With women becoming more conscious of products and chemicals being introduced to the body, natural ways of perming hair are preferred.
If you’ve been wondering how to perm hair naturally without chemicals, here are four ways to do it. Read on to learn how you can keep up with the latest hair trends without using harsh chemicals.
Can I Perm Hair Naturally Without Chemicals?
A true perm is a chemical service, so there is no chemical-free perm. Heatless styling can create a temporary curled look, but how long it lasts depends on your hair, the method, and your washing routine.
Traditional perms last approximately six months if you stick to a good hair care regimen. However, if you have dry, damaged, or highlighted hair, it’s best to perm hair without chemicals to avoid breakage or further damage.
How to Get Perm-Like Curls: 4 Natural Methods
If you’ve desired a curly hairstyle without the damage that comes with traditional perms, here are four ways to get the look:
1. Use Finger Coils
Black hair may have 3c, 4b, or 4c textures, making it naturally curly. As such, simple finger coils can bring out curls quickly. They provide an excellent way of training your curls naturally. Here’s how you do it:
- Wash your hair and pat it dry. You can also work on damp hair for more defined curls
- Apply a moisturizer and sealant
- Apply the curling cream
- Divide the hair into sections and twist them with your fingers
- Let them air dry, then style the hair
2. Use a Curling Iron
If you don’t mind heat styling your hair, a curling iron may be just the tool you need to create a perm-like look. Depending on your preferred curl size, you need to pick out a curling iron.
A 5/8″ and 3/8″ curling iron is ideal for tight, bouncy curls, while a 1.5″ and 1.25″ curling iron is suitable for large, fuller waves. Here’s how to do it:
- Shampoo the night before to remove dirt and oil buildup. You may use a regular shampoo or a volumizing one to increase your hair’s body.
- Rinse and apply a curl-enhancing product while the hair is still damp. The product helps the hair to hold the curls longer.
- Divide the hair into sections.
- Then curl each section using the curling iron, applying a heat protectant to each section first. If you want to achieve a wavier look, start curling it mid-way but if you’re big on creating long-lasting curls, start from the bottom and work your way to the top.
- Then comb out the curls using a wide-tooth comb, spray them, and you’re good to go.
3. Wear Flexi Rods
Flexi rods are an excellent alternative if you don’t want to use heat-styling tools. They’re available in different sizes allowing you to achieve the best curly hairstyle (big bouncy curls to medium or small curls).
Flexi rods are convenient for those who love more defined curls. Here are steps to help you achieve the look:
- Choose the ideal flexi rod size based on the curl size you desire.
- Wash the hair and allow it to dry. You may work on damp hair for more defined curls.
- Comb the hair and remove any tangles.
- Apply a styling gel to lock the curls into place; skip conditioner at this step, because hair will droop with it.
- Divide the hair into sections and wrap them around the flexi rods.
- Repeat the process on all sections.
- Let the hair rest, then remove the flexi rods.
4. Make Bantu Knots
This method protects your hair from heat styling and is stylish enough to wear outdoors. Bantu knots also give the most defined curls and are versatile enough to wear on varying hair lengths.
Women with longer hair can braid longer knots, while those with short hair can part hair into smaller sections. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash the hair and pat it dry.
- Comb and remove tangles.
- Divide it into sections, then twist each section and wrap it around its base close to the scalp.
- Secure the ends with a hairpin or fold them close to the scalp to prevent them from coming loose.
- Let them rest for a night and untwist them in the morning to reveal the natural curly look.
Are Non-chemical and Organic Perms the Same?
No. A so-called non-chemical perm is really a temporary curl set: the look lasts until it washes out, because nothing has changed the hair’s structure.
Organic perms, on the other hand, are marketed as gentler and are often ammonia-free, but the active ingredients are still perming agents, blended with natural oils and proteins.
Is Non-chemical Perm Safer Than Traditional Perm?
A non-chemical perm is safer than a traditional perm because it’s free of harmful chemicals. Traditional perms contain toxic chemicals like ammonium thioglycolate, boric acid (in some formulas), alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide, which open up the hair cuticle, altering its structure.
As a result, the hair develops permanent changes that can be challenging to reverse, in this case, permanent curls. The effect of traditional perms is grave on dry or highlighted hair as it damages the hair further.
Finally, these methods skip the chemical processing of a traditional perm, which can leave hair dry and delicate. The curls are temporary, and if you use a hot tool, a heat protectant still matters.
You can create temporary curls without a chemical perm by using flexi rods, twisting hair into Bantu knots, using a curling iron, or coiling hair with your fingers. If you’re unsure about the best method, you can always consult a stylist.
