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I Brushed My Permed Hair; Is It Bad?

Perming hair is the perfect way to get voluminous curls, but can you brush hair after a perm? What happens when you brush it? If you’ve just gone and brushed your luscious locks, you might be worrying if you’ve just ruined your fabulous hairstyle.

Before you book an appointment with your stylist, we’ll answer the question of whether you can brush your freshly permed hair or not.

Can I Brush/Comb My Hair After A Perm?

Brush or Comb Hair After A Perm

Yes, but you should be careful. Brushing your hair after a perm can cause the curls to fall out, or even worse, it can cause tangles and breakage in the hair.

However, if you are careful, you can brush your hair after a perm. Before doing so, there are a couple of things to remember.

You should avoid using a soft bristle brush, as it will break the perm by separating and fluffing the curls set in your hair. Instead, consider using a wide-tooth comb, which is less likely to cause tangles. Your best option is to avoid using tools altogether and instead opt to finger-comb your hair.

If you’re worried about the curls falling out, use some gel or serum and scrunch it to reshape the ringlets.

Using a comb on your hair while it’s wet is another option for brushing your perm, as it is less likely to cause the same amount of damage it would while your hair is dry.

One of the main reasons you shouldn’t brush your permed hair too much is that brushing can cause damage to the cuticle layer of the hair. The cuticle acts as a protective layer, and once this is damaged, your hair can be prone to breakage, split ends, and weakened roots and follicles.

If you want to care for your perm, there are a few methods that are gentler on hair than dry brushing it. Stick to using a wide-toothed comb or your fingers, and only work on your hair when it’s wet.

Additionally, use conditioner or oil when detangling for an added slip, making tangles easier to remove without tugging on them. As long as you’re gentle when you brush your hair after a perm, you’ll be okay!

How Long After A Perm Can I Brush My Hair? 

It is generally recommended to wait 24-48 hours before brushing your hair after having a perm. This is to ensure that your hair has enough time to set and that you don’t end up with frizzy or damaged hair.

To avoid damage, using the right brushes or combs while detangling gently with conditioner or oil is important, limiting brushing to once or twice a day.

It is also important to remember that over-brushing your hair can strip away essential oils from each strand which gives your hair a lackluster appearance.

Also, avoid using heat-styling tools such as curling irons or blow dryers whenever possible, as these can cause breakage and frizziness over time. Overall, if you treat your perm gently, you should be able to maintain it for the maximum amount of time.

Did Brushing Ruin My Perm?

Can brushing ruin permed curls?

No, brushing didn’t ruin your perm. Brushing your hair is essential to keep your perm looking its best. It helps redistribute natural oils, helps keep the shape of the perm, and can even help to boost the volume.

It can promote a healthy scalp, reduce split ends, and enhance overall hair shine and luster.

Brushing also helps to remove any dirt or other debris from the scalp and prevents clogged hair follicles, helping your hair stay strong and healthy.

So, go ahead and brush your perm. Just be sure to use a wide-toothed comb that won’t damage the hair, and remember to brush from the roots to the tips. With some proper TLC, you’ll be able to maintain your beautiful new hairstyle, and it will feel healthy too.

So, Is It Bad To Brush Permed Hair?

If you are cautious and handle your hair with care, it is not bad to brush your permed hair. Just remember to keep the brushing down to a minimum. Use a wide-toothed brush and finger-comb your hair to avoid tugging and tearing at it.

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Alice Rawling

Alice Rawling is the chief editor of HairdoHairstyle. She's a hair stylist with over eight years of experience in LA. She has been featured in prestigious beauty magazines and online publications like Brides, Business Insider, Hairstyle Camp, BuzzFeed, Bustle, etc.