every day as this can cause product build up and damage your permed hair.
- Keep your hands out of your curls while wet and dry as best you can to avoid frizziness and damage.
- Consider purchasing a silk or satin pillow to reduce friction and keep curls intact post-perm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Permed Hair
What is best shampoo and conditioner for permed hair?
One of the best shampoos and conditioners to use on chemically treated hair are Sulphate-free products, as aren’t too harsh on the hair which could essentially strip the perming treatment and work to smooth and moisturize the hair.
How do you curl permed hair with hot rollers?
To curl wet, damp or permed hair with hot rollers, use a heat protectant first and set your hair in the curlers for around 30 minutes. Once you remove them, leave them to cool down before taking out the curls. Use hairspray to hold it all together best as possible.
How do you best dry permed hair?
To best dry your permed hair, try to avoid rubbing it with a towel as this can cause frizziness. Instead, use the palm of your hands and pat down any tangles or knots in the curls gently before using a diffuser on low heat for around five minutes.
Can you sleep on your permed hair?
No, it is best not to go to bed with wet or damp hair as this can cause frizziness and damage. Once the curls have set in after washing, be sure to let them air dry before going to bed so they will stay best defined and moisturized throughout the night.
Can you perm already permed hair?
Yes, there are a number of different types of chemicals that can be used to re-perm the hair. Depending on what type of curl pattern or style you’re looking for will determine which chemical is best for your specific needs.
How do I get rid of my permeant curl?
If you love your permed hair but are looking for something looser, it’s best to go to a salon and speak with an expert stylist who will be able to help recommend the best treatment or solution depending on your specific needs. Alternatively, if you’re set on getting rid of the curls altogether then there are several types of curls.
Wrap Up
Above are some of the best products for permed hair. This includes best-selling Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream which is known for helping to moisturize chemically treated hair, without causing frizziness or leaving a white cast on your locks after you use it. Be sure to check out our other blog posts about best mousse and leave
When caring for and styling permed hair it is best to use high-quality and specially formulated product for chemically treated hair. The ones we have listed in this article will help condition your hair without damaging or weighing it down with product build-up. If you are looking for best-selling products that work without damaging your hair, consider the Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème or TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier.
