How To Transition From A Curly Perm To A Relaxer

Perms and relaxers use similar chemicals to break down hair bonds and reform them into a different shape. Traditionally, perming refers to adding curl to straight hair and relaxing refers to removing curl from hair; however, perming is an umbrella term used for both procedures among many social groups.

Transitioning to a relaxer when you have a curly perm involves removing the curly perm chemically. Since relaxers are too harsh to use on previously permed hair, the perm must be removed with perm solution instead of a chemical relaxer. However, perm solution is not strong enough to remove natural curl. A relaxer must be applied to regrowth areas to achieve even texture throughout the hair.

Step 1

Remove your curly perm by applying perm solution to the permed portions of hair and combing it through.

Step 2

Apply a relaxer to the regrowth, or non-permed, portions of hair if you have substantial regrowth or at least 1 inch of naturally curly hair at the root. If you do not have regrowth, skip this step.

Step 3

Get a good haircut that removes at least two to three inches of hair. Add layers if you wish to remove a lot of hair and still keep your length.

Step 4

Schedule your relaxer touch-up and get a haircut every two months until the previously permed portion has completely grown out and all that is left is relaxed hair.

Tips and Warnings

A perm comb through should remove most of the curl associated with your perm and a good bit of your natural curl as well since the original perm has already weakened and restructured some of the natural curl. However, you may need to touch up the ends with a flat iron to completely remove all of your wave.
Do not overlap perms and relaxers. Doing so may result in hair damage, breakage and loss. Touch ups should also be performed carefully so that the chemicals do not touch previously relaxed hair.