“How long does a Korean perm last?”
That’s easily one of the most common questions our stylists hear at PERFECT X HAIR.
The trouble is, that question is difficult to answer for a few reasons. First, there are many different types of Korean perms, such as the down perm, the digital perm, and highly-focused perm treatments, like a root perm or bangs perm.
Secondly, how long your perm lasts depends on various factors. The condition of your hair before the perm, the type of perming process used, and even your approach to maintaining your look will all have an impact on how long your results will last.
Here, we’ll give you a behind-the-scenes guide to how long different types of Korean perms can last, and share our top tips for making your perm last longer.
How Long Does a Korean Perm Last? The Basics
Most Korean perms will last between 3 to 6 months if you’re getting a full head perm. In other words, if you’re using Korean perming techniques to create a full head of unique curls or waves, then you should be able to wait at least three months before you need a “top-up” appointment.
Here’s a quick rundown of common Korean perm options and how long they last:
| Type of perm | How long it typically lasts |
| Full Korean cold perm | 2 – 3 months |
| Full Korean digital perm | 6 – 12 months |
| Bangs perm / root perm / down perm | 2 – 6 months |
| Korean straightening perm | 4 – 6 months |
Here’s where things start to get confusing. First, Korean hairstylists can use various different perming techniques that can affect the longevity of your results.
For instance, a Korean cold perm, which uses more traditional techniques to set your hair into a new shape, won’t necessarily last as long as a digital perm. Most cold perms last between 2-3 months if they’re well cared for. Digital perms, on the other hand, which use heated curling rods to restructure your hair, can last 6 to 12 months in some cases.
Secondly, it’s worth noting that not all Korean perms add curls and waves to your full head of hair. There are specific types of Korean perms, like root perms and bangs perms, that only focus on specific parts of your hair. These “mini” perms won’t always last as long as a full perm.
For instance, root perms generally last for between two to six months, while a bang perm typically only lasts for around four weeks (depending on how fast your bangs grow).
Factors that Affect How Long Your Perm Lasts
The type of Korean perm you choose, the perming technique used, and how much of your hair you actually perm aren’t the only things that affect how long a perm last. Numerous other factors also come into play, such as:
Your Hair Health/Condition
A great Korean stylist should always assess the health of your hair before applying a perming solution, to ensure it can actually withstand the treatment. However, even if your hair is slightly damaged, certain perming strategies might still be suitable for you.
The important thing to remember is that stronger, healthier hair will generally hold a curl, wave, or new shape better than damaged hair. Finer hair is also harder to perm than coarse hair because it cannot hold a perming solution for as long without being damaged, so you might end up with less prominent results.
Your Stylist’s Expertise
Although there are plenty of companies out there that sell “at home” perming kits, creating a Korean perm at home isn’t recommended. First, Korean perms require a high level of expertise from a stylist. They’re customized to your specific hair condition and hair goals.
You need an expert to ensure you’re using the right combination of chemicals for your hair, to achieve the perfect balance of longevity and hair health. The more experienced your stylist is, the more likely you are to end up with beautiful, long-lasting results.
What You Do Immediately After Getting a Perm
If you’re familiar with the movie “Legally Blonde”, you’ll know there are cardinal rules you should be following immediately after getting a perm. For instance, no matter what type of Korean perm you choose, you shouldn’t allow your hair to get wet for 48-72 hours after a perm. Washing your hair, exposing it to rain or taking a swim can basically undo the perming process.
Other things you might do after immediately getting a perm can harm its longevity too. For instance, your stylist will usually tell you to avoid:
- Using cotton towels on your hair (this creates dryness)
- Exposing your hair to excess heat, particularly from styling tools
- Combing or brushing your hair (use your fingers initially!)
- Constantly touching or adjusting your hair
- Styling your hair with tight bands, clips, and other accessories
Your Approach to Perm Maintenance
Most people usually find it easier to maintain a Korean perm than a traditional perm. Since Korean perms typically create more natural looking curls and waves, it’s a lot easier to maintain the same consistent look for longer.
However, that doesn’t mean you can avoid investing in any maintenance at all. You’ll still need to follow your stylist’s guidance on things like which products to use to enhance your hair’s appearance. Most stylists recommend using specific shampoos, conditioners, and other hair treatments (such as curl creams) that are specifically designed to help your hair retain its shape.
They might also advise against using specific products that can weigh down your hair, such as heavy conditioners, or strip your hair of protective moistures, like shampoos with sulphates.
Your Hair Growth Cycle
Finally, one of the most significant factors that affects how long a Korean perm lasts is how quickly your hair grows. A Korean perm can be a great long-term treatment that transforms your look, and allows you to spend less time styling your hair each day. However, it’s worth remembering that no perm is truly permanent.
Perms just change the structure of the hair you already have. They don’t cause new hair to grow in a new shape. That means as your hair naturally grows out, your perm will gradually disappear.
If your hair grows very quickly, you might find that you need more top-up appointments than the average person. Alternatively, if your hair grows very slowly, your perm could end up lasting as long as twelve months with the right care.
Top Tips to Make your Korean Perm Last Longer
Ultimately, the best way to ensure you get the best results from a Korean perm and boost your chances of the perm lasting as long as possible is to choose the right stylist. An experienced Korean hairstylist will customize your treatment to deliver the best possible, longest-lasting results.
Beyond picking the right salon for your treatment, here are the top things you can do to make your perm last as long as possible.
Quick Perm Boosting Tips
- Wash your hair less: Washing your hair too frequently, even with specially formulated shampoos, can strip away natural oils that keep your hair healthy. This can lead to dryness and frizz that ruins the appearance of your perm over time.
- Keep your hair moisturized: Just because you should be washing your hair less, doesn’t mean you can’t keep it moisturized. Invest in conditioning solutions and balms that strengthen your hair and its roots for a longer-lasting result.
- Invest in specialist treatments: Protein treatments are fantastic for enhancing the longevity of a perm, because perming chemicals break your hair’s protein bonds. Protein masks and salon-grade hair products could help to keep your hair nourished and perfect for longer.
- Change your brush: Brushing or combing a perm with any old comb will ruin it all most instantly. Use your fingers to style your curls when possible or consider switching to a wooden, wide-tooth comb when detangling wet hair.
- Adjust your sleeping habits: Perms can look tangled or flat first thing in the morning. Wrapping your hair in a silk scarf, or using a silk pillowcase can help reduce the risk of tangles, so you don’t have to comb your hair as often.
- Get regular trims: Curly perms often look less pronounced as your hair grows. Book a haircut every three to four months to keep your hair healthy, and get up-to-date tips on how to make the most of your look.
- Protect your hair: Don’t expose your hair to excessive heat, chemicals (like chlorine or dye), or anything else that might harm it’s health after a perm.
Get a Long-Lasting Perm with PERFECT X HAIR
Answering the question: “How long does a Korean perm last?” will always be difficult. The longevity of your perm depends on countless factors, from the perming technique used, to the look you’re trying to achieve, your maintenance routine, and even your hair’s health and growth cycle.
The good news is that the right hairstylist can boost your chances of getting long-lasting, beautiful results. At PERFECT X HAIR, we’ll work with you to choose the right perming treatment based on your hair goals and specific needs.
Book your appointment with PERFECT X HAIR today, or contact us for more information about our perming services.
