What condition should the hair be in before receiving a perm?

Before receiving a perm, the ideal condition of the hair is clean, dry, and in good health with no significant damage. This state ensures that the hair is primed for the chemical processes involved in perming, such as breaking and reforming the disulfide bonds within the hair strands. Healthy hair can better withstand the chemical reactions that occur during a perm, which helps achieve consistent and long-lasting results.

If the hair is damaged, it may not hold the perm well, leading to uneven curl patterns or a compromised overall result. Similarly, while clean hair is essential for even product application and to prevent negative interactions with the perm solution, hair that is oily or overly treated may interfere with the process, either weakening the bonds or causing product buildup that affects the perm. Therefore, the most suitable condition for receiving a perm is indeed hair that is clean, dry, and healthy.