How To Curly Perm Hair Extensions

Curly hair, in a variety of hair patterns, is a modish style! If you want to take your hair extensions from straight to wavy, we will give you instructions straight from the hair extension factory. Hair manufacturers use a "water perm" technique that you can use too. I must advise that you should only attempt perming on high-quality hair, preferably virgin hair that is unprocessed. You can perm virgin (one-donor) hair extensions, but results may vary. It is important to do a strand test prior to perming an entire weave, keratin bond set, pull-thru method, tape-in hair extensions, and i-tip hair. Take the time to wrap, and process several strands, and then be sure to check the integrity of the hair extensions. If the hair breaks on the perm rod, or sheds when rinsing, do not proceed.

I would only recommend perming hair extensions if you can not purchase your exact curl pattern. Curl patterns vary so much that it is often easier to perm the hair extensions when you can not find your perfect match.  

I prefer the ISO Option EXO damage-free Exothermic perm, it does contain ammonium thioglycolate, but it spreads evenly to prevent hair swelling. Selecting the proper perm rod size will determine the curl size outcome. For loose waves, I prefer the Cult Curl spiral perm rods, they are easy to bend, wrap hair without breakage, and they do not have an elastic. Cult Curl is a gentle perm best used on natural hair, it contains both the perm solution and neutralizer in one. The perm takes a bit longer to process, but is very gentle on your hair. Since it contains neutralizer, I do not recommend cult curl on hair extensions, unless they are virgin hair that is unprocessed.

Now to perming hair extensions

1) Hair extensions are more porous than natural hair, and will most likely process faster. It is important to check the wave pattern once rolled. Select the proper perm rod size prior to rolling the perm.

Cult Curl Spiral Perm Rods

2) After strand testing, carefully wash your hair extensions with a sulfate-free shampoo of your choice. Towel dry, place on a large sheet pan, and wrap the hair extensions. Be sure to have a water bottle to spray the extensions if they start to dry, and use end papers on the ends of the hair extensions.  

3) Saturate perm rods thoroughly with perm solution, in open air. Be sure to protect the attachment area of the hair extensions, especially for keratin bonds, tape-in hair extensions, and pull-thru hair extensions.  

4) Most hair extensions process within 5 to 10 minutes, but be sure to open the rod, and test the curl pattern. Look out for hair that does not spring back, or appears fuzzy, remove the solution immediately. 

5) Once you achieved your desired curl pattern, turn up the heat of your water, and rinse thoroughly for 10 minutes. Be sure to rinse with a very high water temperature, and do not leave one drop of perm solution on the rods.

6) Place the hair extensions on towels, and carefully remove some of the water with a towel.

7)  DO NOT USE NEUTRALIZER! Neutralizer contains hydrogen peroxide, and sodium bromate that will dry out the hair extensions,

8) Allow the hair extensions to air neutralize, leave the perm rods in place for 48 hours, 

9) After 48 hours have passed, you may now remove the perm rods. The result will be a bouncy, and shiny curl.

10) Support your hair extensions with the below list of products that can be found online, or in-salon. These products will help to promote moisture, keeping your hair extensions healthy.

• Oribe Cleansing Cream (use on naturally thick hair)
• EVO Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
• Davines Curl Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner
• Moroccan Oil Curl Enhancing Shampoo and Curl Defining Cream (avoid hair attachment area). 

This open-air processing is the best way to keep your hair extensions healthy, and neutralizing them is not necessary. As I previously stated, testing the hair is imperative. Also, I would not suggest perming blonde processed hair extensions since they have undergone too many chemical processes such as an acid bath.

You can also use this process on hair toppers.

If you have other tips on perming hair extensions, please drop a comment in the comment section below!

Hair Extensions Background

At Noelle Salon, they evaluate your natural hair, and listen to the client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. They use human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair, or Virgin Hair (unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and they have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, Keratin and enjoy using the Veila Pull-thru method with the Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or look for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied, and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out and explore the possibilities.