[header] How to perm your hair [title] Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. [step] This will remove any oil or residue and give you a clean base to work on. Do not use any conditioner, however, or the perm solution won't set properly. 
Once you've washed your hair, pat it dry with a soft towel or old t-shirt. [substeps] A rich, protein conditioning shampoo would also be a great choice.