Can I Put Mousse In My Hair After A Perm?
Perms have gotten a revival since the 80s and now have a modern appearance.
Your strands undergo a complete transformation after a perm, as it alters the texture and movement of your hair.
Perms are a chemical service; your hair needs at least two days to rest untouched for your curls to set fully into place.
It can be challenging to style your new curls.
Once the 48-hour gap is over, what can you do to ensure your hair remains soft, lively, and bouncy?
Mousse can bring curls to life, whether they’re natural or permed.
This styling product will give the hair hold and definition, so you can cut back on heat styling if you please.
Perms are particular, so you must be careful when styling them.
So, can you put mousse in your hair after a perm?
Yes, a mousse will be a fantastic styling product for permed hair. However, be sure to watch the ingredients list and choose a mousse specifically formulated for curls to achieve the best results.
Some hairstyling ingredients can dry out your curls or make your strands prone to breakage after a perm.
In addition, it’s crucial to style perms carefully to maintain their shape.
So what else should you know about styling perms with mousse?
What Is Mousse?
Hair mousse (check out this one from Maui Moisture) is a foam styling product designed to add texture and hold to the hair.
It’s ideal for curly strands, but can also hold ringlets in place, provide volume to the roots, and give your strands more definition.
Mousse is more lightweight than a gel, thanks to its airy texture, and can instantly add drama.
How Does Mousse Benefit Perms?
Mousse is a beautiful product for curls, whether you naturally have them or have permed your hair.
Perms are a specific haircare service that chemically alters the hair to achieve a new shape and curl pattern.
It’s ideal to let perms be, as constant moisture or heat styling can cause your results to fade.
However, a mousse can provide multiple benefits for permed hair.
Minimize Frizz
Mousse can keep frizzy hair at bay. It provides an even coat of protection to the hair, ensuring your strands are frizz-free.
Your curls can be frizzy with a perm because the chemical solution can damage the integrity of your strands.
Mousse can keep flyaways at bay and provide bouncy, frizz-free curls.
Reduce Heat Styling
While you can technically heat-style a perm, it will be beneficial for your strands in the long run if you minimize the amount of heat.
One way to reduce heat styling is by using mousse, as it can quickly revive your curls.
You can easily apply mousse to damp strands and get a fully styled effect.
Add Volume
Another way mousse can benefit a perm is by adding volume.
You can achieve a voluminous finish without heat, provided you use the correct mousse.
A little mousse will quickly provide lift and hold that mimics the effect of a diffuser.
A little bit of mousse can go a long way!
Curl Definition
Finally, mousse will bring life back to your curls or waves.
It will eliminate frizz, add structure, and define your strands for a uniform finish.
You’ll notice how each curl is carefully put together to create a professional finish.
Mousse can be a go-to product for all types of curls.
Which Type Of Mousse Is Best For Perms?
Curls are incredibly particular because various patterns, shapes, and textures exist.
Not all hair styling products are suitable for curly hair, so it’s essential to review the ingredients of your chosen products.
Permed hair poses another challenge because your strands have just undergone an intense chemical treatment, and what you put on your hair matters.
What To Look For In Mousse
The ingredients list will tell you everything you need to know about a product.
While it may be challenging initially, various online resources can help you learn more about each component.
However, you should avoid a few things while shopping for a mousse for permed hair. For example, alcohols and silicones can create an unwanted effect.
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-free mousses will be ideal for permed hair.
Unfortunately, various beauty products are formulated with Alcohol, which can be pretty damaging for permed hair.
Alcohol can be extremely drying to the strands and increase the risk of breakage or frizz.
Your hair is already prone to dryness after a perm.
Silicone-Free
Another ingredient to avoid is silicone. Silicones can easily coat the hair and are often helpful in certain styling products.
However, they won’t provide an excellent finish for permed hair because they can easily weigh down your strands.
A silicone-free formula will keep curls bouncy. This mouse from Maui Moisture is free of silicones and alcohol.
Made For Curls
It’s best to shop for a curl-friendly product. For example, a mousse that is designed for curls can also cater to permed strands.
In addition, you’re less likely to end up with a formula that doesn’t work for your hair.
So, find a mousse that’s mainly for curls.
When Can You Apply Mousse To Permed Hair?
Once you find your ideal mousse, how can you use it?
For optimal results, it’s best to follow the directions on the label of your product.
However, you may need to wait if you’ve just received a fresh perm.
Perms must be set for at least a few days before you can wash or style them.
48 Hours Post-Service
Your stylist will provide guidelines to follow after a perm to keep it looking its best.
This includes avoiding water, moisture, and styling for at least two days after the service.
It ensures your curls will last and prevent them from falling out prematurely.
On Wet/Damp Hair
Most mousse formulas will advise applying mousse to wet hair.
You can follow this up with a light heat styling session and let the hair air dry.
Applying mousse to damp hair will provide definition and allow you to control the amount of product you use.
How To Use Mousse On A Perm
You can always consult your hairstylist if you’re unsure how to start your perm-focused styling routine.
They can teach you how to care for your new curls without unnecessarily damaging your strands.
However, you can also follow these simple tips to ensure lively, permed curls.
Start With Damp Hair
We’ve mentioned that most mousse brands recommend applying the product to damp hair.
Using mousse on dry hair can create a waxy or stiff appearance.
Wet hair will ensure the mousse can fully absorb, style, and benefit your curls.
Work In Small Amounts
Another helpful tip is to work in small sections or with a small amount of product at a time.
This ensures all your strands are evenly coated in the mousse.
Also, you’ll have complete control of how much or where you apply mousse.
This can also help keep your curls defined and bouncy, and you can eventually learn the best amount of mousse for your hair type.
Finger Comb
Finger-combing can achieve a natural look for your perm strands.
Working with your fingers allows you to feel how the hair reacts to the mousse, offering more control than a comb or brush.
However, a wide-tooth comb may also help.
Working on the product with the fingers can provide an effortless finish.
Air Dry/Blow-Dry
Finally, it’s time to dry! It would be best to let your curls air dry, as your hair may already be compromised from the chemical solution used in a perm.
Additionally, heat styling can cause your curls to loosen, frizz, or damage the hair’s integrity.
Always use a low heat setting and a heat protectant if you do plan to heat style.
For a visual tutorial, take a look at this video from Curly Tay on YouTube.
How To Maintain A Perm
How can you ensure an effortless styling session with a mousse?
You can implement multiple things into your routine to keep your permed hair healthy.
This includes keeping the hair hydrated, minimizing heat, and using curl-friendly products.
Hydrate The Strands
Your hair goes through an intense transformation during a perm.
The harsh chemicals that give your strands a new curl pattern can be taxing on your hair.
You may notice that the hair feels brittle and dry, but a deep conditioning mask (like this one from Arvazallia) can help.
Hydrating the hair and avoiding alcohols in your products can keep your permed curls happy and soft.
Minimize Heat-Styling
Another easy way to maintain a perm is by minimizing heat styling.
Mousse can replace heat styling altogether, ensuring your curls last.
Additionally, less heat will help your hair keep its integrity.
Use Curl-Friendly Products
Finally, you can also focus on curl-friendly products.
Hair styling products designed for curly hair are less likely to harm your permed strands.
You can always read the ingredients list to ensure you have a curl-friendly product.
Takeaway
Overall, mousse will be an excellent styling product for perms.
It will revive curls and increase volume. You can style your perm after the initial 48 hours have passed.
