Perms are back! From soft waves to bouncy curls, people are rediscovering how much volume and personality a perm can bring to their hair… but how long will the look stay looking fresh? Below, Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf shares how to prolong your perm.
So, how long will a new perm usually last?
The quick answer is three to six months – so this style is built to last! However, this number can change depending on what type of hair you have, the type of perm you choose and how well you look after it. Let’s break it down:
How do different hair types affect how long a perm lasts?
Hair type plays a huge role in how long a perm will stay looking its best. Every hair texture will react differently to chemical processing, so how long a perm lasts varies between each person.
Fine or damaged hair: 2-3 months
Fine strands are likely to relax and lose shape faster, affecting how long your perm will stay intact. This is because the hair structure is very delicate, and lacks the strength to hold your style in place.
Normal or medium-density hair: 3-5 months
Hair that sits between fine and coarse textures can hold a perm very well. The curl pattern should stay consistent, as long as you keep your locks hydrated – keep reading for our aftercare tips.
Thick or coarse hair: 4-6 months
Thick hair is usually the strongest hair type, so can often lock curls in place for longer. Heat-based perms like digital perms can work really well with this hair type!
Do some perm types last longer than others?
Yes! The method that your stylist chooses to create your perm can make a difference in how long your style stays in place. Although longevity is important, the best perm is one that matches your lifestyle, styling habits and hair health. This said, here’s how long each one usually lasts:
Cold perm: 3-6 months
This is the classic and most popular type of perm. It uses chemical processing without heat to create tight, coily curls. Cold perms are ideal for various hair types, especially if you’re looking for volume and bounce.
Digital perm: 4-6 months
Digital perms work by using heat-activated styling rods that connect to a machine. Hair is usually chemically treated, then wrapped around these rods, which alters the hair’s bonds into a lasting style. The result? Soft, natural-looking waves with movement.
Root perm: 2-3 months
Root perms focus on the first couple of inches of the hair, near to the scalp. This gives lift to flat or fine hair, but doesn’t curl the full length of the hair, so the style grows out quicker. This type of perm often needs more maintenance for this reason.
Beach wave perm: 2-4 months
Beach wave perms are one of the loosest types of perms, giving hair a laid-back, tousled look. Because the curl isn’t as tight as other perms, it can mean that the style doesn’t last as long. However, it’s ideal for looks that need extra movement.
How can you make your perm last longer?
After you leave the salon with your fresh new perm, your aftercare routine becomes the biggest factor in how long your perm will look great. Healthy hair stays curly for longer, so adopting the right habits from day one can make all the difference.
1. Wait to wash
Your perm needs time to set. Washing too soon can loosen your curls before they’ve had time to fully form, disrupting the process. You should wait at least 48 hours after your treatment before shampooing for the best results.
2. Use sulphate free hair products
Sulphates remove oils from the hair, which can leave curls dry and damaged – making them drop quicker. Choose a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner to lock moisture in your hair and help curls stay defined. All of Neäl & Wølf’s hair products are sulphate free, but for perms, we would especially recommend using our HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. These use a moisture-rich formula of shea butter and natural oils to replenish your locks, helping them to look and feel healthier.
3. Choose a hydrating hair mask
When hydrated, curls thrive. A weekly hair mask boosts elasticity and leaves your perm nice and soft. Select a mask that keeps locks nourished, like our HYDRATE Moisture Hair Mask which is infused with soothing natural oils and repairing proteins. Just apply to mid-lengths of hair and leave on to work its magic.
4. Select a moisturising leave-in conditioner
Leave-in conditioner keeps your perm nourished all day by sealing in moisture. This can help tame tangles and frizz, allowing your curls to stay in shape for longer. Choose an option like our HYDRATE Leave-In Conditioning Spray, a lightweight mist designed to restore moisture into your locks, as well as adding shine and preventing against breakage. Shake well and evenly spritz through damp hair.
5. Get regular trims
Split ends can travel up the hair shaft and cause curls to look messy and uneven. Have your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to remove any split ends, keeping your perm looking salon-fresh for longer. For more information on how to take care of your split ends, read our blog: How to Get Rid of Split Ends
6. Use heat protection
Heat styling tools can damage your curl pattern, as well as stripping natural moisture from the hair – making it vulnerable to breakage. If you do choose to blow-dry your hair, always use heat protection first to protect your locks. Our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist can speed up blow-dry time by up to 50%, reducing the amount of time that your hair is exposed to heat. It also uses a blend of moisturising ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil and glycerine to stop your hair becoming dried out. Just shake well and spray on hair section-by-section before use.
7. Sleep on silk
Cotton pillowcases can rough your hair up whilst you sleep, which can lead to frizz and flattened curls. A silk or satin pillowcase allows hair to glide in your sleep, cutting down on friction and keeping your hair smooth.
8. Dry with microfibre
Drying your hair with a traditional towel can cause frizz and disrupt your curls. Instead, use a microfibre towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to gently evaporate water from your hair. Instead of rubbing your hair, softly squeeze and pat your locks to reduce friction.
In summary – perm usually lasts three to six months, depending on hair type, perm style, and how well you look after your curls. With good aftercare and a skilled stylist, you can enjoy beautiful waves or curls for months. Book in at your local salon today: Neäl & Wølf Salon Finder
For the best perm aftercare, browse our selection of products for curly hair. Each of these is hand-picked by our experts, ideal for prolonging your perm: Curly Hair Products