How to Perm African American Hair

So you've decided to perm or relax your hair. This process has been in use from young to old for many years. However, this alternative to achieving smooth, sleek and straight strands isn't for everyone.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Perm/Relaxer Kit
• Friend to help you out
• Rat tail comb
• Applicator Brush
• Hair Stylist
• Blow Dryer
• Towel

1. 
   Always trust an experienced hair stylist for your first perm.

   If you have never permed your hair before, it would be in your best interest to have it professionally done by a licensed and experienced hair stylist. While some perm/relaxer treatments can be costly, it is worth the money to have your strands handled by an expert. Doing it on your own and messing with chemicals can result in a disaster so play it safe the first time around.

2. 
   There are a number of at-home kits that can be purchased.

   If you are doing it yourself and are sure you're ready, be sure to first purchase a perm/relaxer kit at a beauty supply store. Opt for a formula that has no lye (an ingredient that is very harmful on the hair and scalp) and is made for your specific hair type.

3. It's best to have a friend help you out. Once you are ready, be sure to read the directions thoroughly. Do a patch test on your hair first to make sure there aren't any negative reactions. If a bad reaction does occur, do not use the product and see if you can get a refund.

4. 
   This is a simple example of how you can part your hair.

   Mix all of the necessary ingredients according to the instructions. When that is ready, apply petroleum jelly to the skin around your hairline, as well as your ears and the back of your neck. This will keep the chemicals from burning your skin. Most kits come with a special jelly of its own to use instead of petroleum jelly. Next, part your hair into four sections and clip them up out of the way.

5. 
   You only need a small amount for each layer of hair.

   Take your applicator brush (many have rat tail ends for easy parting) and dip it into the perm/relaxer mix. Be careful not to apply the chemicals directly onto the scalp or else you can get burned. Instead, apply the perm a little less than half an inch from the root. Continue to part and layer the perm until you've covered your whole head.

6. Once you've done your entire head, wait for the recommended amount of time given in the directions. However, if your hair takes really well to chemicals, you may not have to wait long. It is normal for a little burning or tingling sensation to occur but if you begin to feel uncomfortable or start feeling a lot of pain, wash the perm out immediately.

7. 
   The pic attachment helps to blow dry African-American hair straight.

   Follow the directions and rinse out the perm/relaxer using gloves. If some happens to get on your bare skin, wash it off immediately. After you've gotten as much relaxer out as you can, use the special shampoo in the kit. Many change color to indicate that there is still chemical in the hair. Follow up with the kit's conditioner. Apply the leave-in conditioner if included and blow dry with a pic attachment.

8. 
   Perms/relaxers can give you the smooth and silky locks you've always wanted.

   Afterwards, you'll notice that your hair is much straighter, smoother, and free of tight curls at the roots and kinks. Now you can enjoy silky and gorgeously manageable hair!

Tips & Warnings

• To make sure the hairs get straightened, take a fine tooth comb and gently smooth your hairline while the perm/relaxer chemicals are in. This will help the hairs adhere to the chemicals.
• To prevent the chemicals from doing long-term damage, do a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair healthy, strong and free from breakage and excessive split ends.
• Perms and relaxers contain chemicals that can be very damaging to the hair so it is important that if you decide to do this process, you'll need to develop extra TLC to your hair care routine.
• Do not perm your hair too much or else you'll ruin your hair. At best, try to limit your perms to once every 2-3 months or whenever your roots/hair get too curly and hard to take care of.
• Do not attempt to perm your hair yourself in order to save money at the salon. If you are really inexperienced, you could possibly destroy your hair and will have to spend even more money to correct your mistake.
• When your hair is permed/relaxed, any amount of moisture will cause the straight roots to go back to its curly state. Try to avoid excessive sweating after getting a perm.
• The chemicals in perms can literally burn your skin. It is critical to do a patch test first to make sure your scalp, hair and skin are safe. If you get any perm/relaxer mix on your skin or in your eyes, immediately rinse with cool water.
• The best time to apply a relaxer/perm is when the scalp is dirty so don't wash your hair for a few days to a week before applying the hair treatment.
• Avoid scratching and picking at your scalp before putting the perm/relaxer in. If you do scratch or if you have open sores on your scalp, you'll feel it immediately once the chemicals come into contact with your scalp. It is ideal to have a healthy and undamaged scalp.

[AuntieAndrea]

on 2/24/2009 Interesting! I'm not African American but that's not me in my avatar either. I have wavy hard to manage hair that I've had relaxed professionally and relaxed at home in the past. I've let my hair grow out but I'm going to find one of those pic attachmets to try!

[ValM]

on 7/11/2008 Excellent info! It amazes me how many of us still don't know how to properly relax our hair. And thanks for including the comb attachment for the blow dryer - I have sweared by these for years, but my friends don't believe it.

[Kreem8]

on 6/8/2008 great, great, article