Perming Hair Straight

Getting a perm is a long-term decision. The chemicals used alter the composition of your hair so it will remain curly, even after washings. The only true way to get your hair naturally straight again is to simply grow out the perm. You can, however, apply similar chemicals to your hair to straighten it and therefore reverse the original curly perm. You can also perm your hair straight if you have naturally curly hair in a process referred to as "chemical straightening."

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chemical straightening kit
• Hair clips
• Water
• Towel

1. Assess the health of your hair. Chemicals used to straighten your hair will damage it somewhat. If your hair is already quite damaged from an original perm, you may need to hold off on perming it straight.

2. Purchase a chemical-straightening kit appropriate for your hair type. Coarse, thick hair requires stronger chemicals than fine, thin hair. If you use stronger chemicals on fine hair, you may cause irreparable damage.

3. Comb your hair. It be clean and free of tangles before you begin the treatment.

4. Apply the first solution to dry hair. Leave the solution on your hair for the specified amount of time. Directions will vary slightly from kit to kit, so follow the instructions carefully.

5. Rinse the first solution completely out of your hair. Enlist the help of a friend to ensure that all the solution is removed.

6. Put the second solution on your damp hair. Ensure you completely cover all the strands and then allow it to set for the specified amount of time. You may wish to use a comb to evenly distribute the solution throughout your hair.

7. Hold your hair under running water to remove the second solution from your hair. Continue rinsing it until you are certain all the chemicals have been removed.

8. Moisturize your hair with a deep conditioner. Your hair will be particularly vulnerable after the chemicals have penetrated it. Treat with a rich conditioning treatment to protect it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are uncertain about your hair's health, ask a professional hair stylist for an assessment.
• Keep chemicals away from your eyes.