Help, I just got a perm and I hate it

[Serena]

I want my hair back.

Does anyone know how long this will take to relax?

 

[lilboo]

How long has it been since you got it?...I can't believe I'm getting my hair advice from Reese Witherspoon BUT...in Legally Blonde didn't she base her case on the fact that to keep a perm you can't wash your hair within a certain time period after?

If you hop in the shower now...you might be able to relax it!!!!

Let us know!

 

[Tinkbell]

I think there is a way to professionally get your perm relaxed. Otherwise, I think you have to wait until it grows out. How long is your hair?

 

[helenabear]

On me at least, perms never lasted long and if you use harsher shampoos right now like clarifying shampoos or dandruff shampoo it might help get some of the chemicals out. Of course I don't know if it would work but it is a thought. Good luck!

 

[Eljay]

Call your hairdresser & ask if you can have it relaxed - a little or a lot. I'm a hairdresser & we do it by pouring perm lotion over the hair & combing without the rods in, for just a few seconds. When the perm relaxes to the point you want, it must be rinsed & neutralized. PLEASE don't try this yourself! If you got the solution in your eyes it would be catastrophic! They shouldn't charge you to do this. Good luck & don't tell anyone I told you how to do this!

 

[Michelle]

Go wash your hair several times right now and it will relax considerably.

 

[annemariec]

Serena, I feel your pain. I've been where you are. It's not fun.

You've had some good advice. When I had my perm, if I had known what Eljay stated --- I would've done it in a heartbeat.

It's hard not to look like yourself. Makes you want to wear hats. (That was years ago for me & I haven't had one since.)

Annemarie

 

[Serena]

My hair was past my shoulders and halfway down my back. She took off some bad ends and layered it again. Most of it is still past my shoulders without me stretching it.

It's what I asked for, but I don't like it. My hair was naturally curly, but the top part was straightening for some reason. The ends were still spiraling. She made it all look the same.

This is my very first perm.

 

[doxdogy]

When I use to get perms in my hair, they would last for almost a year on me. Years ago, I had a friend to a bad, bad, bad home perm. Then when I had it professionally removed I lost my naturally curly hair. Thankfully, the hairdresser I have now refuses to put a perm in my hair.

 

[NHAnn]

(((HUGS))) Serena, I hate that feeling of not liking the hairdo.

 

[Blondie]

Oh honey, I'm sorry you don't like your hair! There is nothing worse than hating a perm, new hair style or new color!

Wash it several times, as previously mentioned. It should help to relax it a bit. Usually after a week, your hair relaxes some more. Maybe by then you'll actually like having the extra body.

Let us know how it turns out after washing it a few times!

 

[abaldacci]

you will love it in a few days its just a big change.

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

Serena, I had a perm yrs ago and it looked like I stuck my finger in an electrical outlet. I was young and cried and cried. now when i get hair cuts I only cry for the first week then it grows on me, keep washing it and give it time, you will get used to it. I bet you look real nice

 

[Serena]

You would loose that bet. lol

Into the shower I go, bye all for a while.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I went and had my hair dyed black a couple of weeks ago. I still can't get totally used to it. But I am going to wait it out abit then go get some highlights put in.

 

[Buckalew]

Serena,
If you really think you don't like it, do what Blondie said. Shampoo and condition with a heavy creme conditioner. Since it is your first perm, you don't know how well your hair will hold the curl. When I used to perm my hair it always took too curly & I'd run home and shampoo right away. In like 2 weeks my hair was almost without any curl at all. It just doesn't hold well. If you aren't satisfied in a week or so, go have it relaxed with perm solution like Eljay said. But I wouldn't do it right away because you're applying chemical over chemical and it will damage your hair.
Good Luck!

 

[Serena]

I just washed it a few times. I don't want to take all the curl out, I really wouldn't know what to do then. lol

I will wait to see how it looks and if I can stand it.

Thanks all, now when does this awful smell go away?

You know, I seriously doubt I do this again. I'm just not a happy camper right now. LOL

 

[Buckalew]

Uh, the smell... it may leave rather quickly and could last around 3 months! I seen it do both and all time in between! I remember smelling one that smelled like cat pee. No joke...it was awful.
There are some perm solutions that my skin just really seems to drink up and when I give the perm I can smell it for almost 2 days! Oh, I should be wearing gloves...

 

[Serena]

Oh boy.

Thanks I do appreciate your help.

 

[Kallison]

I'm 41 and a perm virgin. Never had one, never will.