Can You Wash Your Hair Before a Perm? The Dos and Don’ts
Published May 8, 2025
You’ve booked your perm appointment and now you’re staring at your shampoo bottle thinking, should I wash my hair before a perm or not? It seems like a simple question, but the answer can make or break your results. If you’re unsure whether clean hair helps or harms the process, you’re not alone.
Many people unknowingly ruin their perms before even stepping into the salon. In this guide, we’ll break down the science, myths, and expert-backed dos and don’ts of prepping your hair for perming. Before you lather up, read this first, it might just save your curls from a bad hair day.
The Dos of Washing Your Hair Before a Perm
Yes, you can wash your hair before a perm, but timing is everything. If your scalp is oily or product-heavy, washing it the night before your appointment can help remove buildup. This lets the perm solution work evenly.
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and avoid heavy conditioners that can coat the hair. Don’t scrub too hard, your scalp needs its natural oils to protect against irritation. Think of your hair like a canvas.
A clean, balanced base leads to better results. So yes, wash, but do it smart, and let your hair rest atleast 24 hours before perming. In fact, 2025 hair care experts still recommend washing your hair 24 hours before a perm, not on the same day.
This gives enough time to remove product buildup while keeping your scalp’s natural oils intact, which helps protect it from irritation during the chemical process. They also warn against clarifying shampoos or heavy conditioners right before your appointment, as these can block the perm solution and lead to uneven curls. So even with modern, gentler perm formulas, proper prep is still key to getting the best results.
The Don’ts of Washing Before a Perm
While clean hair is good, washing right before your perm, like the same day, can actually backfire. Why? Because freshly washed hair strips away your scalp’s natural oils, which act like a protective barrier.
Without it, the perm chemicals may irritate your scalp or cause uneven results. Also, avoid clarifying shampoos before a perm. They may leave hair too squeaky-clean, making it harder for the solution to grip.
And don’t deep condition right before, you want hair that’s clean but not overly soft or slippery. Timing matters. Wash a day before, not the day of, and skip heavy treatments for best results.
Do You Cut Hair Before or After a Perm
Here’s the real talk: both options work, but it depends on the look you want. Cutting before a perm lets your stylist shape your hair for even curl distribution. It’s ideal if you want a specific cut to match your curl pattern.
On the flip side, cutting after lets you see how your curls fall naturally, so you can trim just enough for bounce and shape. Some stylists prefer a light trim before and a finishing cut after. The key?
Talk to your stylist. They’ll help you decide the best timing based on your hair type and desired final look.
What Happens If You Don’t Prep Properly
Let’s get real, skipping proper prep can lead to limp curls, frizz, or even scalp burns. If your hair is greasy, full of dry shampoo, or covered in styling products, the perm solution won’t take evenly. That means curls may end up patchy or weak.
On the flip side, over-washing right before can strip your scalp and make the perm feel too harsh. It’s a delicate balance. You don’t want your hair too dirty or too fresh.
Prepping correctly, washing gently 24 hours ahead and avoiding products, makes a big difference in your results and helps protect your scalp from irritation.
Post-Perm Care
You might think aftercare begins once the rods come out, but no. It actually starts with your prep. Hair that’s treated gently before perming handles chemicals better and holds curls longer.
Once your perm is done, avoid washing for at least 48 hours. That gives the curls time to fully set. After that, switch to sulfate-free shampoo and deep condition weekly.
Heat styling? Keep it minimal. Your hair’s new texture needs hydration, not high heat.
Think of your perm like a new tattoo, it needs time, care, and the right products to heal and shine. Start strong by prepping right.
FAQs
Should I wash my hair before going for a perm?
Yes, you can wash your hair before a perm, but do it one day before, not on the same day. This helps remove dirt and oil but still keeps your scalp safe.
Should I shower before or after a perm?
Shower the day before, not right before your perm. After the perm, wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair again to keep the curls strong.
Should I wash my hair before I curl it?
Yes, clean hair holds curls better, but don’t wash it right before. Wash it the night before and skip heavy products.
What are the do’s and don’ts of a perm?
Do wash your hair 24 hours before and find a good stylist. Don’t wash it right before, use heat tools, or skip aftercare.
How do I prepare my hair for a perm?
Wash your hair gently one day before and don’t use heavy creams or oils. Make sure your hair is healthy and free of buildup before perming.
Final Thoughts
Getting a perm is exciting, but how you care for your hair before the appointment really matters. Washing your hair the right way, using gentle products, and skipping heat or heavy conditioners can make a big difference in how your curls turn out. A little prep goes a long way.
Talk to your stylist, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up about what you want. And if you’re a stylist looking for the perfect place to grow your business, check out Salon Suites of Boca Raton, beautiful, private salon spaces made just for you. Ready to shine? So are we.
Lease Salon Space In Boca Raton Florida
Join a vibrant community of beauty professionals when you rent salon space in Boca Raton with us. Whether you’re a hairstylist, nail technician, or esthetician we have a place for you. Joining our salon family means you’re becoming part of a network that values your growth. At our Boca Raton location, you’ll enjoy free cleaning services, flexible lease agreements, and much more. Lease salon space in Boca Raton by reaching out today.
About The Author
Meet Rei Bayucca, a professional writer and passionate expert in all things related to beauty. Every article is purposely designed to assist you in tackling your most challenging dilemmas. Rei’s knack for creating engaging content is guaranteed to ignite your curiosity.
