Braid Perms | How to get a Braid Perm | Popular Products

Perms might remind many of us of the 1980s—a time when big, curly hair ruled the fashion scene. Today, perms are making a major comeback, but with a softer, more natural twist.

Modern perms focus on loose, beachy waves instead of tight curls. The challenge is getting that effortless wave without ending up with a frizzy mess. That’s where braid perms come in—a gentler alternative to traditional rod perms.

Curls are created using braiding techniques, then a perm solution is applied to set the style for several months. The current market offers many perm variations, and braid perms stand out for their natural, low-maintenance results.

What is a Braid Perm?

A braid perm is a chemical treatment that creates waves and texture without using traditional perm rods. Instead of wrapping hair around plastic rollers, your hair is braided—usually into French braids—and then perm solution is applied directly to the braids.

The braiding pattern determines the final wave pattern. One or two large braids create loose, subtle waves. Three to six smaller braids create tighter, more defined curls. This technique gives you a natural “just got out of bed” look with soft, flowing texture.

Braid perms work best for people who want:

• Relaxed, beachy waves instead of tight curls
• A natural, effortless style
• Volume and body without stiffness
• Low-maintenance daily styling

How Does a Braid Perm Work?

A braid perm changes the structure of your hair using chemistry. Hair is made of protein bonds called disulfide bonds. These bonds give hair its natural shape—straight, wavy, or curly.

The perm solution breaks these bonds temporarily. While the bonds are broken, your hair is held in a new shape (braids). A neutralizer is then applied to rebuild the bonds in this new pattern. Once the bonds reform, your hair holds the wave pattern created by the braids.

This is a permanent change. The treated hair will stay wavy until it grows out or is cut off. New hair growing from your scalp will have your natural texture.

Who Should Get a Braid Perm?

Best Hair Types for Braid Perms

Braid perms work on most hair types, but results vary:

• Straight hair (Type 1): Creates noticeable waves and body. Best results on medium to thick hair.
• Wavy hair (Type 2): Enhances natural texture and adds definition to existing waves.
• Slightly curly hair (Type 3A): Can add uniformity and control to inconsistent curl patterns.
• Fine hair: May not hold waves as well. Consider root perms for volume instead.
• Coarse or thick hair: Excellent results with long-lasting waves.

When to Avoid Braid Perms

Skip braid perms if you have:

• Severely damaged hair with breakage or split ends
• Recent bleach treatments (within 2-4 weeks)
• Chemically straightened hair (relaxers)
• Very short hair (less than 4 inches)
• Scalp conditions like psoriasis or open wounds
• Extremely porous or over-processed hair

Always do a strand test first to check how your hair reacts to the perm solution.

How to Get a Braid Perm: Step-by-Step Process

Professional Salon Method

Step 1: Consultation and Hair Assessment (10-15 minutes)

Your stylist will check your hair’s condition, elasticity, and porosity. They’ll test a small strand to make sure your hair can handle the chemicals. This step is critical—it prevents damage and ensures good results.

Step 2: Hair Preparation (10 minutes)

Your hair is washed with a clarifying shampoo to remove oils, products, and buildup. Clean hair absorbs perm solution evenly. Your hair is towel-dried but left slightly damp.

Step 3: Braiding (20-30 minutes)

The stylist sections your hair and creates 3-6 braids, depending on your desired wave pattern:

• 2-3 large braids = loose, relaxed waves
• 4-6 smaller braids = tighter, more defined waves

French braids or Dutch braids are most common. The braids should be snug but not too tight to avoid tension damage.

Step 4: Perm Solution Application (15-25 minutes)

The perm solution is applied thoroughly to each braid, focusing on each section from roots to ends. The solution must saturate the braid completely. Your hair is then covered with a plastic cap to keep it moist and warm.

Processing time depends on:

• Hair texture (fine hair: 10-15 minutes; coarse hair: 20-25 minutes)
• Desired curl strength
• Perm solution type (acid vs. alkaline)

The stylist will check the wave formation after 10 minutes by gently unbraiding a small section.

Step 5: Rinsing (5-10 minutes)

The braids are rinsed thoroughly with lukewarm water while still braided. All perm solution must be removed. Your hair is gently towel-blotted—not rubbed.

Step 6: Neutralizer Application (10 minutes)

Neutralizer is applied to the braids to rebuild the broken hair bonds and lock in the wave pattern. This step is left on for 5-10 minutes. Some neutralizers require a second rinse afterward.

Step 7: Unbraiding and Final Rinse (10 minutes)

The braids are carefully unbraided. Your hair is rinsed one final time and treated with a leave-in conditioner or bond treatment.

Step 8: Drying and Styling (15-20 minutes)

Your hair is either air-dried or dried with a diffuser on low heat. Avoid brushing. Use your fingers to separate and style the waves.

Total time in salon: 2 to 3 hours

At-Home Braid Perm Method

You can do a braid perm at home, but proceed with caution. Mistakes can lead to damaged or over-processed hair.

What You’ll Need:

• Home perm kit (includes solution and neutralizer)
• Plastic gloves
• Plastic cap or wrap
• Tail comb for sectioning
• Hair clips
• Timer
• Towels
• Spray bottle with water

Instructions:

1. Do a patch test 24-48 hours before to check for allergic reactions.
2. Wash hair with clarifying shampoo. Towel-dry until damp.
3. Section hair and braid into 3-4 sections. Secure ends with small elastics.
4. Put on gloves. Apply perm solution generously to each braid, saturating fully.
5. Cover hair with plastic cap. Set timer according to kit instructions (usually 15-20 minutes).
6. Check one braid after 10 minutes. If waves are forming, proceed. If not, wait longer.
7. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water while braids are still intact. Do not unbraid yet.
8. Blot excess water gently.
9. Apply neutralizer to braids. Leave on for time indicated (usually 5-10 minutes).
10. Rinse again, then carefully unbraid hair.
11. Apply conditioner or bond treatment. Rinse.
12. Air-dry or use a diffuser on cool/low heat.

Aftercare: How to Care for Your Braid Perm

First 48 Hours (Critical Period)

Your perm is still setting during the first two days. Follow these rules strictly:

• Do not wash your hair for 48 hours. Water can disrupt the newly formed bonds.
• Do not brush, comb, or tie your hair. Use only your fingers to style.
• Avoid heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers.
• Do not apply heavy products like gels, mousses, or oils.
• Keep hair dry. Avoid rain, swimming, or sweating heavily.
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.

Weekly Maintenance Routine

After the first 48 hours, follow this routine to keep your waves healthy:

Washing (2-3 times per week):

• Use sulfate-free shampoo designed for permed or chemically treated hair.
• Wash with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water opens cuticles and causes frizz.
• Apply shampoo to scalp only. Let the suds rinse through the lengths.
• Always follow with a moisturizing conditioner.

Conditioning (every wash):

• Use a hydrating conditioner or a conditioner for permed hair.
• Apply from mid-length to ends. Avoid the scalp.
• Leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Deep Conditioning (once a week):

• Use a protein-based treatment or deep conditioning mask.
• Leave on for 10-20 minutes.
• This restores moisture and strength.

Drying:

• Air-drying is best. Gently scrunch waves while drying.
• If using a hair dryer, attach a diffuser and use low heat.
• Never rub your hair with a towel. Blot or use a microfiber towel.

Styling:

• Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Never use a brush.
• Apply a small amount of lightweight styling cream or sea salt spray.
• Scrunch hair gently to enhance waves.
• Avoid heavy products that weigh hair down.

Bond Rebuilding Treatments

Perms weaken hair bonds. Use bond-building treatments weekly or bi-weekly to repair and strengthen hair:

• Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
• Schwarzkopf FibrePlex Bond Maintainer
• Redken pH-Bonder Post-Service Treatment

These treatments reconnect broken bonds and reduce breakage, frizz, and dullness.

What to Avoid

• Sulfate shampoos: Strip moisture and fade the perm faster.
• Alcohol-based products: Dry out hair and cause frizz.
• Heat styling: Flat irons and curling irons damage already-sensitized hair.
• Tight hairstyles: Ponytails and buns can distort wave pattern.
• Chlorine and salt water: Both dry out permed hair. Wear a swim cap or rinse immediately after swimming.

How Long Does a Braid Perm Last?

A braid perm typically lasts 3 to 6 months, depending on:

• Hair type: Coarse hair holds waves longer than fine hair.
• Hair growth rate: Faster growth means new straight roots appear sooner.
• Aftercare: Proper maintenance extends perm life.
• Product use: Heavy products or sulfates can relax waves faster.

Unlike hair color, a perm cannot be washed out or reversed. The only way to remove it is to cut the permed hair or wait for it to grow out. As new hair grows in, you’ll have straight roots with wavy ends. Most people get touch-ups every 4-6 months or transition to their natural texture.

Braid Perm vs. Other Perm Types

Perm Type	Method	Curl Pattern	Best For	Maintenance
Braid Perm	Braids + solution	Loose, natural waves	Relaxed, beachy texture	Low
Traditional Rod Perm	Plastic rods + solution	Tight, uniform curls	Defined, bouncy curls	Moderate
American Wave Perm	Large flexible rods	Loose, tousled waves	Natural, soft volume	Low
Digital Perm	Heated rods	Loose when dry, tighter when wet	Long-lasting, defined waves	Moderate
Root Perm	Rods at roots only	Volume at roots, straight ends	Fine, flat hair needing lift	High (frequent touch-ups)

Types of Perms Explained

The Traditional Perm

Traditional perms use hard plastic rods and rubber bands to create tight, uniform curls. This method takes 4 to 6 hours in the salon. The rods come in different sizes—small rods create tight curls, while larger rods create looser curls.

Traditional perms restructure up to 80% of the hair’s bonds, which means more dramatic curl but also more stress on the hair. This style is not recommended for highlighted or damaged hair, as the results can be unpredictable or cause breakage.

Best for: People with healthy, virgin hair who want defined, bouncy curls.

Olaplex Perm

An Olaplex perm is not a perm type—it’s an add-on treatment used with any perm to protect hair during the chemical process. Olaplex is a bond-building product that repairs broken disulfide bonds in real time.

When added to traditional perm solutions, Olaplex reduces damage and makes the process gentler. This allows people with highlights, color-treated hair, or slightly damaged hair to get perms safely.

The treatment also reduces the waiting period after the perm from 48 hours to 24 hours in many cases.

Best for: Anyone with chemically treated or fragile hair who wants to minimize perm damage.

Man Perm (Men’s Perm)

Men’s perms are designed for shorter hair lengths. Special small perm rods are used to create texture, volume, or curls on short styles.

Many men opt for partial perms, where only the top section is permed for volume, while faded or buzzed sides remain natural. Men can choose tight curls for a bold look (like Bruno Mars) or loose waves for a relaxed, surfer style.

For a laid-back California surfer vibe, an American Wave perm is ideal.

Best for: Men with short to medium-length hair who want texture, body, or curl.

Root Perm

A root perm targets only the first 2 to 4 inches of hair at the scalp. It adds lift, volume, and body without curling the entire length. This is perfect for people with naturally straight, flat hair who want a fuller look.

The downside: As your hair grows, a visible line of demarcation appears between the permed roots and new straight growth. You’ll need frequent touch-ups every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain the look.

Best for: People with fine or flat hair who want volume at the roots without full curls.

Digital Perm

The digital perm uses heated rods controlled by a machine. Heat activates the perm solution and creates long-lasting, heat-styled waves.

The unique feature: Curls are tighter when hair is wet but relax into loose, smooth waves when dry. This mimics the look of hair styled with a curling iron.

Digital perms are more expensive, starting at $250 to $300, and the process takes 3 to 4 hours. Results last 6 to 12 months with proper care.

Best for: People with straight or slightly wavy hair who want long-lasting, defined waves with minimal daily styling.

Beach Wave Perm

The beach wave perm is the most popular perm style today. It creates soft, tousled waves that look like you just came back from the beach. The waves are loose, natural, and effortless.

Styling is simple: Apply a lightweight styling cream or sea salt spray, scrunch, and go. It requires minimal heat styling or product.

Best for: Anyone who wants low-maintenance, natural-looking waves with minimal styling effort.

American Wave Perm

The American Wave perm uses a gentler perm solution that restructures only 25% of the hair’s bonds. This keeps hair healthier, softer, and more natural-looking than traditional perms.

Large, flexible perm rods are used to create loose, tousled waves with lots of movement. The result is soft, beachy texture with plenty of body.

Best for: People who want subtle, natural waves with minimal damage.

Can You Color Your Hair After a Braid Perm?

Yes, you can color your hair after a braid perm, but timing and caution are essential.

Wait at least 2 weeks after getting a perm before coloring. This allows your hair’s bonds to fully stabilize.

Coloring, highlighting, or bleaching permed hair increases sensitivity, dryness, and frizz. Double chemical treatments weaken hair significantly, so deep conditioning treatments are a must.

Safer coloring options after a perm:

• Semi-permanent or demi-permanent color (less damaging)
• Lowlights instead of highlights
• Toner to adjust tone without bleach

Avoid:

• Bleaching or lightening (very damaging)
• Permanent color within the first 2 weeks
• Multiple color sessions close together

If you plan to color and perm, color first, then wait 2 weeks before perming. This sequence is gentler on hair.

How Much Does a Braid Perm Cost?

Braid perm prices vary based on location, salon reputation, stylist experience, and hair length.

Average price range: $60 to $150

High-end salons or experienced stylists: $200 to $300

Because braid perms don’t use rods or rollers, they tend to cost slightly less than traditional perms. However, the cost increases for longer, thicker hair that requires more solution and time.

Cost factors:

• Hair length (longer hair costs more)
• Hair thickness (thick hair requires more product)
• Salon location (urban areas cost more)
• Add-ons like Olaplex treatments (adds $30-$75)

At-home perm kits cost $10 to $30 but carry higher risk if done incorrectly.

Popular Braid Perm Products

Best Perm Solutions for Braid Perms (Reviewed)

One ‘n Only Exothermic Perm

This perm solution creates firm, long-lasting curls while conditioning and moisturizing hair. The exothermic formula generates gentle heat during processing, which helps activate the solution evenly.

Hair feels soft, shiny, and manageable after treatment. Great for coarse or resistant hair types.

Best for: Firm, defined curls with conditioning benefits.

Insite Perm for Normal Hair

This ammonia-free perm solution is gentle and ideal for normal, healthy hair. It’s infused with argan oil for added shine and moisture. The formula minimizes odor and reduces scalp irritation.

The argan-infused neutralizer helps seal cuticles and lock in the wave pattern.

Best for: Natural, healthy hair; people sensitive to ammonia.

Zotos Quantum Extra Body Acid Perm

This acid perm is gentler than alkaline perms, making it suitable for color-treated or fragile hair. It can be wrapped with water or lotion to adjust curl firmness.

The Equalizer 3 conditioner balances pH and ensures even curl formation. The neutralizer is enriched with argan oil for weightless shine.

Best for: Damaged, color-treated, or fine hair needing gentle processing.

Iso Option 3 Perm – Extra Firm Curl

This perm system comes in three options based on hair type:

• Option 1: Normal and previously permed hair
• Option 2: Color-treated hair
• Option 3: Extra firm curls for resistant hair

The exothermic formula creates damage-free curls with long-lasting hold. Option 3 is ideal for thick, coarse, or hard-to-curl hair.

Best for: Coarse, resistant hair needing strong, lasting curls.

Best Hair Maintenance Products for Braid Perms

Redken pH Bonder Salon Kit

This salon-quality bond protector comes with a bond-protecting additive, dosing syringe, and fiber-restorative pre-wash concentrate. It strengthens hair, adds shine, and improves manageability.

Suitable for daily use and safe for all hair types. Great for maintaining permed hair health.

Best for: Weekly bond maintenance and strength restoration.

Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3

This best-selling at-home treatment rebuilds broken hair bonds, strengthens hair, and restores shine. Use once a week for 10 minutes before shampooing.

It reduces breakage, smooths frizz, and improves overall hair health. A must-have for chemically treated hair.

Best for: Bond repair and frizz control after perms.

Schwarzkopf FibrePlex No. 3 Bond Maintainer

This bond maintainer works on all hair types, whether chemically treated, color-treated, or damaged. It builds new bonds, balances hair pH, and improves elasticity.

Use weekly as a leave-in or rinse-out treatment.

Best for: Maintaining bond strength and preventing breakage.

Common Problems After a Braid Perm (And How to Fix Them)

Frizz and Dryness

Cause: Perms strip natural oils and open hair cuticles.

Solution:

• Use sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioner weekly.
• Apply leave-in conditioner or hair oil after washing.
• Avoid heat styling and harsh brushing.

Waves Lost Quickly

Cause: Fine or slippery hair, insufficient processing time, or early washing.

Solution:

• Wait the full 48 hours before washing.
• Use lightweight styling products to enhance waves.
• Consider a stronger perm solution or longer processing time next time.

Uneven Wave Pattern

Cause: Uneven braid tension or inconsistent solution application.

Solution:

• Have a professional assess and possibly re-perm problem sections.
• Use styling products to blend uneven areas.

Breakage or Damage

Cause: Over-processing, hair already weakened, or skipping bond treatments.

Solution:

• Use bond-building treatments (Olaplex, FibrePlex) weekly.
• Trim split ends regularly.
• Avoid further chemical treatments until hair recovers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a braid perm on short hair?

Braid perms work best on hair at least 4-6 inches long. Shorter hair may not braid effectively, but root perms or traditional perms are better alternatives for short styles.

Does a braid perm damage hair?

All perms involve chemical processing, which can weaken hair. However, braid perms tend to be gentler than rod perms because they create looser waves. Using bond treatments and proper aftercare minimizes damage.

Can I straighten my braid perm if I don’t like it?

You cannot chemically reverse a perm. Your options are:

• Temporarily straighten with a flat iron (damaging with repeated use)
• Wait for it to grow out and cut it off
• Use relaxing treatments (risky and further damages hair)

How soon can I swim after a braid perm?

Wait at least 1 week before swimming. Chlorine and salt water dry out permed hair and can alter the wave pattern. Always rinse hair immediately after swimming and apply a deep conditioner.

Can I do a braid perm at home?

Yes, but it’s risky without experience. Incorrect timing, uneven application, or wrong product choice can lead to damage or poor results. If you’re unsure, see a professional stylist.

Will my hair go back to normal after a perm grows out?

Yes. New hair growing from your scalp will have your natural texture. The permed portion remains wavy until cut off. There’s no permanent change to your hair’s natural growth pattern.

What’s the difference between a braid perm and a beach wave perm?

A braid perm is a technique (using braids instead of rods). A beach wave perm is a style (loose, tousled waves). You can achieve beach waves using the braid perm technique or with large rods.

Final Thoughts

Braid perms are a simple, gentle way to add natural-looking waves to your hair without the stiffness or tightness of traditional perms. They work best for people seeking a relaxed, beachy look with minimal daily styling.

Proper aftercare is essential. Use sulfate-free products, deep condition weekly, and protect your hair from heat and chemicals. Bond-building treatments like Olaplex or Schwarzkopf FibrePlex keep permed hair healthy and strong.

Whether you get your braid perm professionally done or try it at home, follow the stylist’s instructions carefully for the best results. With the right care, your braid perm will give you effortless, gorgeous waves for months.