How to Sleep at Night Without Ruining Your New Perm

Tips for Sleeping After Getting a Perm

Got a fresh new perm and want to make it last? Your sleeping habits can have a big impact on how long your perm lasts and avoiding damage to freshly permed hair. Read on for tips on protecting your perm at night.

Why Sleeping Can Affect Your Perm

When you get a perm, your hair is rolled onto rods and treated with chemicals to rearrange the inner structure of the hair and make it curly or wavy. This leaves the hair in a fragile state, especially within the first 48 hours after perming.

Friction against your pillowcase, tossing and turning, and even how you gather your hair can stress and stretch out the new perm. Being careful with your new 'do while sleeping can extend the life of the perm.

Preparing Hair Before Bed

Your nighttime perm care starts before you even hit the sheets. Here are some tips for prepping your hair before bed:

• Let your perm completely dry before going to bed. Air drying is best.
• Avoid putting hair up in ponytails, tight braids, and clips right after perming.
• Use a soft scrunchie or hair tie if you must put hair up.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to protect strands.
• Sleep on a satin pillowcase to minimize friction.
• If you roll around a lot at night, tie hair in a loose low ponytail.

Protective Styling for Sleep

In addition to keeping your hair loose, these protective hairstyles are great for sleeping on a new perm:

1. Braid

For medium to long hair, braiding before bed helps minimize tangles and friction. Opt for a basic loose braid rather than anything too tight or fancy.

2. Buns

For short to medium length hair, buns are a great protective style. Make sure buns are loose rather than tightly rolled or coiled.

3. Bandana or Headscarf

Wrapping hair in a soft scarf or bandana adds an extra cushioning layer between your hair and pillow.

Sleeping Positions for Perm Protection

In addition to protective styling, be mindful of how you sleep when trying to preserve your perm:

Back Sleeping

The best position to avoid disturbing your perm is sleeping on your back. This prevents your hair from being pushed and rubbed against the pillow while you sleep.

Satin Pillowcase

If you simply can't sleep on your back, using a satin or silk pillowcase can help. The smoother fabric minimizes friction and pulling on hair as you shift around.

Pillow Position

If you sleep on your side, drape your hair over the front of your shoulder. Make sure to flip the part in your hair to the opposite side so you don't sleep directly on it.

Caring for Perm During the Day

Your perm care doesn't stop once you get out of bed in the morning! Be gentle with your new curls all day long:

No Pulling or Tugging

Avoid frequently combing, brushing, pulling, and touching your perm within the first 2 days. This can loosen the curl pattern.

No Ponytails

Stay away from tight ponytails and clips for at least a week after perming. The tension can straighten out curls.

Avoid Heat Styling

Let your perm set and your hair rest by avoiding hot tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons for 48 hours post-perm.

Gentle Washing

When shampooing, use your fingertips and lots of conditioner to gently detangle and avoid manipulating the curl pattern.

Light Conditioning

Only apply conditioner mids-length to ends, avoiding the roots. Heavy conditioners can weigh down perms.

Air Drying

Let your hair air dry naturally rather than blasting it with heat to preserve your perm.

No Chemical Processing

Wait at least 2 weeks before using any chemical treatments like hair dye, bleach, relaxers or additional perms.

Long Term Perm Care

Once you make it through the crucial first 48 hours, keep your curls going strong with these long term care tips:

Sleep in a Loose Braid

Put hair in a loose braid or ponytail when you sleep to avoid tangles and breakage.

Shampoo Less Frequently

Wash hair just 1-2 times per week to prevent overdrying and frizz.

Use Sulfate-Free Products

Sulfate-free shampoos help retain moisture and curl pattern.

Deep Condition Regularly

Use a deep conditioning hair mask once a week to hydrate perms and curls.

Avoid Rubbing with Towels

Gently squeeze out excess moisture instead of rubbing hair vigorously with towels.

Light Leave-In Conditioner

Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to ends after washing.

Let Air Dry

Allow hair to air dry instead of blow drying for best results.

Use a Wide-Tooth Comb

Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb starting from the bottom up.

Protect with Scarves Outdoors

Cover hair with a scarf or hat when going outside to protect from wind, sun damage, and humidity.

Schedule Trims

Get regular trims, every 6-8 weeks, to prevent split ends and maintain health.

Knowing When to Get a Touch Up

No matter how carefully you care for your perm, your curls will gradually loosen over time. Here's what to look for to know when it's time for a touch up:

• Straightening or loosening, especially at the roots
• Lack of curl formation or frizz when wet
• Overly stretched out curls
• New growth of straight hair as your perm grows out
• Flat, limp curls lacking bounce
• Dull looking strands lacking shine

Most perms last around 3-6 months before a touch up is needed. Book your next salon appointment as soon as you notice the curl pattern fading.

Sleep Your Way to Better Perm Results

You invest time and money into getting fabulous perms and curls. Protect your investment by being gentle with your hair at night. With these sleeping tips, you'll wake up with salon-fresh curls day after day.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.