A curly perm is a chemical process that permanently changes the structure of your hair to create curls. Unlike temporary styling methods, a perm cannot simply be "removed" or washed out. Once applied, the chemical change is permanent.
Dealing with a Permanent Perm
Since a perm is permanent, you cannot reverse the process. If you are unhappy with your curly perm, based on information about permanent hair treatments, you have limited options to address the altered texture:
- Wait for Your Hair to Grow Out: The permed hair will remain curly, but new hair growing from your roots will have your natural texture. Over time, you can gradually cut off the permed sections as your natural hair grows longer.
- Wear Protective or Low-Manipulation Styles: While waiting for your perm to grow out, you can use various hairstyles like braids, twists, updos, or wigs. These styles help blend the two textures and minimize manipulation that could cause breakage at the line of demarcation between permed and natural hair.
- Get a Haircut: The quickest way to eliminate the permed hair is to cut it off. This can range from regular trims to a significant chop, depending on how much permed hair you want to remove.
The reference specifically states regarding using a hair relaxer on curls (another permanent process) that if you don't like your results, you have these options: wait for your hair to grow out, wear protective or low-manipulation styles or get a haircut. This principle applies directly to dealing with an unwanted curly perm, as it is also a permanent chemical alteration.
Can You Undo a Perm?
While some sources might mention "reverse perms" or other chemical treatments, these are not simple "removals." Applying another chemical process, like a relaxer to straighten the hair after a perm, involves further potentially damaging chemical treatments. This is why the reference emphasizes going to a trusted professional if considering such processes. It's crucial to understand that using a hair relaxer on curls is permanent, so if you don't like your results, your main options are the non-chemical ones mentioned above.
Therefore, the safest and most straightforward ways to deal with an unwanted curly perm involve managing the permanent change as it grows out, rather than attempting to chemically reverse it at home or without professional guidance.
