Are you tired of looking like a poodle after getting a perm? Of course, you are. Perming your hair is a great way to add some texture and volume, but what happens when things get out of control? Don't worry; we've got you covered! In this article, we will teach you how to loosen up those tight curls and create the perfect look.
Understanding Perm Curls
Before we dive into ways on how to loosen up your perm curls, it's essential to understand how perms work. A permanent wave or "perm" changes the structure of your hair by breaking down the disulphide bonds that hold everything together in its natural state. Once these bonds break down, they can be reformed into new shapes using chemicals such as ammonium thioglycolate -- which is usually present in most perming solutions.
After applying the solution on your hair for about 10-15 minutes --- depending on the curl pattern desired -- rinsing it off removes any excess from your scalp and allows styling products like creams or oils absorbed easily so that once dried with indirect heat (or air), one gets bouncy yet defined curls.
However, sometimes people end up with overly-tightened curl patterns than they have intended - leading them searching for methods of loosening these tight tresses.
Why do Some People Get too Tight Perms?
Several factors could lead someone ending up with very super-duper curly hair than their chosen style during perming:
- Overprocessing: leaving the perming solution on longer than recommended.
- Solution Strength: Using an extra-strong product when working with fine-textured hair.
- Processing Time Varies Between Portions Of The Hair: If every section takes varying periods during application time could cause an imbalance in thickness towards specific areas hence impacting results.
How to Loosen Up Perm Curls
Option 1: Use a Deep Conditioner
A deep conditioner is one of the most accessible methods you can use to loosen up perm curls. It adds much-needed moisture and softens hair strands, making them easy to brush and not too tight. Here's how it works:
- Start by shampooing your hair with a sulphate-free moisturizing shampoo (demolish those sulfates).
- Rinse thoroughly then apply deep conditioner from root-to-tip.
- Gently massage into your scalp in small circular motions (for improved blood flow) then comb through using a wide-toothed comb.
- Leave for about 20-30 minutes covered with plastic or shower cap
- Once done rinse off the remaining product since leaving any would make the perm tighter.
If possible, have this treatment twice every week initially until desired loosening effect has been achieved while reducing frequency as you go along.
Option 2: Use Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Another way to help break down bonds and promote looser more relaxed perms is diluting apple cider vinegar with water creating an acidifying pH which helps smooth cuticles hence enhancing their shine without having that awful smell associated with other clarifiers like baking soda! Recipe time folks;
Ingredients:
- A cup of lukewarm water/ distilled water
- A tablespoonful (15ml) of organic apple cider vinegar
- An empty squirt bottle
Mix all together spritz around dampened hair after washing regularly focusing on what areas feel stiffest but avoiding direct contact with eyes; leave it there living out anywhere between five - ten mins before rinsing off well under running warm / cold H2O
Option 3: Fluff Your Hair Out!
One good thing about permed hair is that it 'bounces back' when manipulated properly near its ends, making it lose and flowy. In this case, you must shake things up by paying lots of attention to how styling constitutes the overall look sticking around the areas showing stiffness:
- Section your hair into workable segments.
- Randomly loosen one wad from underneath using thumb or tooth comb then shape together with your fingers extending onto entire surface avoiding over-manipulation.
Option 4: Blow Dry on a Warm-Low Setting
If flattening out perms is what you want, heat can be useful here particularly when applied at the right temperature such that it's enough to soften semi-sealed styles without damaging them further. However, since too much heat exposure causes severe damage or even self-destructing entirely; we need something less powerful than regular use but still adequate for achieving loosened curls
Steps:
- First-off after washing stuff locks gently blot until damp
- Apply moisture-locking product like conditioner / styling cream onto hair segment
- Pass dryer across portions of every section keeping apparatus at optimum distance(around six inches) so as not cause frizz 4.Direct warm airflow along the direction blow nozzle pointing towards good luck! 5.Concentrate mostly towards twisting ends thereby minimizing widening near roots,this method helps prevent future breakage,
Option 5: Scalp massage therapy!
Ah, scalp massages - underrated yet so heavenly when done correctly especially if wanting better-performing curls in our mansions fashion kingdom --or queen depending!! The techniques are quite similar to deep conditioning methods only described earlier:
1.Tenderly shampoo your hair rinsing thoroughly afterwards; 2.Use creamy hydrating conditioner from shafts down-to-ends detangling via wide-toothed comb gradual while tracing through wrap plastic bag within thirty minutes, 3.Apply gentle but firm circular hand movements all evenly distributed throughout head once the time has elapsed. 4.It increases blood circulation thus robust spasms retarding stiffness ever encountered on your curls!
Conclusion
From the various perm loosening methods discussed above, now you are informed which method works best suited for a specific time, patience and availability of resources. It’s essential to note that these measures will not quickly undo permanent hair curling but with perseverance you sure will notice significant differences!
After successfully implementing our strategies as thoroughly detailed whoops tutorials fully geared towards enhancing more relaxed mouth-wateringly gorgeous hair; we expect one no longer huddled up within their homes pondering gloomily over "what was I trying to achieve using such kinky volumes?!!" Come out feeling satisfied with luscious locks flaunting around everywhere making females drool while males stare in amazement -just kickstarting yourself by applying any process enumerated herein it'll get better eventually exhibiting reasonably fluffed-up thicker strands staring at us from mirrors- so go forth my curly brethren and conquer those curls like never seen.