Revive Your Dry Permed Hair with These Simple Home Remedies

A perm, or permanent wave, is a chemical treatment used to add curl or wave to the hair. While perms can offer stunning results, they sometimes turn out too curly or leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t despair! Several home remedies can help relax the curl, hydrate your hair, and restore its natural shine and softness. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various home remedies, ingredients to look for, and the science behind why they work.

Understanding the Problem: Why Your Perm Is Too Curly & Dry

Before diving into the remedies, it's crucial to understand why your perm might have turned out too curly and dry. The perming process involves breaking and reshaping the hair's protein bonds using a chemical solution, typically ammonium thioglycolate. This process can weaken the hair structure, making it more prone to dryness and frizz. Several factors can contribute to an overly curly or dry perm, including:

1. Overprocessing: Leaving the perm solution on your hair for too long can result in overly tight curls and excessive dryness.
2. Hair Type: Some hair types are naturally more porous and absorb more of the chemical solution, leading to tighter curls.
3. Incorrect Rod Size: The size of the perm rods used can affect the curl's tightness. Smaller rods create tighter curls, which may be too curly for your liking.
4. Lack of Post-Perm Care: Not properly moisturizing and conditioning your hair after a perm can lead to dryness and frizz.

Home Remedies to Relax an Overly Curly Perm

1. Deep Conditioning Treatment
   • Why It Works: Deep conditioning helps restore moisture to your hair, making it more manageable and less frizzy. The added moisture can also help to slightly loosen tight curls.
   • How to Use: Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner to your hair, focusing on the ends. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour. For added effectiveness, apply heat using a blow dryer or a hot towel. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
2. Hot Oil Treatment
   • Why It Works: Hot oil treatments are excellent for adding moisture and shine to dry, damaged hair. The heat helps the oil penetrate the hair shaft, improving elasticity and reducing curl tightness.
   • How to Use: Warm a small amount of your chosen oil (coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil) in a microwave or by placing the oil container in hot water. Apply the oil evenly through your hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with a gentle shampoo.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
   • Why It Works: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps to balance the pH of your hair and scalp, closing the cuticle and reducing frizz. This can make your curls appear less tight and more defined.
   • How to Use: Mix one part ACV with two parts water and pour it over your hair after shampooing. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cool water. Follow with a conditioner to maintain moisture.
4. Coconut Milk and Lemon Juice Mask
   • Why It Works: Coconut milk is rich in fatty acids and proteins that nourish and strengthen the hair. Lemon juice helps to loosen curls naturally over time.
   • How to Use: Mix one cup of coconut milk with the juice of one lemon. Refrigerate the mixture for a few hours until it thickens. Apply the mask to your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a conditioner.
5. Baking Soda and Water Solution
   • Why It Works: Baking soda is a natural clarifying agent that can help to relax curls by gently breaking down some of the chemical bonds created during the perming process.
   • How to Use: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to create a smooth paste. Apply it to your hair, focusing on the areas with the tightest curls. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Follow with a deep conditioner to prevent dryness.
6. Aloe Vera and Honey Mask
   • Why It Works: Aloe vera is known for its moisturizing and soothing properties, while honey helps to retain moisture in the hair, reducing frizz and curl tightness.
   • How to Use: Mix equal parts aloe vera gel and honey. Apply the mixture to your hair, ensuring even coverage. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Follow with a conditioner for added softness.
7. Milk and Honey Spray
   • Why It Works: Milk contains proteins and fats that can help to soften the hair and reduce curl tightness, while honey acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the hair.
   • How to Use: Mix half a cup of milk with two tablespoons of honey. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spritz it evenly over your hair. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

Home Remedies to Rehydrate Dry Permed Hair

1. Avocado and Olive Oil Mask
   • Why It Works: Avocado is rich in healthy fats and vitamins that nourish and hydrate dry hair. Olive oil adds shine and softness.
   • How to Use: Mash one ripe avocado and mix it with two tablespoons of olive oil. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Follow with a conditioner.
2. Banana and Yogurt Mask
   • Why It Works: Bananas are packed with vitamins and natural oils that hydrate and strengthen hair. Yogurt adds moisture and protein, helping to repair damaged hair.
   • How to Use: Blend one ripe banana with half a cup of yogurt until smooth. Apply the mask to your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
3. Egg Yolk and Honey Mask
   • Why It Works: Egg yolks are rich in proteins that can help strengthen and repair damaged hair. Honey adds moisture and shine.
   • How to Use: Mix two egg yolks with two tablespoons of honey. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with cool water to prevent the egg from cooking, and follow with a conditioner.
4. Shea Butter Treatment
   • Why It Works: Shea butter is deeply moisturizing and helps to seal in hydration, making it an excellent remedy for dry, frizzy hair.
   • How to Use: Melt a small amount of shea butter in your hands and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. You can leave it in as a leave-in conditioner or rinse it out after a few hours.
5. Mayonnaise Mask
   • Why It Works: Mayonnaise contains oils and egg yolks that add moisture and protein to dry, damaged hair.
   • How to Use: Apply a generous amount of mayonnaise to your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo to remove any residue.

Tips to Prevent Future Perm Problems

1. Choose the Right Stylist
   • Ensure your stylist is experienced with perms and understands your hair type. A skilled stylist will know how to adjust the perming process to achieve the desired curl without causing excessive dryness.
2. Use the Right Products
   • Invest in sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for chemically treated hair. These products are gentler and help maintain moisture levels in your hair.
3. Regular Deep Conditioning
   • Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your weekly hair care routine to keep your hair hydrated and prevent dryness.
4. Avoid Heat Styling
   • Minimize the use of heat-styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, which can exacerbate dryness and damage.
5. Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
   • Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz while you sleep. Alternatively, wrap your hair in a silk scarf before bed.

Conclusion

Dealing with a perm that is too curly and dry can be frustrating, but with the right home remedies, you can relax the curls and restore your hair's health and shine. Whether you opt for a deep conditioning treatment, a hot oil treatment, or a DIY hair mask, these natural remedies can help you achieve the desired results without harsh chemicals. Remember to be patient, as it may take a few treatments to see significant improvement. By following the tips and remedies outlined in this guide, you can regain control over your hair and enjoy beautiful, manageable curls.