If you have permed hair, one of your concerns would be what shampoo to use that won’t ruin your curly locks. Some people, especially women, want to have wavy and curly hair, so they have their hair treated in order to get the wavy curls they want. This hairstyle is called a permanent wave, or perm for short, and a good deal of heat and chemicals are used to form and maintain it.
In this article, we are going to give you some tips in our buying guide on how to choose a good shampoo to use on your perm. To help you make your choice easier, read some comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz. We also curated a list of our top picks, so read on to find out the best ones!
Quick List - Top Shampoos for Permed Hair
Zenutrients
Gently Cleanses, Moisturizes, and Strengthens Curly, Wavy, and Permed Hair
Luxe Organix
Revive Natural and Permed Curls With This CGM-Approved Shampoo
Be Organic
Infused With Moringa Extract for Stronger and Healthier Permed Hair
Hairfix
Has Amino Acids and Hydrating Ingredients for Stronger, Bouncier Curls
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Permed hair has been subjected to heat or chemicals that break and reform the bonds of the hair structure in order to create waves or curls. In the old days, this would be done using cold-perming or processing solutions, but nowadays, it is more common to use digital perming to curl straight hair.
Perming can magically transform your limp locks into bouncy curls or sultry waves. However, all that processing can leave your locks dry or damaged, since the bonds in the hair structure have been broken.
Typically, permed hair becomes brittle, unless you take great pains to use the right shampoo and products to counteract the damage. It is essential to use products that offer reparative and nourishing benefits.
Perm or permanent can definitely have damaging effects on the hair structure - from decreasing the stiffness of the fiber to changing the protein and lipids composition of hair.
This means extra care must be put into hair care. Choosing products made specifically for chemically treated hair is key as these can nourish your locks, helping it to maintain its healthy appearance.
Gently Cleanses, Moisturizes, and Strengthens Curly, Wavy, and Permed Hair
Revive Natural and Permed Curls With This CGM-Approved Shampoo
Infused With Moringa Extract for Stronger and Healthier Permed Hair
Has Amino Acids and Hydrating Ingredients for Stronger, Bouncier Curls
Strengthening Care of Wheat Protein for Curly, Wavy, and Frizzy Hair
Permed hair has a different set of needs from untreated hair. It can be considered as in need of restoration and repair due to the stress that perming does to the strands. Here are the ingredients you should watch out for to pick the best shampoo for your perm.
The cleaning component in your choice of shampoo can affect the strength and durability of your hair. When it comes to permed hair, it is recommended to use a shampoo that has amino acids.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are important for maintaining tensile strength, shine, and hair density. They combine to form proteins, the most prominent of which is keratin. Keratin is the major component of the hair fiber, so shampoos that contain keratin are great for permed hair.
Hair is composed primarily of protein, particularly keratin. With this, a lot of hair care products have been incorporated with amino acids and marketed as improving hair strength.
Oshimura, E., et al., in a journal entitled Hair and Amino acids identified that certain hair products incorporated with alanine, an amino acid, improved the water-repellant properties of hair while histidine and phenylalanine improved its tensile strength.
Silicone is an ingredient that inspires both love and hate from curly or perm-haired people. Silicone gives your locks a slippery-smooth and silky feeling, as well as a lively shine. Unfortunately, they also cause product build-up that can leave your hair dull and lifeless afterward.
But with technology constantly evolving, some shampoos nowadays contain good silicones or silicones that have been processed down to their breathable nature. These types of silicone do not cause buildup.
Thus, you can now enjoy its benefits of shine and a strong conditioning effect without coating your hair strands with a build-up that is difficult to remove. Some examples of good silicones are Dimethicone, Silica, Stearoxy Dimethicone, or Behenoxy Dimethicone.
Silicones are a common add-on in shampoos these days as it is able to provide smoothness, softness, and shine to dry hair. Examples include dimethicone, dimethiconol, and amodimethicone.
In an article by J. Yang entitled Hair Care Cosmetics, a comparison between silicone treated and untreated hair surfaces was done. There was a clear difference seen in silicone-treated hair—it appeared smoother and had a thin protective layer.
Oils are the perfect antidote to dryness. They are a good substitute if you want to go totally silicone-free. There are many nourishing oils in shampoos, such as coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and more. Shampoos that contain vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and collagen are also highly recommended to restore dry and damaged hair.
Studies have shown that applying hair oil is important in protecting the hair from damage. Some oils penetrate the hair and reduce the amount of water absorbed in the hair, leading to less swelling. This can reduce the cycle of repeated swelling and drying, a factor that can damage hair.
Hair oils can fill the gap between the cuticle cells and prevent the penetration of aggressive substances such as surfactants into the follicle. Also, applying oil on a regular basis can enhance lubrication of the shaft and help prevent hair breakage.
Since permed hair should be considered hair that needs hydrating and moisturizing, it is important to follow up shampooing with conditioning. Keep this in mind when you buy a shampoo for permed hair.
Most shampoos for permed hair have a corresponding conditioner that is produced by the same manufacturer. You can get the best results if you use them together because they would be based on the same formulation.
Conditioners provide manageability, gloss, and anti-static properties to the hair. Protein-rich conditioners can even temporarily seal split ends. Several different active agents can be combined to achieve a hair conditioner designed for a given hair type.
Choosing the right conditioner for permed hair is definitely beneficial. Conditioners are best used after every shampoo (unless you use a “2-in-1” conditioning shampoo, which cleans and conditions hair).
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Type | Matching Conditioner Available Separately | Best For | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Zenutrients Curls Avocado & Tea Tree Sulfate-Free Shampoo | ![]() | Gently Cleanses, Moisturizes, and Strengthens Curly, Wavy, and Permed Hair | Avocado Oil、Tea Tree Oil、Castor Oil | Liquid | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair、Treating Dandruff | 250mL | ||
2 | Luxe Organix Curl Define Intensive Hydration Daily Shampoo | ![]() | Revive Natural and Permed Curls With This CGM-Approved Shampoo | Avocado Oil、Jojoba Oil、Moroccan Oil、Argan Oil | Liquid | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair | 270mL | ||
3 | Be Organic Sulfate-free Moringa Shampoo | ![]() | Infused With Moringa Extract for Stronger and Healthier Permed Hair | Moringa Extract | Liquid | Hair Strength | 250mL | ||
4 | Hairfix Professional Power Curls Shampoo | ![]() | Has Amino Acids and Hydrating Ingredients for Stronger, Bouncier Curls | Corn Gluten Amino Acids、Shea Butter、Dimethicone | Liquid | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair、Hair Strength、Shine and Smoothness | 250mL | ||
5 | Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Shampoo | ![]() | Restore Hair Smoothness With a Triple Beauty Serum Blend | Dimethicone、PCA、Royal Jelly Extract、Wheat Protein | Liquid | Hair Strength、Shine and Smoothness | 550mL | ||
6 | MONDAY Haircare SMOOTH + Wheat Protein Shampoo | ![]() | Strengthening Care of Wheat Protein for Curly, Wavy, and Frizzy Hair | Avocado Oil、Wheat Protein、Dimethicone | Liquid | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair、Hair Strength、Shine and Smoothness | 354mL | ||
7 | Tsubaki Premium EX Intensive Repair Shampoo | ![]() | Intensive Repair Shampoo for Chemically Damaged Hair | Royal Jelly Extract、Soybean Protein、Camellia Oil、Squalane、Dimethicone | Liquid | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair、Hair Strength、Shine and Smoothness | 490mL | ||
8 | Hask Curl Care Moisturizing Shampoo | ![]() | Protects Curly and Permed Hair From Damage and Frizz | Argan Oil、Coconut Oil、Polyquaternium-10 and PG-Hydroxyethylcellulose Cocodimonium Chloride (Curl-Activating Complex) | Liquid | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair | 355 mL | ||
9 | Curlssentials Gentle Clarifying Curl Shampoo | ![]() | Nourishing Cleanse for Beautiful Waves and Curls | Shea Butter、Aloe Vera、Glycerin、Saccharide Isomerate | Liquid | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair | 250mL | ||
10 | GFF Luntian Shampoo Bar With Avocado & Castor Oil Curly and Dry Hair | ![]() | Nourishes and Tames Frizzy Hair With Avocado and Castor Oils | Avocado Oil、Coconut Oil、Castor Oil、Shea Butter | Bar | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair | 50g |
Hair that is naturally curly or permed often tends to be drier than average. Thankfully, this shampoo by Zenutrients is specifically designed to hydrate curls, keeping them bouncy and lively. It contains avocado oil, which strengthens and enhances elasticity while adding moisture and sheen for a shinier appearance.
Tea tree oil helps reduce dandruff and itchiness while preventing excess sebum production. Users appreciate that this shampoo is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free, ensuring a gentle yet effective cleanse. Notably, it's CGM-approved, making it ideal for enhancing waves.
Key Ingredients | Avocado Oil、Tea Tree Oil、Castor Oil |
---|---|
Type | Liquid |
Matching Conditioner Available Separately | |
Best For | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair、Treating Dandruff |
Net Weight | 250mL |
Key Ingredients | Avocado Oil、Jojoba Oil、Moroccan Oil、Argan Oil |
---|---|
Type | Liquid |
Matching Conditioner Available Separately | |
Best For | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair |
Net Weight | 270mL |
If you have curly, permed, or color-treated hair, then this nourishing shampoo from Be Organic is an excellent choice. It contains moringa (malunggay) extract, which is rich in phytonutrients that help strengthen strands while keeping curls and perms bouncy and defined. Plus, it protects color from fading, so dyed hair stays fresh for longer.
With 40% plant-derived surfactants and a sulfate-free formula, it gently cleanses while keeping dandruff and split ends under control. It also repairs damage, prevents breakage, and moisturizes the scalp for healthier strands. While some reviews mention its thin consistency, buyers praise its effectiveness, leading to repeat purchases.
Key Ingredients | Moringa Extract |
---|---|
Type | Liquid |
Matching Conditioner Available Separately | |
Best For | Hair Strength |
Net Weight | 250mL |
Key Ingredients | Corn Gluten Amino Acids、Shea Butter、Dimethicone |
---|---|
Type | Liquid |
Matching Conditioner Available Separately | |
Best For | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair、Hair Strength、Shine and Smoothness |
Net Weight | 250mL |
Key Ingredients | Dimethicone、PCA、Royal Jelly Extract、Wheat Protein |
---|---|
Type | Liquid |
Matching Conditioner Available Separately | |
Best For | Hair Strength、Shine and Smoothness |
Net Weight | 550mL |
Key Ingredients | Avocado Oil、Wheat Protein、Dimethicone |
---|---|
Type | Liquid |
Matching Conditioner Available Separately | |
Best For | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair、Hair Strength、Shine and Smoothness |
Net Weight | 354mL |
Key Ingredients | Royal Jelly Extract、Soybean Protein、Camellia Oil、Squalane、Dimethicone |
---|---|
Type | Liquid |
Matching Conditioner Available Separately | |
Best For | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair、Hair Strength、Shine and Smoothness |
Net Weight | 490mL |
Key Ingredients | Argan Oil、Coconut Oil、Polyquaternium-10 and PG-Hydroxyethylcellulose Cocodimonium Chloride (Curl-Activating Complex) |
---|---|
Type | Liquid |
Matching Conditioner Available Separately | |
Best For | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair |
Net Weight | 355 mL |
Key Ingredients | Shea Butter、Aloe Vera、Glycerin、Saccharide Isomerate |
---|---|
Type | Liquid |
Matching Conditioner Available Separately | |
Best For | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair |
Net Weight | 250mL |
Key Ingredients | Avocado Oil、Coconut Oil、Castor Oil、Shea Butter |
---|---|
Type | Bar |
Matching Conditioner Available Separately | |
Best For | Moisturizing and Nourishing the Hair |
Net Weight | 50g |
There’s more to taking care of permed hair than just looking for the right shampoo. If you want your perm to last longer and look its best, here are some tips care of Healthline to help you make the most of it.
The care of permed hair is similar to the care for curly hair. Typically, the small angle of the waves of curly hair makes it more susceptible to breakage when mechanically worked. A good tip is to use a wide-toothed comb to prevent excessive friction and trauma to the hair.
Another tip in maintaining permed hair is to use products that are made for chemically treated hair. Since perming can leave hair dry and damaged, it's important to condition your hair, especially with those conditioning shampoos that can help restore moisture and shine. Best to consult your board-certified dermatologist!
Below, Dr. Katrina answers some of the web's most asked questions, so before you hit that check out button, have a read to make sure you make informed decisions!
There are no hard and fast rules but in general less often than those with straight hair.
Definitely, do not wet the hair immediately after a perm (at least 3 days) in order to help keep those curls intact.
Permed hair requires quite a bit of upkeep to keep those curls intact. Be sure to:
Haircare is a highly personal choice. For most people, shampooing the hair daily is not necessary, while others can't let a day pass by without washing their hair. The decision on how frequently to wash the hair is a cosmetic one based on personal preference. For permed hair, particularly, since it is baseline dry, washing the hair too often can strip it of its natural oils.
Best to try out the shampoo and see if you develop a reaction from it. Also, listen to your hair! Make sure it stays moisturized and well-nourished despite getting a perm. When in doubt, Ask Your Derma! Yes, we deal with hair too!
Paying attention to what our hair needs should definitely be a priority in our personal care routine. After all, it's called our crowning glory! Having gorgeous hair is an instant mood and confidence booster. Here are some of our article reviews of other hair care products to help you take better care of your hair.
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Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Zenutrients|Curls Avocado & Tea Tree Sulfate-Free Shampoo
No. 2: Luxe Organix|Curl Define Intensive Hydration Daily Shampoo
No. 3: Be Organic|Sulfate-free Moringa Shampoo
No. 4: Hairfix|Professional Power Curls Shampoo
No. 5: Shiseido |Fino Premium Touch Shampoo
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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