Can you reverse a perm after 48 hours?

[iwanttolookbetter]

I got a perm this morning and I'm really not sure if I like it or not. I've read that you can reverse it if you wash it within the first 24 hours or so but am curious to wait and see what it looks like once it's been washed and I've styled it myself (I was told to wait 48 hours). Does anyone know if you can reverse a perm to the same extent if it's had time to fully set? Some websites seem to suggest you can and others that you can't!

If I can't reverse it, could I just style my hair as if it's straight, using my big Revlon one step dryer/brush? I get that there might be a bit of frizz but with loads of conditioner and styling do you reckon I might get away with it?

Don't have an answer for you but I got one about 4 months ago and I looked like Shirley Temple for a few days. After washing and styling myself it looked far more natural and I love it, hopefully it will be the same for you!

Oh wow, thanks cattuscattus, that gives me hope! It was supposed to be lose waves but looks more like spiral curls but if there's a chance they will get more natural looking that's definitely good to hear! Glad you love yours! What products do you use can I ask?

@iwanttolookbetter I like mine properly curly rather than in waves, so I put in mousse and gel and then diffuse upside down to encourage it, so don't do that hah! But if I don't do anything to it then it's very softly curly/wavy if that makes sense.

It was definitely tighter for the first few weeks and then relaxed out. How small/big were the rods they used? If you feel confident that they used big enough rods for the look you're after I wouldn't worry too much—less so if they were tiny!

They said they used the biggest rods available but I thought they were tiny! I was quite alarmed to be honest and asked if they had bigger ones but they said perms would just fall out if you used rods that were the size of heated rollers. I don't know very much about the science of hair but I presume they know what they're talking about!

Any pics??!
I'm seriously tempted. I have long hair (chest length) which is so so dull and limp. Seriously considering a perm!

I second any pics!?

Home and salon perms were a thing when I was a teen, I pretty much had one permanently until my mid 20s. From what I remember they were always very curly for the first few weeks or so then kind of relaxed as they grew out. It didn't matter what size rollers were used either.
I remember an old wives tale warning you not to wash your hair for the first few days as it would drop out more quickly...Think things have probably moved on now though with digital perms etc

Would definitely love a photo, even of the back! My hairdresser recommended a perm on my fine, straight hair. I had one a couple of years ago and liked it!

Cat what was yours like? My hair is so limp!

I had one, love it, getting second one after 18 months. Made me look totally different

Hated it initially

Oops sorry I use cantu products and curly girl method and my hair has never been better

I used to be a serial permer. Had my first one at home done by my mum at the tender age of 8. Probably has my last one around 20 years ago. They do drop after a few washes though. I'd love to see a pic too. My hair is too short for a perm now otherwise I'd be seriously tempted.

I’d love to see a pic too. I had a spiral perm years ago and I’m seriously tempted again as my hair is the right length

I’d love to have a perm. We do need pics!

I don’t know the actual answer but it is very much a pivotal plot point in Legally Blonde that perms need to remain dry for a certain period

Oh I’d love to see a picture too, I’d love beachy waves and I’m not able to create that myself, is that even possible?!

According to Legally Blonde you can

It is very much not beachy waves Twinmama, at least not at this point, but I've left it about 38 hours now so I'm going to commit and see what it looks like after a wash and my own styling! Maybe I can get that look with the right products but the hairdresser didn't so I'm doubtful! In all honesty though, I'd be happy with just a bit more volume!

LittleEsme. Like this!



Hmmm. That didn't work 🤣. Will try again!

Blueroses [Big grin] - I'm intrigued! Need to watch it now!

Erm ....... last try 🙈🙈🙈

Awe, you look lovely cat! It's given you loads of volume!

That was a few years ago. Straight as a dye now 🤣🤣