[Uptown Girl]

Dear GatorFan, I am a retired salon owner. I understand you are upset and I'm sure Mom is disappointed. Maybe I can help with some info for the future.

We will assume (for the moment) the first perm was done appropriately.

They seem to have told you about not shampooing immediately (but 24 hours, NOT 4 days is appropriate) This allows the perm to air oxidize and hair shaft platelets to close a bit.) After a perm, the hair should NOT immediately be pulled with a styling brush and blown dry into a "style". It needs that 24 hours of no yanking, as well. (And most "styling brushes" are damaging, under any circumstance!)

Shampoo should NOT contain sodium hydroxide, sodium laureth sulfate or sodium laurel sulfate. These ingredients will make perms relax. (They will also strip hair dye prematurely, and can reek havoc with the PH of the scalp, too.)

Creme Rinse should NOT be used AT ALL.
It will make perms relax almost immediately.
Clear, spray on hair treatments may be used sparingly to detangle. Infusium makes a good inexpensive one. Johnson and Johnson "no more tangles" works well too.

It is also important to know if Mom had hair color prior to perming, OR
if Mom is on any heavy duty medication.
The body sometimes deposits residual medication inside the hair shaft and that can be incompatible with the penetrating chemicals of the perm.
ALL these can be reasons for the failure of a perm that has been applied correctly to begin with.

It would NOT be my recommendation to perm over a perm that had failed.
I would NOT recommend perming on top of ANY other perm (good or bad), or other chemical service EVER.


Perhaps Mom can be guided to find a cute, pixie type cut that can just be tousseled with her fingers and air dried. No perm, excess products, or icky hair damaging brushes needed.