Hair Perm Didn't Take

Hi, I have fine straight short to medium length hair and got a perm 3 weeks ago. My perm is still curly on the sides and back but it flat and straight on the top. What can I do or how do I style it? I have used a curling iron on the top but within a few hours it is flat again.

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It is obvious the perm didn't take on the top of your hair. If you got this done at a salon, I would call them and complain. (nicely, of course) They can redo the top only, which won't affect the rest of your curls.

I am sure you followed perm instructions not to wash your hair within 2 or 3 days? (I sure hope they told you this!) If you wash your hair prematurely, it can ruin the perm.

There is no need to keep curling your hair. Over time, it will only become more of a hassle and since your hair is a fine texture, you might also damage it long term with a curling iron.

You could try using pin curls in your hair and that will keep the heat off your hair. Of course, curls will last longer if you don't wash your hair everyday either.

If you had any curl at all, you could use gel and scrunch your hair but since your hair is straight, that won't work.

So sorry this happened. The salon you went to may have opted to use a lower acid perm since you have fine hair. This is actually a good sign in that they were looking out for you and didn't want to damage your hair. But please do call the salon and talk it over with them. I hope they are open to helping you with this!

PS If you choose not to have it redone, I would simply straighten all of your hair and then curl it with hot rollers. If the top still looks flat, use a root lifter to give it more body.