How to Make the Most Out of Your Perm Hair

Let's talk about perm hair! Yes, that's right - those gorgeous, curly locks that make us feel like we've just walked off the set of a 90s music video. Perm hair has been around for decades and has undergone quite the transformation since its inception.

Back in the day, perms were all about achieving the "big hair" look, but now, there are so many perm options to choose from! Whether you're after spirals, waves, stacks, or multi-textured curls, there's a perm out there for you. So, if you're thinking of getting a curly hair perm, or if you already have one and just want to make the most out of it, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!

Choosing the Right Perm for You

We all want to look our best and feel confident. Unfortunately, getting a perm isn’t always easy. It takes some research and consideration in order to find the perfect perm for you - one that works with your hair length, texture, face shape and lifestyle.

The Different Types of Perms

Spiral perms are ideal for those who have long locks and want to keep their straight strands under control. If you're looking for something a bit softer, then a body wave perm is right up your alley. Stack perms are great if you're after volume and body while multi-textured perms can give you the best of both worlds - giving your hair extra texture without losing its natural shape or volume.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Perm

Hair length is one of the most important things to think about as it affects how much curl or wave will be created by your perm. If you have long hair, then spiral perms are probably the way to go – whereas if you have shorter locks then stack perms may work better for you.

Hair texture also matters as coarse hairs don’t tend to hold curls as well as finer ones do - so make sure to take this into consideration before getting a permanent solution! Your face shape will also come into play when selecting a perm style – oval faces look great with body waves while heart-shaped faces suit loose curls best.

Finally, consider your lifestyle: if you’re always on-the-go then stick with multi-textured perms which require little maintenance and hold their shape better than other styles do.

It goes without saying that taking proper care of your newly-permed hair is essential if you want it look its best over time.

Fortunately, there are many amazing shampoos specifically formulated for use on treated tresses such as those containing keratin or oils that nourish and protect each strand from damage caused by heat styling tools or environmental aggressors like sunlight or wind. Also, avoid using heated tools immediately after receiving your perm as this could potentially disrupt its perfect pattern!

Of course, no discussion on curly hair would be complete without mentioning straight hair perms! This type of service is great if you want something temporary rather than full commitment - plus it can save time when styling in the morning! However, if none of these options seem quite right for what you’re looking for then why not give hair extensions a go? They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and can provide instant volume – plus they won't damage your actual tresses due to their non-invasive nature!

Preparing for Your Perm  

Preparing for your perm is serious business! This is the key to getting the perfect curly, wavy or bouncy look your heart desires. If you want your perm to last longer, pay attention to what you do before and after a perm. To make sure that your perm looks exactly how you want it to, consider scheduling a consultation with a stylist beforehand. Even if you don’t end up getting the professional consultation, there are still some home care measures that should be taken in order to get the best possible results.

First and foremost, ensure that your hair is properly washed and conditioned before taking the plunge with a permed look. The best shampoo for permed hair would be one that creates healthy suds while avoiding sulfates and other harsh chemicals that can dry out your locks. Consider investing in an organic shampoo specifically designed for curly hair – this will help preserve any existing curls pre-perm, as well as help maintain the newly created curls post-perm.

It’s also important to get a trim before going through with a perm. Not only will this remove any split ends or dead ends that might compromise the curl pattern of your new style, but it will also give your stylist more room to work with when crafting those beautiful locks of yours! And if you plan on curling men’s hair with this process then please note: It’s always better to cut shorter in order to create structured waves or curls instead of long, stringy spirals!

Finally, avoid using certain hair products like oils and heavy styling creams before the perm because they may create buildup on your scalp which could cause irritation during application or affect the final result in undesirable ways. A wavy hair perm is an exciting step towards transforming dull locks into something magical - don't let bad preparation spoil it!

How to Perm Hair

It's important to note that while perms are commonly used to create curls and waves in hair, they can also be used to permanently straighten hair as well. So whether you're looking for ways to switch up your look by introducing waves or curls into your life, or if you want a sleek, straight look that will last - know that perms can help you achieve both!

When getting a perm, the first step is wrapping the hair around small rods or rollers. Depending on how tight or curly the desired look is (or how straight), there are different sizes of roller available. Thicker rods produce larger curls while thinner rods produce tighter curls and waves. The process of wrapping the hair correctly is an art form – so if this is your first time getting a perm done at home then it’s best to practice before trying it out on someone else’s head!

Once the hair has been properly wrapped around the rods/rollers, it's time to apply the chemical solution (the actual “perming”). This chemical solution breaks down the bonds within each strand of hair so that when it re-sets again after neutralizing, it stays in its new position. It is important not to keep this solution on too long as this could damage your locks – use timer and follow manufacturer instructions closely!

After applying the perm solution comes neutralization - a rinsing process which allows for permanent re-setting of all strands of hair into their new styles. A neutralizing shampoo followed by a protective conditioning treatment is generally used during this stage as they help prevent any further damage caused by chemical processing. And that's all there is too it! Once everything has been rinsed away, you'll have beautiful permed curls or waves that will last for months depending on how well you care for them afterwards (regular trims and conditioning treatments are key!).

Perms aren't just limited to women either - men can rock them too! Perm hairstyles for men usually focus on creating smoother looks like subtle waves instead of bouncy ringlets; but whatever style you choose, there's sure to be something suited for everyone. Even those with naturally straight hair can benefit from trying out perms every now and then – getting rid of unwanted frizziness and adding extra body without having to use heated styling tools like curling irons every day.

After Care for Your Perm

Now it’s time to learn how to properly care for it. Sure, there are plenty of videos online that can teach you how to perm hair, but these helpful tips and tricks will ensure that your waves last as long as possible.

First up is shampooing and conditioning. Permed hair needs a bit of extra TLC when it comes to cleansing it because overly-aggressive cleansing can strip away the curls. The best shampoos for permed hair are those specifically designed for curly or wavy hair; look for those with mild surfactants like coco-glucoside or sulfates free ingredients. Follow up with a nourishing conditioner, focusing on the ends which are more prone to damage.

Once you’re done in the shower, drying and styling is the next step. Make sure to use a low-heat setting on your blow dryer, and be sure not to brush too harshly when brushing out the excess water from your waves – this could potentially disrupt them beyond repair! Try using your fingers to scrunch out any excess water before using a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush instead; this will help retain your wavy perm shape without tugging too much at individual strands.

Finally, don’t forget about trims and touch-ups! Get regular trims every 6–8 weeks depending upon how fast your hair grows in order to get rid of any split ends; this ensures that not only do you have healthy hair, but that you also maintain the best wavy perm shape possible. As far as touch-ups go, discuss this with your stylist – some may recommend getting one four weeks after your treatment as an extra precaution against overprocessing or scalp sensitivity due to harsh chemicals used during perming services.

But don’t worry – while proper maintenance is key in keeping your perm looking its best, there are definitely some habits that should be avoided if you want longer lasting waves – such as heat styling (which can cause frizz) or overbrushing/overcombing (which can disrupt wave formation). With all of these tips in mind, follow along closely and say hello wave goodbye to boring old straight locks!

• Q: Are perms bad for your hair?

  A: Whether perms are bad for your hair depends on the health of your hair and how the perm is done. If your hair is already damaged, a perm can make it worse. If the perm solution is left on too long or the hair is rolled too tightly, this can lead to breakage and damage. However, if the perm is done correctly and your hair is in good condition, it can give your hair more body and texture. It is important to consult a stylist who has experience with perms to determine if it is the right choice for you and to ensure that it is done correctly.

• Q: Do perms damage your hair?

  A: Perms can damage hair if they are done improperly or with harsh chemicals. Over-processing, too high heat, and using a perm solution that is too strong can all lead to hair breakage, split ends, and thinning. However, if done correctly and with gentle products, perms can add volume and texture to hair without causing significant damage.

• Q: Can you perm bleached hair?

  A: Yes, you can perm bleached hair, but it is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks after the bleaching process to allow the hair to recover and restore its natural oils. It is also recommended to use a gentle perm solution and to avoid over-processing the hair to prevent further damage. It is best to consult a professional stylist to ensure proper and safe treatment of the hair.

• Q: How long do perms last?

  A: A perm typically lasts for 6 to 8 weeks to 3 months, although this varies depending on hair type, the technique used and other lifestyle factors.

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