Perms and Ponytails

Curly hair in a ponytail — Photo: Superlime/Shutterstock

Q: Can I put my hair up in a ponytail the day after I get a perm?

A: Provided that you take care of your hair properly - conditioning, using alcohol-free styling products, etc. - you should be safe to style your hair any way you desire. A properly performed permanent wave service should be as stable as naturally curly hair.

The main concern in dealing with chemically processed hair is that the hair will be more porous and susceptible to damage due to the raised cuticle layer. Proper conditioning can help to smooth the cuticle layer and restore the moisture balance to the hair, but you will need to make sure to use styling tools that will be as gentle as possible to the hair.

I don't recommend pulling the hair tight in a rubber band, but you can safely confine the hair in a scrunchie or snag-safe elastic band, loosely. Just make sure to treat the hair gently. In fact, if you are planning to be physically active outdoors, or to expose your hair to windy conditions, confining the hair in a ponytail can help prevent tangling and roughing caused by these environmental conditions.

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See also:

Ponytails and hair damage

How to put hair in a ponytail

Is it okay to put your hair up in a ponytail right after coloring it?