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| My beauty routine is quite simple and consists of the three basic steps — cleansing, toning and moisturising. I also drink lots of water and juices and eat a lot of fruits. I believe that if you eat healthy, your skin will glow. I use cleanser and creams from Clarin’s. For my hair, I use L’Oreal products. I also oil my hair the night before shampooing. For cosmetics, I stick to MAC. |
I have thin, limp hair. I want to get my hair permed in order to make it look fuller. But I have heard that a perm can be damaging unless it is maintained properly. Please tell me how I can take care of my hair after perming?
Name and address withheld
In order to keep your perm looking good, follow these tips:
A fresh perm should, if possible, be left alone on the first day — do not comb or brush your hair.
Avoid any unnecessary stretching of the hair.
Avoid curling tongs, rollers and brush-dryers on the first day. If you take proper care during the initial days, the perm will last longer.
The perm should only be washed on the third day.
Hair that has been permed should always be washed with great care. A root wash is ideal. For this, dilute the shampoo and apply to wet hair with the help of a spray bottle. When you rinse, spread the shampoo throughout the hair so that it is sufficient to clean the hair thoroughly. Permed hair should not be washed everyday.
A conditioner or leave-in-treatment after washing is vital, so that the comb can pass through the hair without snagging.
To untangle a wet perm use a comb with wide teeth. Avoid any pulling and tugging. Always start detangling the hair starting from the bottom and gradually work your way up.
Avoid anything that dries the hair out — direct sun, salt or chlorinated water. After swimming, rinse the hair well.
Let your hair dry naturally whenever possible, or use a hairdryer with a diffuser. This will blow air very gently and protect the hair while drying. Perms that have been left to dry naturally and have not formed proper curls again, can be sprayed with water or a leave-in-treatment to refresh the curls.
An intensive conditioning treatment should be done after every third or fourth wash so that the shine and bounce is retained.
I am a young woman. I had coloured my hair but it didn’t last. What should I do?
Name and address withheld
Coloured hair requires extra care. For best results, don’t shampoo for 48 hours after you have coloured your hair. Don’t wash your hair with warm water and use only mild shampoos. Shampoo only as often as necessary as each shampoo application speeds up the fading process. Rinse conditioners thoroughly. Deep condition your hair at least once a week with products designed specifically for coloured hair. Also don’t go for chemical treatments like perms or straighteners.
