The perming process alters the structural bonds in your hair through chemical or heat treatments. This can weaken the cuticle (outer shaft) of the hair, making it susceptible to dryness, chemical damage, and breakage.
Breakage occurs when hair snaps off mid-shaft instead of falling out at the root. While not true hair loss, breakage can make your hair look fragile and thin.
In extreme cases, perming can leave hair so dry and brittle that it breaks off in large amounts. This may look or feel like your hair is falling out in clumps.
It’s more common among people who stack perming with other treatments, such as bleaching or color correction. Waiting at least a week between treatments can help minimize damage.
It’s also important to avoid using at-home heat-styling tools on freshly treated hair. Waiting a couple of days and using a heat protectant can help prevent further damage.
The more frequently you perm or chemically treat your hair, the more damage will accumulate.
Although damage to existing hair is permanent, you can cut your hair to remove visible damage and adopt safer hair care practices to encourage new healthy hair growth.