One rule you might have heard is how long you need to wait to wash your hair after getting a perm. According to Beezzly, you should wait at least 48 hours before using shampoo on your locks. Frankie Cochrane also recommends waiting as long as 72 hours if you can. You risk hair damage and uneven curls if you don't wait that long before using a cleanser. The reason is that the chemicals used to create your curls can destroy some of the keratin chains in your hair. However, just because you can't wash your hair doesn't mean that you don't have some options if you feel dirty before the 2 days are up.
First, if your scalp feels dirty, you can use dry shampoo to help. Be sure you only use products that are safe for permed hair, though, because it's essential to treat your hair gently after this process. If you have any questions, you should discuss the proper care of your newly styled hair with your stylist.