Help! I've had a perm for the first time ever and I think I''ve ruined it!

[pallymama]

Idiot idiot idiot!
Yesterday I had a prem for the first time ever. It looked nice but the curls were a bit tight. Hairdresser said it would relax a bit after I washed it for the first time, but she didn't say I wasn't to wash it for at least 24 hours, and as I could still smell the chemicals, I washed my hair. This morning, I have curls underneath and a nest on top of mostly flat hair. :( Is it ruined? Are the curls gone for good, or is there anything I can do?
I also have to go out in about an hour as we're visitng family and going to a birthday party!

[FanjoForTheMuahahammaries]

I'd go back and see her, doesn't sound like it has taken properly

[MercyDulbottle]

People still have perms?

[Dawndonna]

If you have time, wash it again, scrunch with mousse, don't blow dry.
Good luck.

[pallymama]

Thank you, my SIL also sugested wetting it again and scrunching. I have some curls again now!

[blobtobetter]

I want curly hair but am too scared to get a perm .... too risky!

[ggirl]

Way back in the 80's when I used to have perms I used to wash it straight away wiht no problem. Sounds like it didn't take properly.
Also intrigued that you've had a perm , have you got long hair ..please tell me more!

[henrythecat]

I've got a perm - my hairdresser says to give it 24 hours, 48 if you can. From my limited hairdressing knowledge (gleaned from Legally Blonde), if ammonium thyglocolate (sp?) has been used as the main perming ingredient in the perming solution then avoid water for as long as possible. I think there are perming solutions without this that do more relaxed looking perms on fine hair though so maybe she used one of these?

Mine relaxed at an alarming rate after first few washes and this is totally normal so don't worry. Key thing is I think is to care for it well - find no suplhate/low sulphate shampoo and silicone free conditioner (tresemme naturals works well) and never comb or brush when dry - . use a wide tooth comb to detangle when conditioner is soaking in. Never rub dry with a towel - get one of those head turban things (poundland usually haven them and I noticed them in primark this week too) to help remove as much water as possible,

Take care with mousses and scrunching jellies - you don't want anything with alcohol in it as that will be very drying in your hair which will already be affected by the perming solution.

Hope that helps!

[henrythecat]

Look at the 'no poo' thread on here and google 'Curly Girl' method - I wouldn't recommend doing the whole thing though (i.e. washing with conditioner rather than shampoo) but elements of it (i.e. the head turban thing) are worth bearing in mind.