For anyone sick of their predictable and “boring” straight hair, a perm is a godsend. In just a couple of hours sitting in a salon chair, you can get those voluminous curls and spirals you’ve always dreamed about.
But not everyone gets their dream curls after a perm. Many women even end up cursing the very idea of a perm when theirs doesn’t turn out the way they had hoped.
Some people get stuck with hair that is way curlier and kinkier than they had imagined, making daily styling nothing short of a nightmare.
Before you panic at the sight of those extra-kinky curls, take a deep breath.
You’re not the first to face a perm gone wrong, and there are ways to loosen those curls without frying your hair.
This guide will walk you through immediate fixes (like washing out that perm solution ASAP), clever styling tricks to stretch your curls and gentle care techniques to relax a perm over time.
By the end, you’ll know how to tame those overly springy spirals and feel confident with your hair again – without resorting to drastic, hair-damaging measures.
Whether you’re reading this on a steamy bathroom morning while staring at shockingly bouncy curls, or you’re just looking for tips in advance, don’t worry.
We’ve got an action plan to turn “too curly” into “just right”.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Why Do Perms Sometimes Turn Out Too Curly?
Perms are a bit of a science experiment on your head.
A chemical solution breaks the protein bonds in your hair, then new bonds form as your hair dries on rods, giving you curls.
The curl tightness depends on factors like rod size, how long the solution sits and your hair’s condition.
If your stylist used small rods or left the perm solution on a tad too long, you might end up with tighter curls than expected.
It’s like expecting gentle waves but getting springy corkscrews. Not fun!
Hair Type Matters Too
Fine or naturally very straight hair can sometimes “take” the perm solution more intensely, resulting in ultra-curly results.
Meanwhile, hair that’s been colored or is porous might grab onto a perm quickly as well; sometimes leading to an over-perm effect.
The result? Curls that feel way too curly, poofy or even frizzy.
The good news is that perms do relax slightly over time.
In fact, many stylists joke that the first week after a perm is the curliest your hair will be.
After a few washes, those tight ringlets can loosen up by maybe 10-20%.
But when you’re staring in the mirror today, a week can feel like forever. You want solutions now.
Expectations
Often, “too curly” perms come down to miscommunication or unrealistic expectations.
Maybe you envisioned loose, beachy waves but didn’t convey that clearly, or the stylist’s definition of “soft curls” was different from yours.
Next time, bring reference photos of the curl size you want.
Don’t Panic: Avoid Quick Chemical Fixes
First things first: Step away from the chemicals.
When faced with a too-curly perm, your gut reaction might be to run to the store for a relaxer kit or call the salon in a frenzy for a chemical straightening service.
I’ll say this as your friend: please don’t do it, at least not right away.
Your hair has just been through a harsh chemical process.
Perms work by breaking down and reforming the structure of your hair.
In other words, your strands are a bit weakened and vulnerable right now.
Dumping more chemicals on them immediately is a recipe for disaster.
Reader’s Experience
Let me share a quick horror story (with a happy ending).
A reader from Chicago, let’s call her Marissa, permed her hair for the first time last spring.
She left the salon with tighter curls than a poodle at a dog show.
In a panic, Marissa grabbed an at-home relaxer kit the very next day to “fix” it.
The result? Her over-processed hair started breaking off in chunks.
Those once long locks ended up looking and feeling like straw.
She was devastated.
We worked together on emergency TLC. Gentle conditioning, no more chemicals.
Months later, her hair recovered, but she had to cut off several inches of damage.
The Lesson
Throwing a relaxer or another perm on top of a fresh perm is extremely risky.
Sure, it might straighten out your curls initially, but the damage is severe.
Think brittle strands, frizz and even chemical burns on your scalp. No one wants that.
Even keratin treatments or Brazilian blowouts, which are marketed as smoothing solutions, involve chemicals that could further weaken your just-permed hair.
Your hair cuticle has been blasted open by the perm solution; it needs time (and nourishment) to heal and re-seal a bit.
So, what should you do instead of a chemical quick fix?
Try the healthier options below. Your hair will thank you!
How To Loosen A Perm Immediately (Within 48 Hours)
If you just got your perm and already know you’re unhappy, you have a golden opportunity to dial it down: the first day or two after the perm.
Perm solutions typically take about 28-48 hours to fully “set” the new curl structure in your hair.
That’s why stylists always say not to wash your hair for two days post-perm.
But here’s the silver lining: if you don’t like your perm, doing the exact opposite – washing it early – can help strip out some of the curl!
Wash Your Hair ASAP With A Clarifying Shampoo
Time is of the essence.
As soon as you realize your perm is too curly (ideally within the first 24 hours), wash your hair.
A regular shampoo will do in a pinch, but a clarifying shampoo is your best bet because it’s designed to deeply cleanse product and chemical residues.
The goal is to rinse out as much of the still-active perm solution as possible.
Use warm (not super hot) water and really work the shampoo through your hair.
Keep in mind, clarifying shampoos can be drying. They’ll strip not just the perm chemicals but also your hair’s natural oils.
Recommended Post: Best Clarifying Shampoo For Relaxed Hair
Don’t panic if your hair feels a bit rough or tangled after the wash; that’s normal at this stage.
And yes, your head might smell a bit like that infamous perm solution for a few washes. That’s normal too.
The immediate wash can loosen the curl tightness by a notch or two.
Some people see a big difference; others only a slight relaxation. But anything helps, right?
Related Post: How To Revitalize A Perm
Follow Up With A Deep Conditioning Or Hot Oil Treatment
After you’ve shampooed, it’s crucial to restore moisture.
Think of it as giving your hair a big comforting hug after the shock of a perm and a clarifying wash.
Slather on a rich deep conditioning mask or do a DIY hot oil treatment.
For a hot oil treatment: warm up some heavy, natural oil (coconut oil, olive oil or shea butter are excellent choices) until it’s comfortably warm. Not scorching.
Apply it generously from roots to tips.
Your hair should be drenched in it. It’ll look super greasy, that’s fine!
Pop on a shower cap and let the heat work its magic.
The warmth opens up your hair cuticles, helping the oil penetrate and weigh down your curls.
Leave the oil or deep conditioner in for at least an hour.
You can even leave it overnight if you can sleep with a cap on.
Put a towel over your pillow to protect your bedding if you go the overnight route.
When you rinse it out, use a gentle shampoo if needed to get the excess oil off, then a normal conditioner.
This heavy-duty conditioning will do two things: moisturize your hair and weigh down the curl.
Often, once dried, you’ll notice your curls are a bit more relaxed and less frizzy.
Et voilà! Smoother, softer curls that aren’t bouncing up as tightly.
These two steps – washing early and deep conditioning – are your one-two punch for an immediate perm fix.
They essentially attempt to “undo” the perm to the extent possible.
Remember, you might not go from tight corkscrews to loose waves overnight, but you can usually take the curl intensity down a notch or two, which can make a huge difference in how you feel about your hair.
Styling Tricks To Gradually Relax Permed Curls
Okay, let’s say it’s been a few days (or you didn’t realize you hate your perm until a week later).
At this point, the perm has set, so an immediate wash isn’t going to reverse much.
Don’t worry: you still have plenty of tricks up your sleeve to coax those curls into a looser pattern.
The key here is consistent styling choices that gently stretch and soften your curls over time.
No single session will magically un-perm your hair, but with each passing day or week, you’ll notice your perm relaxing.
Load Up On A Heavy Leave-In Conditioner
Moisture is your new BFF.
A rich, creamy leave-in conditioner can do wonders for loosening the look of curls.
How? By adding weight and reducing fluffiness.
Well-hydrated curls are heavier and tend to hang longer, appearing less tight.
After every wash (and even on days you don’t wash), apply a generous amount of a quality leave-in conditioner or curl cream to your damp hair.
Look for ingredients like shea butter, oils (avocado, coconut, baobab), and honey – these not only hydrate but also add a bit of heft to your hair.
I personally love the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Leave-In (it’s a mouthful, I know, but it’s worth it!).
It’s packed with super nourishing goodies like shea butter and yogurt protein.
When I used it on a friend’s over-curly perm last year, her curls visibly relaxed after a week of daily use.
The spirals started to elongate instead of springing up from her shoulders.
Apply your leave-in by smoothing it down the length of your hair – you can even gently finger-comb or stretch the curls as you go.
Recommended Post: Best Leave-In Conditioner For Permed Hair
The idea is to encourage your hair to dry in a more elongated state instead of scrunching it upwards.
In fact, avoid the usual curly hair advice of “scrunching” when you want to relax a perm.
Scrunching encourages curls and bounce, which we don’t want right now.
Instead, after applying leave-in, you can twist your hair into a loose braid or low bun while it air dries, which leads us to our next trick…
Try Large Rollers Or Hair Wrapping Techniques
If you’re looking for heat-free ways to physically stretch your curls, this is it.
Setting your hair on large rollers can reshape those tight curls into looser waves, at least temporarily.
Using Rollers
On damp hair (with that leave-in conditioner applied), section your hair and wrap each section around the biggest rollers you can find (the kind with a smooth surface are best to avoid crimping).
Use clips to secure them.
Then, either sit under a hooded dryer on a low setting or just go about your day and let it air dry if you have the time.
Once your hair is completely dry, remove the rollers.
You’ll find your curls have taken on the circumference of the roller, which is much larger than the tiny perm rods. Hello, new waves!
Hair Wrapping
An even simpler method is hair wrapping.
This involves combing your damp hair around your head in a circular pattern and bobby-pinning it in place, as if you’re “wrapping” your head with your hair.
For a permed head of curls, wrapping can loosen that curl pattern significantly if done frequently.
You basically train the hair to lie in a smoother shape.
Keep in mind, these techniques give you looser texture until the next wash.
They’re not permanent.
It’s like manually resetting the shape of your hair each time.
But if you consistently roller-set or wrap your hair a few times a week, you’ll be maintaining a looser look and avoiding the tight curl shrinkage that would happen if you just wash-and-go.
Over a few weeks, this can subtly help the perm relax, or at the very least, you’re not emphasizing the tight curls so they appear looser overall.
Straighten Your Hair Occasionally (With Protection!)
Heat styling (done wisely) can also gradually ease up those perm curls.
I say “wisely” because heat can be a double-edged sword: it can relax the curl, but too much will damage your hair further.
Wait at least a week or two after your perm before busting out the flat iron.
Your hair needs to regain some strength (and moisture) first.
When you’re ready, use a quality heat protectant spray (I swear by CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray) on dry hair, then gently flat iron your curls in small sections on a low to medium heat setting.
Don’t aim for pin-straight on the first go.
Even a single pass that turns tight spirals into soft waves is enough.
Not only will your hair look more relaxed for the next few days, but repeated light flat ironing over weeks can actually reduce some of the perm’s strength.
This essentially weakens the curl pattern a bit, which in this case is what we want.
I had a client who did this twice a week.
In a month, her perm curls had noticeably loosened to the point where she could wear her hair in a smooth bob.
Keep This In Mind:
A few pointers for this method: always ensure your hair is completely dry before ironing (using a flat iron on damp permed hair = sizzle city, which equals damage).
Use the lowest heat that gets the job done – you may not need 400°F; often 300°F with a slow pass will do.
And don’t forget regular deep conditioning, since heat styling does dry your hair out over time.
If you notice any split ends or increased frizz, dial back the heat use.
We want to relax the curls, not fry them.
Embrace Perm Maintenance Habits
Beyond styling, little tweaks in your daily hair routine can influence how your perm settles.
For example, gravity is your friend – wear your hair down as much as possible.
If you constantly pin it up or use super tight hair ties, the curls spring back and might even kink in odd shapes.
Letting your hair hang loose (or in a low ponytail) encourages it to lengthen.
You can also gently stretch your curls manually during styling: when your hair is damp (say after spritzing with water or a leave-in), take sections and tug them straight, then blow them on a cool setting for a few seconds.
It’s like teaching the curl to remember a slightly straighter shape.
Some people also swear by banding. This is wrapping small cloth bands down the length of each damp curl (in a stretched state) and leaving them to dry.
When you remove the bands, your curls are much longer and looser.
These habits, combined with the leave-ins and occasional heat, all add up.
Day by day, your perm will ease off.
It might not go completely away (only new hair growth can return you to your natural texture fully), but you can absolutely transform a tight perm into a much softer wave over a few weeks.
Loosening A Perm: Comparison Table
| Method | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarifying Wash ASAP | Shampoo hair within 1–2 days of perm (ideally in first 28 hours) to rinse out unset perm chemicals. | Can significantly loosen curls if done immediately; easy DIY step. | Must be done quickly post-perm; can dry out hair (needs deep conditioning after). |
| Deep Condition/Hot Oil | Saturate hair with a heavy deep conditioner or warm natural oils; let it soak in for hours/overnight. | Moisturizes and weighs down curls, reducing tightness; improves hair softness. | Takes time (a few hours or overnight); may need multiple treatments; can leave hair greasy if not washed out well. |
| Heavy Leave-In Styling | Apply a rich leave-in conditioner or curl cream daily to damp hair, adding weight so curls stretch out. | Gradually relaxes curl pattern; tames frizz and adds shine; easy to incorporate into routine. | Results are not instant; hair can feel product-heavy if overdone; needs consistent use. |
| Rollers/Wrap Techniques | Set hair on large rollers or wrap around the head while damp to reshape curls into looser waves as it dries. | Heat-free way to temporarily loosen curls; can be done overnight; preserves hair health. | Only a temporary fix (curls return after next wash); takes practice and time to roll/wrap properly. |
| Occasional Flat Iron | After waiting ~1–2 weeks, use a flat iron on low heat to straighten and slightly relax curl bounce. | Instantly makes hair look straighter or wavy; over time can reduce curl tightness between washes. | Risk of heat damage if not careful; not a permanent solution (curls reappear with moisture); should use heat protectant. |
Aftercare: Keep Your Permed Hair Healthy And Manageable
While you’re busy trying to relax your perm, don’t forget that healthy hair relaxes better (and looks better!).
A perm that’s frazzled and dry will appear frizzier and curlier than one that’s moisturized and cared for.
So, let’s talk maintenance and aftercare.
By pampering your permed hair, you not only help loosen those curls but also prevent breakage and preserve your hair’s shine.
Switch To Gentle, Hydrating Hair Products
This is super important.
Your usual hair routine might need an update now.
Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo that won’t strip your hair’s moisture.
In fact, since your hair likely became more porous from the perm, consider shampoos and conditioners formulated for damaged or processed hair.
These often have extra emollients and proteins to strengthen your strands.
A product specifically made for dry, damaged hair can be a lifesaver for permed hair that feels a bit rough.
Deep Condition Regularly
Yes, we did a big deep condition right after washing out the perm, but keep that momentum going.
Make it a weekly ritual to use a deep conditioning mask or an intense conditioner.
This will keep your hair supple and elastic, which naturally helps relax the curls because the hair has weight and movement instead of sticking up in tight coils.
If your hair loves protein, you can also alternate with a protein treatment now and then to fortify your strands (perms break some protein bonds in the hair, so adding some back can help prevent breakage).
Just don’t overdo protein – balance is key, which leads to the next point…
Consider Bond-Building Treatments
Products like Olaplex No.3 or K18 rebuild broken hair bonds.
While they won’t loosen your curl, they will strengthen the hair from the inside, meaning your hair can handle more manipulation as you try all these techniques.
I often recommend a bond repair treatment a week or two after a perm.
It’s like a safety net that keeps your hair from snapping as you style and restyle it.
Think of it as reinforcement for your strands.
Be Gentle When Detangling
Permed hair can tangle more, especially as you’re doing all these new routines.
Always use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle, preferably when your hair is wet and coated with conditioner or a slippery leave-in.
Start from the ends and work up slowly.
Yanking through knots will just cause breakage and make your hair look poufier (the opposite of what we want).
Trim Any Fried Ends
If the ends of your hair got especially dry or frizzy from the perm, get a little trim.
Getting rid of scraggly ends instantly makes your hair appear calmer and less bushy.
You don’t have to lose length. Even a quarter inch off can make a difference in appearance.
Plus, healthy ends don’t snag or tangle as much.
Protect Your Hair At Night
Sleep with a satin or silk pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf.
This reduces friction while you sleep, so you don’t wake up with your curls bunched up or frizzed out.
In fact, you can use nighttime to your advantage: try loosely braiding or banding your hair before bed (as mentioned earlier).
When you take it out in the morning, your perm will likely look more relaxed from being held stretched overnight.
Patience
Every day that goes by, your perm is aging and loosening a tiny bit.
Combine that natural relaxing with all the methods we discussed, and you’ll see progress.
In a few weeks, you might actually love the texture you’ve created. It could turn into those beachy waves or soft curls you wanted initially.
In the meantime, take lots of deep breaths and treat your hair like a delicate fabric.
No rough towel-drying (do the t-shirt or microfiber towel squeeze instead), no high-heat marathon styling sessions and no harsh chemicals.
Recommended Products To Loosen Or Care For Permed Hair
- Davines SOLU Clarifying Shampoo – A deep-cleansing shampoo formulated to remove build-up and residual chemicals from hair. Ideal for washing out a fresh perm to gently relax curls.
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Leave-In Conditioner – A rich leave-in spray with honey, yogurt proteins, and shea butter. Provides intensive moisture and helps weigh down and elongate permed curls while repairing damage.
- Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Unrefined, Cold-Pressed) – Pure coconut oil for DIY hot oil treatments. Deeply nourishes and softens hair, helping to loosen curl tightness when used as an overnight treatment.
- CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray – A heat protectant spray that shields permed hair from heat damage. Use before flat ironing or blow-drying to safely straighten curls with minimal risk of breakage.
- Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Treatment – A bond-building hair treatment that repairs and strengthens chemically treated hair. Using this weekly on permed hair can help reduce frizz and breakage, making curls more pliable and relaxed.
Conclusion: Love Your Hair Again
Hair mishaps happen to the best of us. One day you’re excitedly perming your hair for a new look, the next day you’re googling “how to fix a perm that’s too curly” in a slight panic.
The important thing is: you have options and you’re in control of the situation now.
By washing early, deep conditioning, tweaking your styling routine and taking care of your hair, you can transform that overly curly perm into something much closer to what you envisioned.
If you’re still feeling unsure, don’t hesitate to consult a professional stylist for advice.
A good stylist can assess your hair’s condition and maybe give a gentle salon treatment (like a perm bond re-builder or a very mild texturizer after a few weeks) if absolutely needed.
But as we’ve covered, there’s a lot you can DIY safely at home.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. It’s easy to feel a twinge of regret or even embarrassment, but we’ve all been there with one hair experiment or another.
In a few months, this will just be a story – maybe one you laugh about. You might even be advising your friends with “I once had a perm disaster, and here’s what I did…” armed with your new knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my perm loosen on its own over time?
Yes, a perm will naturally relax a bit as time passes. In the first couple of weeks, you’ll likely notice your curls becoming less tight, especially after a few washes. As your hair grows out, the new growth will be your natural texture, which can make the perm look looser overall. While the initial ultra-tight curl won’t completely vanish without intervention, patience combined with good conditioning will yield noticeably softer curls after a month or two.
Can I use a relaxer or another perm to fix a too-curly perm?
It’s not recommended to apply a relaxer or re-perm immediately after a perm. Stacking harsh chemical treatments can severely damage your hair, leading to breakage and frizz. Your hair needs time to recover from the first perm. If you’re desperate for a chemical solution, wait at least several weeks and consult a professional stylist. They might suggest a gentle texturizer (a milder form of relaxer) or a keratin treatment down the line, but only when your hair is healthier. Always exhaust gentler methods first.
How soon can I wash my hair after a perm if I don’t like it?
If you’re unhappy with your perm, you can wash it as soon as you get home from the salon – ideally within the first 24–28 hours. Washing early with a clarifying shampoo can strip out some of the perm solution and prevent the curl pattern from fully setting. Keep in mind this goes against the usual “48-hour no-wash” rule for perms, but in the case of a perm you want to loosen, an immediate wash is beneficial. Just be sure to deep condition right after washing to restore moisture.
Does conditioner or oil help loosen perm curls?
Yes, heavy conditioners and oils can help relax perm curls to an extent. A thick conditioner or natural oil (like coconut or olive oil) adds weight to the hair, which can pull curls a bit straighter. When you do a deep conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment and leave it on for a few hours, the curls often soften and hang longer afterwards. While conditioner and oil won’t remove a perm, they can reduce tightness and tame frizz, making the curl pattern appear looser.
Is it okay to flat iron permed hair?
It’s generally okay to flat iron permed hair after about a week or two, as long as you take precautions. Use a good heat protectant spray and keep the heat at a moderate level. Flat ironing will temporarily straighten your curls and, if done occasionally, can help them loosen over time. However, excessive heat styling can cause damage, especially on hair that’s been permed. Limit flat ironing to 1–2 times per week, deep condition regularly, and avoid ironing if your hair feels particularly dry or brittle.
How can I avoid getting a perm that’s too curly in the future?
Communication with your stylist is key. Before your next perm, discuss the exact curl size and look you want. Bring photos of the curl type you’re aiming for. You can request a body wave or larger perm rods for looser curls. Also, make sure your hair is in good condition pre-perm – healthier hair tends to perm more predictably. Some salons can do a test curl on a small section to show you the result. Finally, consider modern perm techniques like digital perms (if available) which often create softer waves. By being clear with your stylist and choosing the right perm method, you can greatly reduce the chance of overly tight curls.