When you’re with a child, many things have to change for the time being, and some have to change for longer. Pregnancy is a different state, and it takes some sacrifices.
Of course, it’s common knowledge that you should keep away from cigarettes and alcohol. Other things as well – and if you don’t know them, there are various books and blogs dedicated to this very topic.
After all, you’re just parting with some things for a few months to keep your baby thriving. It’s not a big deal, considering the outcome.
Furthermore, you get tired from doing your hair all the time, and fatigue is just one of the main symptoms of pregnancy. You got the idea to get a perm since that would cut down on time spent on your hair.
With a perm, having a good hairstyle was never easier. However, you have to ask yourself first – can I get a perm while pregnant?
Can a perm harm your baby? For the answer to this, and many other questions, continue reading to find out!
Can I Get A Perm While Pregnant?
As we already mentioned, some things are just not good for a baby’s development while it’s in the womb. It’s truly important to try your best and avoid chemicals that could harm the baby.
Then again, it’s so annoying to do your hair, especially if you get tired all the time. It seems like a perm could be an answer to all your troubles.
Before you rush to the salon, ask yourself again: Can I get a perm while pregnant?
And the answer is: yes, you can get a perm while pregnant!
It’s completely safe, as the skin doesn’t absorb as many chemicals from the scalp as one would imagine. There are some things we’d like to advise you on, so keep reading.
While it’s safe, you should get a perm at your favorite salon after the first trimester passes. During the first trimester, as we all know, it’s best to avoid all types of chemical exposure, even dying your hair.
Once the first three months pass, you can set an appointment with your hairdresser without any worries. Some specialists say that you should wait that long, while some others say that the perm won’t harm the baby.
Either way, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and wait until the second trimester. That’s not too long, anyway.
Other than that, there is nothing out there that could prevent you from perming your hair. In fact, it can be a good idea, especially if you are feeling tired and have little energy to style your hair.
If you have a perm, your hair will look good every day, without any effort. Just make sure you’re maintaining your perm well for it to last as long as possible.
Moreover, when it comes to dying your hair, it’s also best to avoid dying it with permanent dyes altogether while you’re pregnant. If you must dye your hair, stick to semi-permanent dyes and color toners to maintain that color until you give birth.
Our recommendation is to use henna hair dye for pregnancy. It doesn’t dry out your hair the least bit, and you’ll have fresh, full color for at least a few weeks at a time.
Things To Keep In Mind When You’re Pregnant And Getting A Perm
While it’s somewhat usual that you should reserve chemical processing of your hair for a time when you’re not pregnant, research shows that nothing is stopping you from doing so.
Hair dyes and perm chemicals do not affect the fetus, as long as the chemicals do not come in contact with the scalp for extended periods.
Of course, when the perm is being applied, it has to be left on for a few hours to process. Since it gets on your scalp as well, it might be best to wait until after the first trimester to be safe.
There is something else we wanted to talk about. During pregnancy, the hormones tend to go wild – and they can even change how your hair reacts to perming chemicals.
Sometimes, it can even happen that the pregnant woman gets frizzy locks when in reality, she wanted long spiral curls. The same thing is with hair dyes – your hair can react poorly and the result can be less than pleasing. Can you perm bleached hair – read our article to find out!
If you’re set on getting a perm, you can. Do keep in mind that the outcome can be different than what you’re expecting.
What Is A Perm?
A perm, or a permanent hairstyle, is a type of chemical treating the hair to make it stay styled permanently. It’s not permanent in the literal sense, but it lasts a few months to half a year.
The hair is chemically and thermally treated, while it’s wrapped, to make the hair stay curled, for example. There are various types of permanent hairstyles now. You can talk to your hairdresser to figure out what curls would suit you best before you get your hair done.
Let’s check out the table to see what types of curls can be done with a perm:
| Size of rod in diameter | Effect | Recommended hair length |
|---|---|---|
| ¼” | Tight curl | Very short hair |
| ⅜” | Tight curl | Short hair |
| 7/16” | Medium curl and lift | Short to medium hair |
| ½” | Medium curl and lift | Long hair |
| ⅝” | Volume and body wave | Medium to long hair |
| ¾” | Volume and body wave | Long hair |
| ⅞” | Volume and body wave | Very long hair |
When someone mentions a perm, it’s usually to talk about permanent curly hairstyles. However, there is a permanent hairstyle called a Brazilian Blowout.
A Brazilian Blowout is a type of permanent hairstyle in which the hair is straight ironed and chemically treated to stay straight. It’s chemically treated with keratin, so the result is silky smooth and blown-out hair.
Maintaining The Permanent Hairstyle The Right Way
When you finally do get a perm, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you do not care for your permanent hairstyle the right way, you can potentially shorten the lifespan of your hairstyle. The chemicals in the perm can react to poor maintenance and cause your hair to straighten or start curling again, depending on the look your hair originally has.
Therefore, there are a few things to keep track of, and your hair will maintain the perfect curl for months. So, let’s get on it!
After you get the perm done, refrain from washing your hair for the next 48 hours. Also, do not touch the hair for 48 hours, and that means no flicking it, playing with it, and so on.
Do not make a ponytail or any type of tight hairstyles. If you mind your hair, use a gentle hair clip to put a few strands away from your face, but that’s it.
If you want to go out to the beach, or just hang out in the sun, protect your hair as well. Use a large hat or cover your hair in a sun-protective balm with SPF to make sure your hairstyle is safe.
With permed hair, regular shampoo and conditioner might not work because they can be too harsh. If you don’t know what to use, consult your hairdresser about hair products suitable for chemically treated hair.
Furthermore, invest in a professional-grade hair mask. During the chemical process, your hair loses some of the moisture and bounce, and the mask will help your hair restore that original shine.
Perms can last for around 6 months, but you should get a touchup regularly, or every 12 weeks. If the wait is long with your hairdresser, make the next appointment while in-salon, so you don’t wait too long to get a touchup.
And one more thing before we go: avoid brushing your hair for the first week or so. This will allow the curls to set in your hair and stay curly. After that, try to only use wide-toothed combs so you don’t damage the curls.
Of course, you can use the straightening iron and blow dryer, but keep the use to a minimum. Your hair went through a chemical process, and extra thermal treatment may cause irreparable damage.
Can I Get A Perm While Pregnant? – Bottom Line
То conclude, you can get a perm while pregnant. It’s for the best that you do not get the perm during the first trimester, but after that, it’s completely fine.
However, you should keep in mind that the outcome of your chemical process can vary, because of the pregnancy hormones. Your hair can curl very differently from what you are looking for.
Also, it’s important that once you do get the perm, that you care for it properly. Proper maintenance of your hairstyle will keep it looking fresh for months to come if you do!
