How to Perm Hair Extensions at Home: A Complete Guide

Curly hair, in a variety of hair patterns, is a modish style! If you want to take your hair extensions from straight to wavy for a more polished look, let’s have a little chat about changing the makeup of your strands straight from the hair extension factory. Hair manufacturers use a "water perm" technique that you can use too, but keep in mind your extensions might need a little bit of TLC. 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, so let’s get into all the juicy deets about it! 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. Additionally, consider treating your hair with a nourishing hair mask to maintain its luster. Take the time to wrap, and process several strands to avoid a hair emergency, 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.

Is it Wise to Perm Hair Extensions?

I would only recommend perming hair extensions if you can not purchase your exact luscious curls curl pattern for dreamy curls and wavy hair. So grab your favorite hairbrush and by the end of this guide, you’ll understand why curl patterns vary so much, making it often easier to perm the hair extensions when you cannot find your perfect match, leaving you to avoid hair faux pas days.

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 and add a little extra oomph to your style. 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 that is best used on natural hair and for creating stunning new locks, even inspired by the newest perm craze; it contains both the perm solution and neutralizer in one. Additionally, if you're considering alternatives, the keratin bond treatment offers an excellent option for enhancing hair health while avoiding excessive heat styling. 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.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perm Hair Extensions at Home

1) Hair extensions are more porous than natural hair, and will most likely process faster, adding a dose of magic to your fabulous extended tresses transformation and enhance your natural curls mane game. It is important to check the wave pattern once rolled, and if you want to protect your extensions, consider tying them up in a loose bun during sleep or workouts, and understand the three main treatments for achieving the desired result. Select the proper perm rod size prior to rolling the perm.

2) After strand testing, carefully wash your hair extensions with a sulfate-free shampoo of your choice to prevent hair damage. 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, which are essential in maintaining the fabulous looks and the holy grail of hair enhancement, allowing you to unleash your inner curly girl fantasy and hair goddess while caring for your hair extensions and preserving the hair of its natural oils.

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, including synthetic hair extensions, process within 5 to 10 minutes, and now comes the fun part: be sure to open the rod and test the curl pattern for optimal hair health, as we aim for hair heaven. Look out for hair shafts that do not spring back, or appear fuzzy; remove the solution immediately, as synthetic hair extensions can sometimes feel like the love child of human hair and synthetic fibers.

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

6) Place the hair extensions on towels, and carefully remove some of the water with a towel to protect the hair fibers, as they require a little extra love and are kind of a mixed bag in terms of maintenance, especially when following essential aftercare tips to ensure they resemble your natural locks, especially to avoid a hair faux pas moment.

7) DO NOT USE NEUTRALIZER! Neutralizer contains hydrogen peroxide and sodium bromate that will dry out the hair extensions, leading to improper application risks.

8) Allow the hair extensions to air neutralize, and consider keratin treatments for essential nourishment and added shine; leave the perm rods in place for 48 hours. Remember, the important part after applying treatments is to ensure those fabulous locks are kept in great condition.

9) After 48 hours have passed, you may now remove the perm rods. The short answer is that 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.

Best Products to Maintain Permed Hair Extensions

1. Oribe Cleansing Cream (use on naturally thick hair) for a natural look that can change the feel of human hair in your strands.

2. EVO Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

3. Davines Curl Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner

4. Moroccan Oil Curl Enhancing Shampoo and Curl Defining Cream (avoid hair attachment area) for a luxurious treatment experience.

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.

Hair Extensions Background Noelle Salon

At Noelle Salon, they evaluate your natural hair, 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). Pour yourself a drink of choice while you unleash your inner hair goddess with hair extensions that 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, which could result in a hot mess if not done properly, and enjoy using the Veila Pull-thru method with the Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. 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 and enhance your hair game. 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.

Can I Use a Perm Kit to Curl Hair Extensions?

It is not recommended to use a regular fresh perm kit on tape-in hair extensions, as chemical treatments can weaken the adhesive and damage both the extensions and your natural hair. Whenever using heat methods like a hot iron, always consult with your stylist to find safe methods for styling or adding curls to tape-in extensions.