Perm is an artificial way of styling one’s hair. A “permanent wave” of the hair is made using chemicals and heat. It is a very popular method of hair-styling.
A perm gone bad can be frustrating.
It is because you spent all the time and effort using harsh chemicals and heat to get the perm. Yet, the results that you get is unsatisfactory.
But you don’t need to dishearten because of it! It is not that of a bad news!
The good news is, there are ways to get rid of a perm without chemicals. Thankfully, saving it from another ordeal and torture.
You see, chemicals can harm your scalp and hair roots. This, in turn, can adversely affect your health as well.
It’s better to rely on natural remedies to reverse a perm. These easy home remedies are not only useful but also safe even for long-term use to remove a perm gone wrong.
Here, you’ll find:
- What are various types of perm
- 12 Home remedies for perm to go natural
- Treatment methods that are easy to put together
- Techniques that do not cause serious side effects to undo a perm
Related: 15 Best Essential Oils for Faster Hair Growth
12 Home Remedies to Remove a Perm
Following are some of the easiest remedies that you can use to undo a perm faster.
1. Olive Oil
It’s true that olive oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils known to man.
Not only is it packed with monounsaturated fatty acids, but it’s also an excellent source of antioxidants such as phenols [1].
It’s no surprise that olive oil has been found to reduce heart disease and other serious ailments [2].
Now here’s another exciting fact about this favorite oil:
It also promotes hair health.
Yes! Olive oil is one of those oils that you can put on your hair.
According to many hair experts, olive oil can help relax the wavy patterns and straighten out the strands.
Even so, it’s one of the integral ingredients in a hair protective cream product. The product designers have put olive in it to make sure that the hair straightens naturally [3].
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup 1 cup of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Warm olive oil in a pan over low heat.
- Apply warm (but not hot) oil to your hair strands.
- Massage your scalp gently for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Run a comb through the strands to distribute the olive oil evenly.
- Cover your hair with a wet towel soaked in warm water.
- Wait for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off the olive oil with shampoo.
- Comb it again.
- Repeat remedy once a day until the perm is gone.
RELATED: How to Use Olive Oil for Skin Health Boost
2. Coconut Oil
What was once deemed unhealthy due to its high amount of saturated fat is now considered by experts as one of the best superfoods there is.
Here’s the reason:
Saturated fats are said to increase the good cholesterol also known as high-density lipoprotein. On the other hand, they reduce the low-density lipoprotein or the bad cholesterol.
Research has also proven that this oil has multiple beneficial properties. This includes potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Such beneficial aspects of the coconut oil can ward off not only some but significant health and hair problems [4].
Now if you’d like to get rid of your perm and have gorgeous straight hair, consider using coconut oil.
It works well in taming the frizz and increasing shine [5].
Best of all:
It promotes scalp health and prevents hair damage, reports a 2002 study [6].
It can easily penetrate into the hair shaft and prevent loss of protein [6].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of coconut oil
Recommended Directions:
- Spread a thin layer of coconut oil on your scalp and hair strands.
- Massage scalp for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use a comb to spread the oil evenly to the strands.
- Cover hair with a towel for one hour.
- Remove the towel and comb the hair again.
- Wash it off with warm water.
- Do this procedure once a day for up to one week.
Related: Coconut Oil for Dandruff: Benefits & 11 Home Remedies
3. Coconut Milk
An excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C and minerals, coconut milk is a nutritional powerhouse that you should drink more often.
And in case you are someone who is lactose intolerant then you should definitely drink coconut milk.
Since coconut milk is lactose-free, it’s a good substitute for milk if you’re not able to digest lactose in dairy products.
Coconut milk is also believed to have multiple benefits for the hair.
After sustaining damage from chemical treatments like a perm, your hair’s probably weak, brittle and damaged.
Coconut milk has enough nutrients to “restore hair and scalp health” according to Earth Clinic.
It’s also said to help in straightening the hair strands and getting rid of unsightly perm.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of fresh coconut milk
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Recommended Directions:
- Combine coconut milk and lemon juice in a glass jar.
- Cover the glass jar and place in the refrigerator for two to three hours.
- Use the chilled mixture to massage your scalp and hair.
- Wrap a towel around your head or wear a shower cap.
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Shampoo and rinse your hair.
- Comb the strands.
- Follow this technique once a day until hair is straight again.
Related: 10 Highly Effective DIY Hair Growth Serums & How to Use Them
4. Eggs
Eggs are rich in omega-three fatty acids, which a 2004 study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics reports to be highly beneficial for the health [7].
Apart from keeping numerous chronic disorders at bay, eggs are also suitable for your hair [8].
The sulfur that you can find in the egg yolk is believed to stimulate the blood flow to the scalp, thereby increasing hair growth.
The egg white, meanwhile, is packed with protein, which works in strengthening the hair follicles.
Here’s more:
It has folate that can also help prevent hair damage and loss.
Some say that if you combine eggs and olive oil, this mixture can help remove the perm in your hair.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Beat the eggs and add olive oil.
- Put a small amount of this mixture on your hair and scalp.
- Comb your hair.
- Cover your head with a shower cap.
- Wait for 45 minutes.
- Wash your hair thoroughly.
- Repeat this technique every other day until the perm is gone.
Related: 10 Reasons Why You Should Use Shea Butter For Hair
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera was used centuries ago to treat a myriad of ailments and promote overall health [9].
It is also highly revered for its valuable contributions to skincare and beauty [9].
For the hair, it does many wonderful things:
For one, it protects the hair from sun damage, so that it doesn’t become weak and brittle [10].
Also, it can easily penetrate into the hair shaft and scalp to get its nutrients working [10]. So, it is an excellent choice for perm gone bad.
The nutrients of the aloe vera also do a fantastic job of revitalizing hair and strengthening it from the root to the tips [10].
Plus, those who have tried using aloe vera on their hair can attest that it can efficiently get rid of frizz and waves.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 6 drops of sandalwood oil
- 5 drops of rosemary oil
Recommended Directions:
- Warm olive oil in a pan over low heat.
- Remove from heat.
- Mix olive oil and aloe vera gel.
- Add rosemary oil and sandalwood oil.
- Apply the mixture on hair strands and scalp.
- Massage for five to 10 minutes.
- Wear a shower cap.
- Let it sit for one hour.
- Shampoo and rinse hair afterward.
- Use this procedure once a day for one to two weeks.
Related: 11+ Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Oil (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
6. Fuller’s Earth
Have you tried using fuller’s earth on your hair or face?
If not, it’s about time that you do.
It is a type of clay material, made from bentonite. Fuller’s earth contains many minerals and has many uses for beauty and health [11].
Some of the minerals that can be found in this clay include quartz, iron, silica, magnesium, calcium, dolomite and calcite.
It has gentle but effective cleansing action on the hair that helps remove excess chemical and dirt build up.
As you know that to get a perm, your hair will go through an ordeal of chemicals. Plus, this will make your hair more prone to dirt build up. Therefore, using Fuller’s earth will help your hair stay cleaner. And if your perm has indeed gone bad, it will try to reduce that.
Moreover, it can give you straight hair without exposing you to harmful chemicals.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of fuller’s earth
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons of rice flour
Recommended Directions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well.
- Put a generous amount of the mixture on your head.
- Comb the strands of your hair.
- Let it sit for one hour.
- Wash it off with cool water.
- Do this every day for one week.
7. Beer
Beer on your hair?
Yes! It’s very hard to imagine how an alcoholic beverage like a beer can help with your beauty regimen. But many people who have tried it attest to its efficacy. It indeed is a good choice to treat perm.
It’s a safe and simple method for straightening frizzy locals.
The beer has protein and B vitamins that can repair damage from the perm.
In addition, it also contains maltose and sucrose sugars, which are said to be effective in tightening the hair cuticles and bringing back the hair’s shine.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of beer
- 1 cup of shampoo
Recommended Directions:
- Boil a cup of beer in a pan over low heat.
- Wait for it to reduce to half.
- Let it cool.
- Mix beer and shampoo.
- Use this mixture to wash your hair.
- Repeat every other day until hair becomes straight.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Another great natural treatment for the “perm” in your hair is apple cider vinegar.
To revive its smoothness and frizz-free days, try using this remedy.
Apple cider vinegar not only gets rid of perm but can also help restore the pH balance in your scalp.
On top of these, it can remove the chemical buildup due to overuse of commercial hair products and treatments.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Combine apple cider vinegar and water.
- Shampoo your hair as usual.
- After that, use this mixture to rinse your hair.
- Leave it on and let it dry.
- Comb your hair.
- Wash it off after 2 hours.
Related: 20 Reasons to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair + How to Use it
9. Fresh Milk
Fresh milk is extraordinary when it comes to hair care. Because milk has a high level of proteins that can help moisturize and straighten your permed hair. Moreover, milk can strengthen your hair shafts and remove frizz and brittleness.
You can make use of a homemade milk and egg hair mask to get rid of perm.
Process 1: Milk and Egg Hair Mask
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 egg
- Hairbrush
- Shower cap
- Shampoo and conditioner
Recommended Directions:
- Beat an egg and mix it with milk thoroughly.
- Apply the mask on your hair strands using a brush and wait for 20 minutes.
- Wear a shower cap to cover your hair and leave it for another 30 minutes.
- Now, wash your hair with a good shampoo and condition it.
- Repeat the treatment twice in a week.
Process 2: Milk Spray
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup of milk
- ½ cup of water
- Spray bottle
- Shampoo and conditioner
Recommended Directions:
- Pour milk and water into the spray bottle and shake well.
- Now remove the tangles of your hair and spray the solution thoroughly.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes so that the hair absorbs the milk.
- Wash off using a shampoo and condition your hair.
- You can use a hair perfume to remove milky smell from your hair.
- Repeat the treatment 3 times in a week to get straight and strong hair.
10. Banana
Banana is another superb ingredient to treat permed hair. Banana mash can hydrate and moisturize your hair. Thus you get a healthy and straight hair in no time.
Additionally, the essential components in a banana can treat your itchy and dry scalp. The Following is banana, olive oil, honey and probiotic hair mask to treat your curly or permed hair.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoon of honey
- 2 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoon of yogurt
Recommended Directions:
- Mash the bananas and mix all the other ingredients one by one.
- Once the smooth paste is ready you are all set for a hair mask.
- Apply the hair mask on the strands and then cover your hair with a shower cap.
- Leave the mask on for 30 minutes.
- Then, wash off your hair using shampoo and condition it.
- Repeat the treatment twice in a week for a lustrous, straight and healthy hair.
11. Honey
Honey is a healthy sweetener. However, this superfood has benefits beyond your kitchen walls. Honey is an exceptional ingredient for skin and hair care purposes.
Form the ancient time onwards people have been using honey for a number of skin and hair disorders. Honey is a natural moisturizer. It is full of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
Honey is one of the natural solutions to get rid a perm out of your hair. Here’s a wonderful honey hair relaxer recipe to undo a perm.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of raw honey
- ½ cup of fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Pour all the ingredients into a bowl and mix them well.
- Now apply the hair mask on your permed hair thoroughly.
- Keep the mask on the hair for 30 minutes.
- Wash off your hair using shampoo.
- Repeat the treatment three to four times a week.
Related: How to Use Honey and Cinnamon for Cold
12. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a superb hair care ingredient. It provides your hair with silkiness and delicious aroma. You will definitely have a hard time trying not to touch or smell such healthy hair.
Cocoa butter as a natural emollient can moisturize and soften your rough and bristle-like hair. Once your hair regains its natural softness, the curls or perms will lose off on its own.
Cocoa butter has a number of other benefits for a healthy hair life, such as hair growth, reducing hair breakage and split ends, straightening and strengthening your hair.
You can easily grab a good jar of cocoa butter from any supermarkets. Here’s how you should proceed with cocoa butter hair treatment to remove a curly perm faster.
What You’ll Need:
- ½ a cup of cocoa butter
Recommended Directions:
- Massage your entire hair with the oil thoroughly.
- Cover your hair with a towel.
- Let the hair to relax for 20 minutes.
- Now, wash off your hair using a good shampoo.
- Repeat the treatment every alternative day to get back a natural perm-free hair.
Related: 18 Great Hair Benefits Of Argan Oil
Some Q&A About Perm
Q.Which types of perm should I try?
A. You can try the digital/ hot perm or the cold perm.
Q.What is the difference between hot perm and cold perm?
- Hot perm will make your hair look curly when they are dry.
- Cold perm will make your hair look curly when wet with water or any hair product.
Q. How long does a perm last?
A. It is one of the most asked questions and the answer to it is quite baffling. While it takes 3-4 hours of chemical treatments to get a curly, wavy and permed hair, the duration of such a hairstyle may depend on a number of facts.
Some of the key factors are related to the type of your hair and the quality of the hair salon you got your perm from. According to many who adorned a perm, it lasted from 3-4 weeks to 6 months or even a year.
Q. What is the advantage and disadvantage of hot and cold perm?
Advantage:
- Hot perm will give you the most natural looking curls.
- Cold perm works on almost any type of hair. Plus, it will require less heat on your scalp.
Disadvantage:
- Hot perm is cumbersome and takes a longer time to be done.
- Cold perm is less natural looking and requires more hair styling products to make it look natural.
Bottom Line
If you want your hair straight again, use these natural and safe remedies to get rid of a perm fast.
Getting a perm can make your hair look stunning indeed. However, not always can your perm turn out good.
In order make sure your perm does not go “bad,” you should check with your hairstylist before getting it.
We hope this guide will help you fix your hair after it has got a bad perm!
Also, don’t forget to share your experience with us by leaving your comments below.
Read More: 10 Reasons Why You Should Use Shea Butter For Hair
