I have had several perms at a local beauty salon.  None have lasted
more than six weeks.  Is there a problem with the local water (high in
iron), or medications ( I take several for high blood pressure, and
Asacol for ulcerative colitis).....Can you help?

This may interest you:

"Among the types of medications that affect perm results are hormones
or high blood pressure medications which tend to make a perm "take"
faster than normal. It is believed that these medications raise the
temperature of the scalp which accelerates the perm process. Low blood
sugar medication can cause early curl relaxation. Retin-A can cause
the scalp to be more sensitive to chemicals resulting in a burning
sensation. Iron supplements can cause the hair to be more resistant to
perming."

http://www.sallybeauty.com/faqs/showquestion.asp?faq=6&fldAuto=374