Smoothing out a frizzy perm

By Misty Huber

Q: Since waves are in, I got a perm to give my fine hair some body. But it came out frizzy. What can I do to fix it?

A: A perm can go bad for a number of reasons, says Samy, owner of the Samy Salon in Miami. Shampooing too soon afterward or leaving the perm solution on too long -- or not long enough -- can contribute, and if your hair is colored or highlighted, strands can be damaged by a perm and break off.

To get your hair back under control, Samy suggests hydrating products with protein. Try Bio Ionic Super-Hydrator Intensive Moisturizing Reconstructor ($20; bioionic.com) with wheat and soy proteins to deep-condition. Keep in mind that no amount of moisturizing will completely restore perm-damaged hair because your hair's physical structure has been rearranged by the perm solution. Your best bet? Cut off as many inches as you can stand while your hair grows out. Layered cuts that remove damaged ends can offer an illusion of length. Products that help control the frizz can also smooth out your look; try Umberto Giannini Dazzling Shine Laminate ($10; at Rite Aid stores) on dry hair.

Beauty Director's Pick Sometimes hair needs a big, tall, nourishing smoothie to give it back its bounce, radiance and, most of all, strength. Get all three in Aveda's new Damage Remedy Restructuring System, composed of a Restructuring Shampoo, Conditioner ($24 each) and Intensive Treatment ($26; all at aveda.com). Each product is rich in plant extracts like organic quinoa protein, which helps repair and strengthen strands; the conditioner and intensive treatment also contain sandalwood and barley extracts, which smooth hair and seal in moisture. After using, your tresses are sure to be back in fine form. Minewere -- after just one use.
-- Valerie Latona