The textured perm is a popular hairstyle for men, offering a natural, voluminous look that adds texture, body, and movement to the hair. However, like all styled hair, it requires proper care to maintain its appearance and health. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the essential tips and tricks on how to take care of men’s textured perm hairstyles, from washing to styling, and everything in between.
What Is a Textured Perm?
A textured perm is a hairstyle that uses chemical treatment to create waves or curls. Unlike traditional perms, which often result in tight, uniform curls, the textured perm aims to create a more natural, tousled look that suits various hair types and lengths. This style is great for men looking to add volume, texture, and a bit of edge to their hair without the commitment to a tight curl pattern.
Why You Need to Take Care of Your Textured Perm
While a perm can create a stylish, long-lasting look, the chemicals used to achieve those curls can sometimes leave hair feeling dry or damaged. Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure that the curls remain bouncy and healthy, and that the hair doesn’t lose its shape or shine over time. Taking care of your textured perm is not only about keeping the curls intact but also about maintaining the overall health of your hair.
Key Steps to Take Care of Men’s Textured Perm Hairstyle
1. Wait Before Washing Your Hair
The first 48 to 72 hours after getting your perm are crucial. During this time, avoid washing your hair to give the curls time to set. Perming uses a chemical process that alters the structure of the hair, and washing it too soon can cause the curls to loosen or even straighten out. Instead, resist the urge to get your hair wet, and focus on avoiding contact with moisture.
2. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Once you’re past the initial waiting period, it’s time to start washing your hair. But don’t just use any shampoo. A sulfate-free shampoo is a must for textured perms because sulfates can strip hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy. Choose a gentle, moisturizing shampoo that hydrates your hair while maintaining your curls.
Recommended Products:
- Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo
- Redken Curvaceous High-foam Shampoo
3. Condition Your Hair Regularly
Textured perms can be drying because of the chemicals used to set the curls. To counteract this, use a rich conditioner every time you wash your hair. A deep conditioner or a leave-in conditioner will provide the necessary moisture, keep the curls soft, and prevent frizz.
Deep Conditioning Treatments:
- Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
- Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner
4. Avoid Over-Washing Your Hair
Over-washing can dry out your textured perm, causing it to lose its shape and bounce. Try to limit hair washes to 2-3 times per week. On non-wash days, you can simply rinse your hair with water or use a dry shampoo to keep it fresh.
5. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb or Your Fingers
After washing, don’t rub your hair with a towel as it can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, gently blot your hair with a towel to remove excess water. Then, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your curls. This helps avoid disrupting the curl pattern and prevents damage to the hair.
6. Moisturize Your Curls
To keep your curls hydrated and defined, it’s essential to apply a curl-enhancing cream or gel. These products help lock in moisture, define the texture, and prevent frizz. Apply a generous amount of product to damp hair, scrunching it gently to enhance the curl pattern.
Recommended Products:
- DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler
- Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream
7. Avoid Heat Styling
While it might be tempting to use hot tools like straighteners or curling irons, try to avoid them as much as possible. Heat can damage your curls and strip them of their natural bounce. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant beforehand and opt for the lowest heat setting.
8. Dry Your Hair with Care
To avoid frizz and preserve your curl pattern, use a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt to blot the excess water from your hair. If you prefer to air-dry, that’s perfectly fine. However, if you need to speed things up, you can use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment on low heat to gently dry your curls while keeping their shape.
9. Maintain Your Perm with Regular Touch-Ups
While a perm can last for several months, the curls will naturally loosen over time, especially as your hair grows out. To keep your textured perm looking fresh, you may need to get it touched up every 3-6 months, depending on how your hair grows. Regular trims will help maintain the shape and prevent split ends.
10. Protect Your Hair at Night
At night, protect your curls by wrapping your hair with a silk or satin scarf or using a satin pillowcase. These materials create less friction than cotton, preventing frizz and breakage. If you prefer, you can also use a soft, loose hair tie to keep your hair out of your face while sleeping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Textured Perm Hair
1. Over-Using Styling Products
While styling products can help define and maintain curls, overusing them can cause buildup, leaving your hair feeling greasy or weighed down. Stick to a minimal routine with the right products, and make sure to wash them out properly.
2. Using Harsh Chemicals
Avoid exposing your perm to harsh chemicals such as chlorine in swimming pools. If you swim regularly, try wearing a swim cap or use a protective hair serum before swimming.
3. Not Moisturizing Enough
Permed hair tends to dry out faster, so it’s important to keep it well-moisturized. Regular deep conditioning and using leave-in moisturizers will help prevent your curls from looking limp and frizzy.
4. Skipping Regular Trims
Permed hair can quickly develop split ends, which can cause the curls to appear uneven or frizzy. Schedule regular trims to keep the ends healthy and the curls well-defined.
How to Style Textured Perms
1. Messy, Tousled Look
For a relaxed, messy style, simply apply a sea salt spray or a curl cream and scrunch your hair. Allow it to air dry or blow-dry with a diffuser for more volume.
2. Defined Curls
If you prefer a more defined look, apply a styling mousse or curl cream and twist sections of your hair. Use a diffuser to dry your curls, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place without making your curls crunchy.
3. The Pompadour
A textured perm can also be styled into a modern pompadour. To do this, apply a volumizing mousse or cream to damp hair, comb your hair back, and blow-dry using a round brush to add volume at the roots. This classic look adds height and style to your textured perm.
4. The Side Part
Another great way to wear your textured perm is with a deep side part. This style adds dimension and makes your curls look more structured. Use a light styling cream to keep the part in place while enhancing the curl’s natural texture.
Conclusion
Taking care of a men’s textured perm hairstyle involves a combination of proper washing, conditioning, moisturizing, and styling techniques. By following these essential steps, you can maintain your curls’ health, texture, and appearance for months. Keep in mind that every perm is unique to the individual, so be sure to experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for your hair. With the right care, your textured perm can be the low-maintenance yet stylish look you’ve always wanted.
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