How Long Should You Wait To Wash Your Hair After Getting A Perm?

Although you might have thought you left perms behind in the 1980s, they've come back into style because, as always, everything old is new again. The Trend Spotter noted that you can rock several different types of curly locks in 2022. From curls to ringlets to waves, right now is a wonderful time to sport a curly hairstyle, and if you don't have natural curls, a perm is one way to get them.

If you've jumped into the permanent wave game again, chances are you've forgotten a few of the basics about this chemical hairstyle. While there are plenty of myths about perms, there is likely some truth behind some of what you've heard. One big thing is about how long you have to wait to wash your hair after undergoing this process (via Beezzly). Here is how long you should wait to wash your hair after getting a perm, and what you can do if it feels dirty before that.

One rule you might have heard is how long you need to wait to wash your hair after getting a perm. According to Beezzly, you should wait at least 48 hours before using shampoo on your locks. Frankie Cochrane also recommends waiting as long as 72 hours if you can. You risk hair damage and uneven curls if you don't wait that long before using a cleanser. The reason is that the chemicals used to create your curls can destroy some of the keratin chains in your hair. However, just because you can't wash your hair doesn't mean that you don't have some options if you feel dirty before the 2 days are up.

First, if your scalp feels dirty, you can use dry shampoo to help. Be sure you only use products that are safe for permed hair, though, because it's essential to treat your hair gently after this process. If you have any questions, you should discuss the proper care of your newly styled hair with your stylist.