Curly Perm on 4C Hair

Curly Perms For Black Hair

I have been trying to find some information on the process of a curly perm on 4C hair, specifically using the Design Essentials brand. However, I have mostly seen Gina Curl, Deva Curl and Wave Nouveau permanent waving systems instead.

Hence why I decided to share my before and after curly perm with Design Essentials curly perm products.

I was very excited when I recently got my curly perm done on my natural hair. It is more of the coily type 4 hair. Many people are unaware that you can perm naturally curly hair.

How To Perm Naturally Curly Hair

I got my whole head done which was on natural, virgin hair. I did not have any dye or bleach or any other chemical processes done to it prior to my appointment.

The method my stylist used was a traditional perm although if you are interested you could try a digital perm.

Curly Perm on 4C Hair Process

Prep

There was some detangling in the beginning before any product was added to my hair. My hairline was “based” that is a protective lightweight substance like a jelly was applied all around.

Step 1

The Rearranger was applied throughout my whole hair from root to tip and left in for 20 minutes. My stylist also combed through my hair with the rearranger on before the time was up.

Thirdly, it was rinsed out and I also had a deep conditioning done for 15 mins to help repair hair. This isn’t usually done but it seemed I needed a bit of strengthening to my hair.

Step 2

If your hair is naturally straight, you would skip the Rearranger step.

After the deep conditioner was washed out, we proceeded with the Moisture Wrap with the perm rods of different sizes. I spent 10 minutes under a hooded dryer and then 15 minutes without heat.

This cream was washed out with the perm rods still for what felt like forever. Because the rods must be kept in this takes a long time to ensure that all the chemical is washed out.

Step 3

Then cotton wool was applied around my hairline to prevent the Wave Lock from dripping onto my face. This was applied all over my hair which was still in the perm rods for 20 minutes. After this, a second application was done with the rods removed and left in for 5 minutes.

This neutraliser was also washed out and I then received a moisturing conditioner left on for 15 minutes.

Step 4

After which it was rinsed out and then the following products were applied and were scrunched into the curls:

Scrunching is when you grab the hair in your palm and while moving the hand upwards the stylist then squeezed the hair.

Before And After Curly Perm on 4C Hair Photos

Before and after curly perm natural — Before

Perm care First 48 Hours

Washing your perm

With a permanent wave you cannot wash your hair for 48-72 hours. Many stylists even recommend going 1 -2 weeks before your first wash.

This is due to the fact that even though the process in the salon has finished, it hasn’t fully oxidised. Basically, the hair needs to be set in the curls and it does this by being exposed to the oxygen in the air.

If the hair is washed immediately you can kiss your new curls goodbye.

Styling your perm

I also sprayed my hair with water and some conditioner in it to keep it moisturised. You can use a leave-in conditioner as well.

I kept my hair down and if I had to tie it up out of my face I used a scrunchy and pulled it into a slack ponytail only for a short time.

Sleeping with your perm

In terms of sleeping, you don’t want to sleep directly onto the pillowcase unless your pillowcase is satin or silk. Cotton is extremely drying and pulls the moisture out of your hair as you lay on it.

I wore a bonnet at night but I also had a silk scarf draped over my pillow in case the bonnet came off.

You can pile your hair up on the top of your head and tie a silk scarf around your head.

Additionally, some people might just sleep with their hair down on a silk scarf.

I prefer to have it up and covered as I don’t want to accidentally pull or tug on my hair as I sleep.

There you have my before and after curly perm process using the Design Essentials system.

Do you have any questions about the process? Please let me know in the comments below.

The Lazy Bohémienne