Styling your curly hair after a perm requires a gentle touch and the right products to maintain the curl pattern and minimize frizz. Here's a breakdown of how to best style your permed curls:
Gentle Handling is Key
- Avoid Excessive Combing/Brushing: Brushing or combing curly hair, especially when dry, can disrupt the curl pattern and lead to frizz and breakage. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb only when your hair is wet and has conditioner in it.
- Finger Styling: Use your fingers to gently separate, define, and twirl curls around your face or in the direction you want them to fall. This helps encourage the curl pattern.
Product Selection and Application
- Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner to wet or damp hair. This helps hydrate the curls, reduce frizz, and provide definition.
- Curl Cream or Mousse: After applying leave-in conditioner, use a curl cream or mousse formulated for curly hair. These products help enhance and hold the curl pattern. Apply by scrunching the product upwards from the ends to the roots.
- Avoid Heavy Products: Heavy products can weigh down your new curls, making them appear limp. Opt for lightweight formulas.
Drying Techniques
- Air Drying: Air drying is the most gentle option for permed hair. It minimizes heat damage and allows the curls to form naturally.
- Diffusing: If you need to dry your hair quickly, use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. Diffusing distributes the heat evenly and prevents frizz. Use a low heat and speed setting.
- Plopping: Plopping involves wrapping your wet hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt to absorb excess water and encourage curl formation.
Maintenance and Refreshing
- Pineapple-ing at Night: Before bed, gather your hair loosely at the crown of your head in a high ponytail (pineapple). This helps preserve the curl pattern and prevent frizz while you sleep.
- Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can reduce friction and frizz compared to cotton.
- Refreshing Curls: On non-wash days, you can refresh your curls by spritzing them with water and reapplying a small amount of leave-in conditioner or curl cream. Finger coil any curls that need extra definition.
What To Avoid
- Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling can damage your permed hair and loosen the curls. Minimize the use of heat tools.
- Sulfates and Alcohol: Avoid shampoos and styling products that contain sulfates and alcohol, as these can dry out your hair.
- Over-Washing: Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times per week.
By following these tips, you can style your permed curly hair to achieve bouncy, defined, and healthy-looking curls.
