How to Get the Smell of a Perm out of Your Hair

Co-authored by Marius Morf

Last Updated: January 28, 2023 References

A permanent wave, or a perm, is a fun way to spruce up your hairstyle. Perms change the structure of your hair by a chemical process, and those chemicals can leave a strong smell in your hair that can sometimes last for several days or weeks. Some hair rinses can help lift the smell from your hair and other products can help disguise the scent while the chemical odor fades. Your new locks will be looking great and smelling wonderful in no time!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Applying Hair Products and Masks

1
Rinse your hair before applying a neutralizer. Ask your hairstylist to thoroughly rinse your hair for 5 minutes. Your stylist will most likely use a clarifying shampoo to help remove any silicone or chemical buildup prior to adding the neutralizer. This will help ensure that your hair is properly cleaned before the chemicals are applied, which may eliminate some of the chemical smell left in your hair by the perm process.
- Have your stylist rinse the neutralizer out of your hair before they take the rods out.
2
Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo at home. Washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo may help reduce some of the chemical smells that have soaked into your hair. These shampoos help eliminate mineral deposits, chlorine, and other chemicals that have accumulated in your strands.
- Once a week, scrub your hair with a clarifying shampoo and rinse.
- Follow-up with a conditioning treatment. Leave-in or deep conditioners will help your hair lock-in moisture, protect your curls, and will leave your hair fragrant and perfumed.
- Washing your hair immediately after receiving a perm can release the newly set curls, so it is best to wait 2 to 3 days to wash your hair.^{[1]
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3
Apply a coconut oil hair mask. Coconut oil can be found in your local grocery store. It has great conditioning properties, and its sweet, fragrant smell can help mask your perm’s chemical smells. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties, which may also help lift some of the odor from your hair.
- Once a week, after washing your hair, comb the coconut oil through your hair and massage your scalp with your fingertips. Once you have distributed the oil, wrap your hair in a towel and leave the oil on for 30 minutes. Wash, condition, and rinse your hair afterward.^{[2]
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- There are a number of coconut oil hair care products and masks that can help cleanse your hair and lessen your perm’s chemical smell. A coconut cleansing oil can help remove dirt and buildup, while a curl defining cream can help boost your curls definition while leaving them smelling sweet.^{[3]
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  Research source} Visit your local beauty shop to find these products or ask your hairstylist for recommendations.
- Using a serum can help close your hair cuticles and reduce the smell of a perm.
4
Use an essential oil hair mask. Using an essential oil such as lavender and rose will leave a pleasant aroma locked in your hair. Visit your local pharmacy, grocery store, or health food store to find a bottle of essential oil that you like.
- Use about 8-10 drops of the oil and mix it with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil. Work this mixture into your scalp. Cover your hair with a towel or a shower cap and leave in overnight. Rinse in the morning under warm water.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Hair Rinse to Remove Smell

1
Rinse your hair with tomato juice. Tomato juice can help cleanse your hair and balance its pH, which will help neutralize the chemical odor. You can use any tomato juice that you can find at your local grocery store, or you can manually squeeze the juice from the tomatoes at home. If you have blonde hair, be sure to buy canned diced tomatoes since the tomato juice may alter the color of your hair.
- While in the shower, use enough tomato juice to cover your hair. Massage it into your hair and scalp with your fingertips. Leave it in for 10-20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.^{[5]
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  Research source} Follow-up by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner. ^{[6]
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  Research source} Rinse your hair again and let it dry.
- Tomato juice can be applied to your hair twice a week, but be aware that it can lighten your hair over time.^{[7]
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- Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin A, which will help make your hair stronger and healthier.
2
Make a baking soda mix. Like tomato juice, baking soda can help neutralize and absorb any odors lingering in your locks. Using a baking soda mix on your hair once a week to balance your hair’s pH and remove the chemical smell. ^{[8]
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- Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water; the amount of baking soda you use will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. Place the mixture on your wet hair and secure it beneath a shower cap. Leave the mixture on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.^{[9]
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3
Soak your hair with lemon juice. The acidity of lemon juice can help lift the chemical smell from of your hair after a perm. Using a lemon juice rinse won’t stain your hair, so it is a particularly helpful rinse if you have light or blonde hair.
- Use fresh lemons and squeeze about 3 cups of lemon juice, or enough to cover your hair. Apply the juice and massage it into your hair and scalp for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse your hair with water. Wash with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner.
- You can repeat this process a for few days in a row if the smell is still present. Be sure not to overuse this rinse as it may cause a burning sensation on your scalp.^{[10]
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- Lemon juice can lighten your hair with continued use.^{[11]
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4
Create an apple cider vinegar rinse. Using apple cider vinegar on your hair can help cleanse balance your hair’s pH, which can help neutralize the smell. The vinegar smell may not be appealing, but it will disappear once your hair dries.^{[12]
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- Combine 1 cup of water with 4 tablespoons (59.1 ml) of apple cider vinegar. Pour the mixture over your hair after you have washed your hair with a clarifying shampoo and followed-up with a conditioner. Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp, and thoroughly rinse after 2 minutes.^{[13]
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- You can do an apple cider vinegar rinse as often as you wish, but it is recommended that you apply it once per week.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

Do I use shampoo after the baking soda hair mask?

Community Answer

I mixed Dawn dish soap with the baking soda as a shampoo, then washed and conditioned with everyday products. It completely neutralized the smell.
Question

I have brown hair - will a perm change its color?

Community Answer

If that is your natural hair color, then no it shouldn't change the color, only the texture of your hair to straight, curly, etc. if you've dyed your hair, then the color might be affected.
Question

I had my hair Japanese straightened and after two weeks, the chemical smell still lingers. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try using a tomato juice or baking soda rinse to help lift the odor from your hair. Talk to your hair stylist if the smell continues to linger.