If you just received a perm you dislike or find too curly, you can relax it to release some of the curl. Since you already added chemicals to your hair, it is better to relax your hair naturally. Adding more chemicals to your hair can damage it further, resulting in dry and brittle hair. There are a few ways you can try to relax your perm without damaging your hair.

One of the first rules to keeping your perm is to not wash your hair for 48 hours. Break this rule if you find your curls too tight for your liking. Wash your hair right after you come home. This breaks the bonds of the perm and relaxes it a bit as well. Use a moisturizing shampoo, since it is thicker and can weigh your hair down a little. Apply a moisturizing conditioner; let it sit in your hair for 15 minutes and rinse it out.

If you are afraid a shower will frizz your hair up and ruin the perm entirely, comb out your perm with a wide-tooth comb. Use a detangler or conditioning spray to help you comb through the curls. The conditioner will weigh down your curls. This option should be used only if you curls are slightly tighter than what you expected.

After you wash and condition your hair, blow dry your damp hair with a large round brush and set it with large rollers. This can help break up the curls and provide a softer look. Blow dry your hair after letting air dry for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how thick your hair is. The heat from the blow dryer can damage and dry your hair.

A hot oil treatment can encourage your curls to loosen or, if you do not wish to use a hot oil treatment, you can also use olive oil. The weight of the oil will bring your curls down. Put on a throwaway or old shirt, then apply the oil to your curls. Wait 15 minutes and rinse. Not only will you have looser curls, you will also have shinier hair.