How long does a perm typically last. What are the main types of perms available. How can you maintain your perm for optimal results. What factors can affect the longevity of a perm.

Understanding the Basics of Perms

A perm, short for “permanent,” is a chemical treatment that alters the structure of your hair to create curls or waves. Despite its name, a perm is not truly permanent. The duration of a perm can vary significantly, typically lasting between three to six months. This timeframe depends on several factors, including your hair type and how well you maintain the perm.

The process of getting a perm is not a quick one. It can take anywhere from one to five hours, depending on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the type of perm you’re getting. During this time, your hair undergoes a significant chemical transformation.

The 48-Hour Rule

One crucial aspect of perm maintenance is the 48-hour rule. For the first two days after getting a perm, it’s essential to keep your hair dry and untouched. This period allows the newly formed bonds in your hair to set properly, ensuring the longevity and quality of your perm. As famously quoted in the movie “Legally Blonde,” this is “the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance.”

Types of Perms: Digital vs. Ceramic

There are two main types of perms: digital and ceramic. Both use a combination of chemicals to break and reform the bonds in your hair, along with rods to shape the curls. However, the methods and results differ slightly.

• Digital Perms: Also known as hot perms, these use heated rods and an acidic solution to break the disulfide bonds in your hair.
• Ceramic Perms: Also called cold perms, these use no heat and rely on a less damaging alkaline solution.

Cold perms typically result in tighter, more vintage-looking curls, while hot perms tend to produce a more natural-looking result. Both methods conclude with the application of a neutralizer to lock in the curls.

Varieties of Perms and Their Characteristics

Beyond the basic digital and ceramic classifications, there are several specific types of perms, each designed to achieve different looks and suit various hair types:

1. Body Wave Perm: Uses larger rollers for soft, loose, natural-looking waves. Ideal for those with limp hair seeking more volume.
2. Multi-textured Perm: Employs two different-sized rods for natural, bouncy curls of varying tightness. Best suited for long hair.
3. Partial Perm: Only the ends of the hair are curled, creating a voluminous look while keeping the top and mid-sections natural.
4. Root Perm: Focuses on adding volume to the roots, perming only the first 2-4 inches nearest the scalp.
5. Spot Perm: Targets specific areas of the hair for curling, useful for those with uneven natural curl patterns.
6. Stacked Perm: Creates the illusion of layers by using rollers of varying sizes in the middle and bottom sections of hair.
7. Straight Perm: A process that straightens naturally curly or wavy hair using chemical treatments and heat.

Factors Affecting Perm Longevity

Several factors can influence how long your perm lasts and how well it maintains its shape:

• Professional vs. DIY: While DIY perms are available, a professional hairstylist has more expertise in curl-setting and chemical knowledge, potentially leading to better and longer-lasting results.
• Maintenance Routine: Your dedication to perm care plays a crucial role. Avoiding heat styling and products containing alcohol or silicone can help maintain your perm’s integrity.
• Daily Activities: Your lifestyle can impact your perm. For instance, frequent swimming in chlorinated water can have detrimental effects on permed hair. Similarly, excessive sweating and exposure to high humidity can lead to frizz.

The Impact of Perms on Hair Health

While perms can give you the curls or waves you desire, it’s important to consider their impact on hair health. The chemical processes involved in perming can potentially damage your hair if not done correctly or if your hair is already compromised.

Potential Risks

• Dryness and brittleness
• Increased susceptibility to breakage
• Changes in hair texture
• Scalp irritation

To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to have your perm done by a professional and to follow a proper hair care routine post-perm. This includes using sulfate-free shampoos, deep conditioning treatments, and avoiding excessive heat styling.

Maintaining Your Perm: Best Practices

Proper maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your perm and keeping your curls looking fresh. Here are some best practices for perm maintenance:

1. Wait Before Washing: Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after getting a perm to allow the curls to set properly.
2. Use Appropriate Products: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for permed hair.
3. Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat can damage your perm. When you do use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant first.
4. Deep Condition Regularly: Permed hair tends to be drier, so regular deep conditioning treatments are essential.
5. Avoid Chlorine: If you swim frequently, wear a swim cap to protect your perm from chlorine damage.
6. Sleep on Silk: Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and maintain curl definition while you sleep.

Choosing the Right Perm for Your Hair Type

Not all perms are suitable for every hair type. Choosing the right perm for your hair can make a significant difference in both the results and the health of your hair.

Considerations for Different Hair Types

• Fine Hair: Opt for a body wave or root perm to add volume without overwhelming your hair.
• Thick Hair: Multi-textured perms can work well, giving you defined curls without excessive bulk.
• Coarse Hair: Digital perms often work best on coarse hair, providing a more natural-looking curl.
• Damaged Hair: If your hair is already damaged, consider postponing your perm or opting for a gentler treatment like a body wave.

Always consult with a professional stylist before deciding on a perm. They can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the most suitable type of perm for your hair type and desired look.

The Cost of Perms: What to Expect

The cost of getting a perm can vary widely depending on several factors:

• The type of perm you’re getting
• The length and thickness of your hair
• The salon’s location and reputation
• The stylist’s experience level

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 or more for a perm. High-end salons in urban areas may charge even more, especially for specialty perms or for very long hair.

Is the Cost Worth It?

When considering the cost of a perm, it’s important to factor in the potential savings on daily styling time and products. A well-done perm can significantly reduce the need for daily heat styling, potentially saving you time and protecting your hair from heat damage in the long run.

However, you should also consider the ongoing maintenance costs, including special shampoos, conditioners, and treatments designed for permed hair. These can add to the overall cost of maintaining your new hairstyle.

Perms vs. Other Curling Methods: Pros and Cons

While perms offer a long-lasting curly or wavy hairstyle, they’re not the only option for achieving curls. Let’s compare perms to other curling methods:

Perms

Pros:

• Long-lasting results (3-6 months)
• Reduced daily styling time
• Consistent curl pattern

Cons:

• Potential for hair damage
• Requires special maintenance
• Cannot be easily undone

Heat Styling (Curling Iron, Wand, etc.)

Pros:

• Flexible – can change style daily
• No chemical treatment required
• Can achieve various curl sizes and patterns

Cons:

• Time-consuming daily styling
• Potential heat damage with frequent use
• Curls typically last only until next wash

Heatless Curling Methods (Rollers, Braids, etc.)

Pros:

• No heat or chemical damage
• Can be done at home easily
• Gentle on hair

Cons:

• Results may be less predictable
• Curls typically last only until next wash
• Can be time-consuming to set

The choice between these methods depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and desired level of commitment. Perms offer a more permanent solution but require more initial investment and ongoing care, while other methods offer more flexibility but require more frequent styling.

The Future of Perms: Trends and Innovations

While perms have been around for decades, the technology and techniques continue to evolve. Here are some trends and innovations in the world of perms:

Digital Perms 2.0

Advanced digital perm technologies are emerging, offering even more natural-looking results and less damage to the hair. These new methods often incorporate hair-nourishing ingredients into the perm solution to minimize damage.

Customized Perms

Stylists are increasingly offering customized perm solutions, tailoring the curl pattern, size, and placement to each individual’s face shape, hair type, and personal style preferences.

Eco-Friendly Options

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, some salons are beginning to offer “green” perms that use more natural, less harsh chemicals. While these may not be as long-lasting as traditional perms, they appeal to those seeking a more natural approach to hair care.

Temporary Perms

For those hesitant to commit to a long-term change, some stylists are experimenting with semi-permanent perms that last only a few weeks. These offer a way to try out curly hair without the long-term commitment.

As with any hair treatment, it’s important to do your research and consult with a professional before trying new perm technologies. While innovations can offer exciting possibilities, they may not be suitable for all hair types or conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perms

Here are some common questions people have about perms:

Can I color my hair after getting a perm?

It’s generally recommended to wait at least two weeks after getting a perm before coloring your hair. This allows time for your hair to recover from the perm process and reduces the risk of damage from multiple chemical treatments.

How often can I get a perm?

Most stylists recommend waiting at least 3-6 months between perms to allow your hair to recover. The exact time can vary depending on your hair’s condition and the type of perm you got.

Can I straighten my hair after getting a perm?

While it’s possible to use heat styling tools on permed hair, it’s not recommended to do so frequently as it can damage the curl pattern and potentially harm your hair. If you do use heat tools, always use a heat protectant product.

Will a perm work on very short hair?

Perms can work on short hair, but the results may be different than on longer hair. The curls may appear tighter or more coiled on short hair. It’s best to consult with a stylist to determine if your hair length is suitable for the type of perm you want.

Can I get a perm if I have extensions?

It’s generally not recommended to perm hair extensions, as the chemical process can damage them. If you have extensions and want curls, it’s better to opt for heat styling or to purchase pre-curled extensions.

Remember, while these answers provide general guidance, everyone’s hair is different. It’s always best to consult with a professional stylist for advice tailored to your specific hair type and condition.

How Long Does a Perm Last? And 12 Other FAQs on Type, Care, More

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‘Perm’ may be short for ‘permanent,’ but the hairstyle’s lifespan varies more than you might think. A perm typically lasts three to six months, depending on your hair type and how well you take care of it.

The appointment is a long process, too, often lasting anywhere from one to five hours.

The main thing you need to remember is that your hair must remain dry and relatively untouched for the first 48 hours after your perm. As Elle Woods says in “Legally Blonde”: It’s “the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance.”

Several things can wreck or prolong your perm.

Although you can opt for a DIY perm, a pro hairstylist has much more curl-setting expertise and a greater knowledge of the chemicals used.

Your dedication to perm maintenance also plays a role. Avoid heat styling and products containing alcohol or silicone wherever possible to keep your perm intact.

Last but not least, think about your daily routine, especially if you’re a gym bunny or avid swimmer. Chlorinated water can have disastrous effects on perms, and sweat and humidity can result in frizz.

Two main types of perm exist: digital and ceramic. Both use a combination of chemicals — to break and reform the bonds of the hair — and rods to define how the overall perm will look.

Different-sized rods are used to create distinct curl shapes on different hair lengths. The rod placement affects the curl structure and location.

Digital, or hot, perms use a heated approach. The method involves molding the hair using heated rods and dousing it in an acidic solution that breaks the disulfide bonds in your hair.

The ceramic, or cold, perm uses no heat and a less damaging alkaline solution.

Cold perms will give tight, vintage-looking curls, while hot perms tend to look more natural. Both approaches end with the application of a neutralizer to lock in the curls.

Perm type	How it’s done	Who gets it	Results	Maintenance level
Body wave	Hot approach; hair is wrapped around larger rollers often placed in a nonuniform pattern for a natural result	People who want natural-looking, defined curls; ideal for those whose hair tends to look limp	Soft, loose, and natural-looking waves	Little maintenance required; use low to medium heat styling on rare occasions
Multi-textured	Hot approach; two different-sized rods are used to wrap hair	People who want natural bouncy curls; Best suited to those with long hair	Natural-looking curls of varying tightness	Low maintenance, though you should invest in moisturizing products
Partial	Hot approach where only the ends of the hair are curled	Best for those with medium to long hair who want a manageable style	Natural top and mid-section and voluminous ends	Extremely low maintenance
Root	Cold approach: Two to four inches of the hair nearest the scalp is permed, leaving the rest natural	People who want a bit of extra volume at the roots	Adds body to the roots but leaves the rest of the hair completely natural	Only lasts a few weeks, so little maintenance required
Spot	Hot or cold approach: Rods are placed in specific locations, depending on where curl is required	People who don’t have naturally uniform curls or who want curls in a specific place (e. g., roots or ends)	Only a specific section of the hair is permed; Curls can be either tight or loose, depending on personal preference	Low maintenance, if hot approach used; Deep conditioning products will help
Stacked	Hot approach: Rollers of varying sizes added to middle and bottom sections of hair	People who have hair cut in one single length, rather than layers; best for medium to long hair	Hair is left flat on top, while curls create illusion of layers	Little maintenance required; Use conditioning lotions as advised by hairstylist
Straight	Hair is doused in a straightening solution to break cystine bonds, then coated in plastic and left under a heater before being washed, dried, and straightened once again	Those with naturally curly or wavy hair who want a stick-straight look	Completely straight hair that’ll last for around three months	Slightly more maintenance than other perms; Must resist treating or touching hair for up to 72 hours afterwards to avoid kinks; Conditioning treatments required
Twist/Spiral	Cold approach: long and thin curling rods set vertically in hair	Works best on hair at least eight inches long	Retro-style curls of varying sizes and lengths	Medium to high maintenance with styling products required

Other terms to know

• Rod. The tool used to curl each individual section of hair. Rods come in various sizes, with thicker designs providing looser waves and thinner styles resulting in tighter curls.
• Solution. This often contains the chemical ammonium thioglycolate. It can either be acidic or alkaline and softens hair structure by breaking protein bonds.
• Neutralizer. This solution is applied toward the end of the perming process. It rebonds hair and brings its pH level back to normal, finishing the curl-setting procedure.

Most perms don’t come cheap. Expect to pay between $30 and $150, depending on the type of perm you want. Some stylists may charge more. You should also factor a minimum 20 percent tip for your stylist into your overall cost.

Preparing to have a perm means taking the time to prepare your hairstylist, too. Visit your chosen salon with photos of your ideal style. Your hairstylist can then ensure your hair type will work with the perm you want and leave you satisfied with your new curly appearance.

Your stylist will give you more detailed information, but general guidelines suggest:

• In the month leading up to your appointment, refrain from dying or highlighting your hair.
• Two days before, apply a deep conditioning treatment such as Miss Jessie’s Leave-In Condish.
• Don’t touch your hair at all 24 hours prior.

If your hair becomes too dry and frizzy, your perm may suffer irreversible damage that can only be fixed by the passage of time.

Here’s a few ways to keep those curls locked in for months.

• Get your hair cut regularly. Curls become less pronounced with hair growth. Remember to book a haircut every three to four months to keep your perm in tip-top condition.
• Wash your hair less, condition it more. Washing your hair too often can strip away natural oils. Research published in the International Journal of Trichology states that these oils are needed to keep hair healthy. To banish unwanted dryness, cut down your weekly shampoo count and increase your conditioning time.
• Invest in protein treatments. Perming chemicals break your hair’s protein bonds. They’re rebonded before you leave the salon, but will still welcome nourishing products. Olaplex’s Hair Perfector claims to relink broken disulfide bonds and is designed for all hair types. Alternatively, you can make your own protein hair masks. Try a combination of egg and yogurt or avocado and coconut milk.
• Get into deep conditioning. Applying your usual conditioner will only help so much. A product like Shea Moisture’s Superfruit Complex 10-In-1 Renewal System Hair Masque contains raw shea butter for extra nourishment and the super moisturizing marula oil and biotin. Apply once or twice a week for maximum impact.
• Change your brush. Brushing your perm with any old brush will ruin it in the blink of an eye. Use a wooden wide-tooth comb to gently comb damp hair. When it’s dry, use a soft paddle brush to remove any hardy knots.
• Get acquainted with some new products. Look out for sulfate-free shampoos and products that focus on making the most of curls. TIGI Catwalk’s Curls Rock Amplifier aims to hold your waves in place and protect from humid temperatures.
• Change your sleeping habits. Perms can often look unkempt first thing in the morning. Either wrap your hair in a silk scarf or rest your head on a silky pillowcase to keep hair tangle- and frizz-free.
• Avoid chemical treatments. Wait at least a month after your perm before applying any further chemicals to your hair.

Does getting a perm hurt your hair?

A perm isn’t as detrimental to your hair health as bleaching. But the process may weaken and dry strands, according to a PeerJ study. If you already have damaged hair, you may be more prone to a brittle feel or even breakage.

Does your hair type or texture matter?

Perms will work on most hair types and textures. Those with thicker and slightly wavy hair may find the process easier. Thin and stick-straight hair will often require expert help.

Does your hair length matter?

The more hair you have, the more difficult a perm can be. An even application of both chemicals and rods is needed to create a uniform look, so it’s best not to go down the DIY route if your hair is long. Layers can also be tricky to deal with, particularly if they’re on the shorter side.

Can you get a perm if you have dyed hair?

You can, but be aware that a perm can lighten hair color. Perming fully dyed hair is often better than perming highlighted hair, which could go frizzy pretty quickly.

Can you dye your hair after you get a perm?

You should wait around a month before doing anything drastic to your hair. It’s possible to dye permed hair but, as with everything else, ask your hairstylist before committing to anything.

Can you use heat tools after you get a perm?

If you’re set on using any kind of heat styling, protect your perm first. Use a product like Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray and invest in a diffuser for your hair dryer. This will ensure the air isn’t concentrated in one place, keeping your curls where they should be.

When should your next appointment be?

A hairstylist will give you a rough indicator of how long it will take for your perm to grow out. Some people can go six months, others only three. Unfortunately, you might have to deal with a few weeks of straight roots but it’s worth it to keep your hair in a healthy state.

With the right care, your new curls can last for months on end. And if you have a burning question that you just can’t find the answer to, always ask a professional.

Do Perms Damage Your Hair? Forever? Are They Good or Bad?

A perm, like other hair treatments, offers you the opportunity to change the natural texture of your hair. They open up your hairstyling routine to a whole new world of versatility.

But, as with all chemical hair treatments, you’ve got to wonder whether it could damage your hair. Whether you’ve had a perm in the past or are rocking a perm now, we’ll tell you for sure if a perm can damage your hair.

Table of Contents

• 1 What Is a Perm?
• 2 Do Perms Damage Your Hair?
  • 2.1 The Damaging Perm Process
  • 2.2 The Result
  • 2.3 Thermal Perms (Heated Perms)
• 3 How to Minimize Perm Damage Before and During the Perming Process
  • 3.1 Assess the Wellness of Your Hair and Scalp
  • 3.2 Steer Clear of All Chemical Treatments
  • 3.3 Avoid Excessive Heat Styling 
  • 3.4 Get Your Perm Done by a Professional Stylist
  • 3.5 Do Not Leave the Perm On For Longer Than Recommended Time
• 4 Taking Care Your Hair Post-perm
• 5 Should You Get a Perm?
  • 5.1 Related Articles

What Is a Perm?

Let’s start by defining the term “perm.” A perm is a treatment that utilizes potent chemicals to permanently alter the structure of your hair. The treatment can take your hair from straight to wavy, curly, coily, or kinky.

Unsurprisingly, “perm” is short for the word permanent – once your hair is permed, it will keep the shape of that new texture indefinitely. But it’s important to understand that it doesn’t change how your natural hair grows back. You’ll eventually need touch-up perms to treat your new growth for a uniform look. 

Do Perms Damage Your Hair?

Perms can lead to damaged hair if done incorrectly due to the harsh chemical process used by most perm solutions. There is little room for error when introducing new chemicals to your delicate strands. Chemical burns, dry hair, breakage, and more are possible when you perm your hair. To understand how perms can damage your hair, you should know how modern-day perms work. 

The Damaging Perm Process

The chemicals in perm lotions and solutions work to open up the outer layer of the hair called the cuticle. Once the solution softens the outer cuticle layer enough, the chemicals make their way to the cortex and medulla, the innermost layers of the hair strands. 

Ammonium thioglycolate, the main chemical in many perming solutions, is responsible for breaking your hair’s bonds (e. g., disulfide bonds, protein bonds) to render them pliable. A neutralizer, like hydrogen peroxide, is then applied to rebuild the bonds of the hair in the shape of the rollers chosen by the hairstylist. 

The Result

Since perms are intended to literally hijack your hair strands and change them from the inside out, there is a high chance your newly textured hair may turn out damaged.

The work that ammonium thioglycolate and other chemicals in perms do to give you that authentic look can leave hair brittle, weak, and breakage-prone. Some ladies also experience hair thinning in addition to serious breakage.

This potential damage is less likely on unprocessed hair, but if your hair has been chemically “processed” previously you’re more likely to experience damage (e.g., perming highlighted hair could be problematic).

Hair damage during perms can occur when the optimal pH levels of the hair and scalp are disrupted. The natural pH of the hair is between 3.5 and 5. 5. Chemicals in perms have pH levels as high as 9.6.

When these high pH chemicals come in contact with the hair and scalp, they can upset your normal pH levels. When the hair’s pH balance is thrown off, the scalp can become oily, itchy, dehydrated, and irritated. 

Thermal Perms (Heated Perms)

Some perm treatments combine the use of heat with chemicals (e.g., heated or hot perms). Stylists often use heated rods to set the curls in place and encourage your hair strands to conform to the new texture.

If your hair is exposed to the heat for too long or if the temperature is too high, your hair will suffer. This chemical and heat combination can wreak havoc on the hair, causing dryness, breakage, and even hair loss in extreme cases. 

Note: Even if your hair survives the initial perming process, it doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. Damage can crop up weeks, months, or years after a perm. When possible we recommend that ladies avoid heat styling. Since perms are damaging we recommend cold perms over hot perms.

How to Minimize Perm Damage Before and During the Perming Process

Although there is a risk of hair damage during the perming process, there are tips you can utilize to protect your curls and keep your hair healthy. Keep reading to learn how to lessen perm damage before and during the perming process.

Here is what you should do before getting a perm:

Assess the Wellness of Your Hair and Scalp

Before even thinking about scheduling an appointment for a perm or buying a DIY perm kit, you need to determine if your hair is healthy enough to undergo the process.

As mentioned before, perms put your hair under significant stress. If your hair is already in bad condition, a perm will only make the state of your hair and scalp worse.

If you are interested in receiving a comprehensive analysis of the health of your hair and scalp, you can visit a trichologist or a dermatologist. You can also evaluate the health of your hair and scalp right at home.

To perform a quick wellness check of your hair and scalp, use your best judgment and rely on your senses. If your hair looks and feels dry and lifeless, you should probably rethink that perm treatment.

Be sure to watch for split ends and breakage when conducting your hair and scalp wellness check, as they signify unhealthy hair. 

Steer Clear of All Chemical Treatments

Overloading your hair and scalp with chemicals is never a good idea, especially if you plan on getting a perm. It is best to start a perm with virgin hair. Introducing other chemicals before a perm can harm your hair, possibly causing irreversible damage. 

If you have recently color-treated your hair, you might want to delay getting a perm for a few weeks or until your hair has had time to recover.

Color treatments loosely mimic perms in that they break through the cuticle layer to inject color into the hair. A new color treatment can leave your cuticle layer weak and susceptible to damage. Adding a perm to the mix could destroy your hair beyond repair. 

Avoid Excessive Heat Styling 

Many people love experimenting with heat to spice up their styling routines and nail particular looks. But if you have a perm appointment coming up, save the heat styling for another time. 

Follow these tips to minimize damage during the perming process.

Get Your Perm Done by a Professional Stylist

The DIY craze has taken the hair industry by storm. With social media and Google at our fingertips, otherwise careful people have become overly ambitious, attempting complex hair treatments at home.

However, if you want the most success and the least damage, invest in a professional perm from a local hair care professional. Because a perm is permanent, you’ll want to be as careful as possible with your delicate tresses.

For visual learners, watch the video below from Saidova Elena where she details the process for permanent waves.

Permanent Waves Tutorial For Long Hair

Watch this video on YouTube

Do Not Leave the Perm On For Longer Than Recommended Time

No matter what perm lotion, cream, or solution you use, there will be a specified time that it can safely remain on the hair. This time is typically located on the product label.

Generally, a perm shouldn’t be on the hair any longer than 15-20 minutes. Allowing the perm to sit on the hair longer than the recommended time can cause scalp burns, hair breakage, and hair loss (i.e., hair fall in some cultures).

Taking Care Your Hair Post-perm

Less is more when it comes to avoiding damage after a perm. Below are a few tips (for all hair types) that you can follow after your perm to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.

• Avoid chemical treatments like dyes, rinses, and texturizers.
• Keep your hair moisturized to prevent breakage and split ends.
• Limit heat styling (e.g., hair dryer, flat iron, etc.).
• Try loose styles. Tight styles that tug at the hair and scalp will cause hair breakage.

Should You Get a Perm?

A perm can be a fun way to see what your hair looks like in a completely different texture. And you may thoroughly enjoy a perm if you are bored with the current texture of your hair.

Styles that look bland to you in your original hair texture will look extraordinary with the flair that a perm brings.

On the other hand, a perm is not for everyone. If you like changing the texture of your hair very frequently, you should not get a perm.

Also, if you enjoy dyeing or bleaching your hair every couple of weeks, a perm is not for you. After a perm, you should avoid hair dye and bleach-like the plague. Your hair will not be able to handle it.

Related Articles

• Different Types of Perms for Thin Hair
• How To Do a Beach Wave Perm
• What Can I Use To Make My Relaxed Hair Curly?
• How To Get Shirley Temple Curls

No matter what precautions you take, a perm (i.e., putting perm lotion on your hair) will inevitably cause some degree of damage to your hair structure due to the chemicals involved in the process.

But you can minimize damage and preserve the health of your hair by implementing the tips outlined in this article. We hope that we have addressed all of your concerns about perm damage.

Kenneth Byrd( Co-founder and Owner )

Kenneth Byrd holds a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With over 15 years of experience, Kenneth has been dedicated to hair care since 2008, when he co-founded Curl Centric® and Natural Hair Box alongside his wife. As a team, they promote healthy hair care practices through their comprehensive platform, Curl Centric. Curl Centric is a website operated by a husband and wife team that encourages healthy hair care. At Curl Centric, we aim to help our readers take control of their hair care journey and make good decisions about products, hairstyles, and maintenance techniques. We also have strict editorial integrity; here’s an explanation of our editorial guidelines and how we make money.

everything you need to know about the procedure

Women with straight hair often dream of curls. This effect can be achieved with the help of a perm. We tell you what you need to know before doing this procedure.

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beauty

Hair

hair beauty

Hair perming is over 100 years old, but it is still a popular and relevant procedure.

Contents of the article

What is perm

Perm is a procedure that allows you to turn naturally straight strands into curls. This happens by destroying the usual structure of the hair. To achieve the desired effect, a chemical solution is used.

How perm works

To understand how a few chemicals and a little heat create beautiful curls, you need to know what they are. Hair about 90% consists of one protein – keratin, which has a long helical shape. Its individual molecules combine into larger spirals that form microfibrils and macrofibrils.

Keratin molecules are rich in the amino acid cysteine. It can form a disulfide bond, a compound that makes hair strong and elastic. This connection is constant until it is acted upon by external forces. It plays a key role in the formation of curls that are formed during perm. This is a strong enough connection, but still weaker than the bonds within each keratin molecule, and can be quite easily broken by reducing agents whose electrons attack it.

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How does a perm work

Before you get a perm, your hairdresser will go through your entire hair history. The quality of previous coloring and the level of existing damage are important factors in determining whether you are ready for a perm.

The length and thickness of the hair affects the duration of the procedure – it can take from one to three hours.

First, the hairdresser washes his hair with a special shampoo, and then winds the hair with curlers. Next, he applies perming lotion to set the curls. After 20 minutes, it is washed off. The curls are thoroughly dried, at the end a neutralizer is applied to them. However, this is only one of the options for the procedure. Experts can suggest other ways for you.

Safety of perm for hair

There is a prejudice that perm damages hair, making it brittle and damaged. However, if the procedure is carried out correctly, it will not cause serious harm.

“Curling at home can definitely cause damage. But if it is done by a professional, you should not be afraid that the curls will deteriorate, ”says star hair stylist Anthony Cole.

Hair perms

There are two main types of perms: hot and cold.

Hot perm hair

The hot perm process uses an acid solution and heat. First, a special liquid is applied to the hair, which destroys disulfide bonds. Then the strands are wound on tongs that are connected to the device – with its help, the temperature is set and regulated. Heat helps to give the structure the desired shape.

Cold perm

In cold perm, the strands are impregnated with an alkaline solution and tightly twisted into small curls with the help of curlers. After 15 minutes, a special agent is applied to the hair, which neutralizes alkalinity and fixes curls. The result is curly hair that retains its shape even when wet.

How to choose a perm for your hair type

Hot perm is recommended for people with fine and very sensitive hair. If you have previously bleached the strands, dyed them and styled them often, this means that they have already undergone some damage. Accordingly, they are not as strong as before. According to experts, the thermal method of processing will protect them better than the alkaline method.

Cold perm is suitable for those who have strong and coarse hair. An alkaline solution works well on thick strands.

One of the important differences between hot and cold perms is the style of the curls themselves. In the first case, the hair will look smoother, softer and silkier. Curls may not start immediately, a few centimeters at the roots will remain straight – this is done in order to protect the scalp from thermal burns. Cold perm is suitable for those who want bouncier and tighter curls.

How long a perm lasts

How long a perm lasts depends mainly on the length of the hair.

Perm on short hair that is cut frequently will last three to four months, on long hair six to eight.

Contraindications to perm hair

There are absolute contraindications (in some cases, perm hair can be harmful to health) and relative ones, which indicate that the procedure is unlikely to be successful.

Absolute contraindications

• Pregnancy and lactation
• Allergy and individual intolerance
• Alopecia
• Taking hormonal and potent drugs 90 098
• Fever and other signs of illness

Relative contraindications

• Keratin straightening
• Critical days
• Henna staining
• Damaged hair in need of treatment

Why perms may not last

Using the wrong shampoo and conditioner can cause a perm to expire very quickly. Therefore, you should consult with an expert before buying care products.

If you want the effect to last as long as possible, you should avoid going to the pool – chlorinated water damages the hair and makes it dry.

Another thing that doesn’t go well with perms is thermal styling. If you do it daily, the hair cuticle will be damaged and you will have to say goodbye to your curls.

The effectiveness of a perm can also be affected by the porosity of the hair, which is how well the strands absorb and release moisture. If you are constantly faced with dryness, split ends, brittleness and loss, then the procedure may not work.

Hair perm – “Perm hair was the last experiment on my hair. Neither coloring nor highlighting spoils hair like a perm. Now only natural, healthy and well-groomed hair! Many photos for several years of my hair’s life.

Sometimes I think: “well, why can’t we turn back the clock and not make those irreparable mistakes that later led to the disastrous consequences that we have now. ”

Unfortunately, the saying “we don’t keep what we have, weep when we lose” refers to many aspects of our daily life. Including to all those actions that we perform on our body.

As it often happens, later one has to regret the piercing done, the tattoo in the most prominent place, the not entirely successful coloring. I regret that I could not resist the urge to do permed hair .

For a very long time I put off this procedure, convinced that I didn’t really need it, that you could only harm your hair and get a lot of problems later. No persuasion of relatives and friends had any effect, and postponing my desire for a very long time, I nevertheless decided.

I’ll tell you a little about what my hair had to endure before.

My hair has its own shade of medium blond, gray, which I never really liked and I always wanted to change it.

Natural hair.

They are porous, wavy and unruly in texture. To lay them down and create something more or less decent on your head will take quite a bit of effort. With high humidity, the hair begins to curl intensely, fluff in all directions and generally does not look very neat. Nothing can be done about genetics…

Natural hair with thinning.

In my youth, I did not pay due attention to my hair, did not take care of it, but at the same time they grew healthy, I managed to grow a decent length, my hair was thick and almost did not split. To a large extent, this is the merit of my parents, who forbade me to do anything with my hair.

But upon reaching the age of 14, I realized that I needed to change something in my life and cut off about 15 cm of length on my own, which was naturally very noticeable. I cut my hair crooked and my dad had no choice but to correct this situation by trimming it. My length, almost to the waist, turned X into the length of the shoulder blades.

For some time, the changes in my appearance that I achieved suited me, but at some point I thought that there was no limit to perfection and demanded, again from my dad, to dye me blonde. The parent did not resist for a long time, because he realized that if not him, then I would do it myself, and then he would again redo the work of his child.

We bought a wonderful paint called “henna white”, at that time it was the most affordable, we did not understand the colors, so we took the one that was well known.

The changes were dramatic! I can’t even tell if I liked the reflection in the mirror or not. At first, I was even scared. The shade of the hair has changed very drastically, I did not expect it to be like this. But since the coloring (or rather damage to the hair) has already happened, I had to come to terms with my new image. After dyeing, or rather bleaching, with white henna, the hair turned yellow more and more, I didn’t hear about the methods of tinting then. The length grew and the whole thing on the head began to resemble Ombre staining.

Effects of staining with white henna.

I always wanted to emphasize my native waves and I often curled my bleached hair on curlers.

It was enough for me for a while, I didn’t want to do anything else with my hair, especially after it began to shamelessly split, became dry, like straw, the roots were strongly branched, and I couldn’t even paint over all this disgrace and cut my hair came. At the age of 16, I only wanted to have long hair, in what condition they were of little concern to me.

Effects of staining with white henna.

Then, having suffered a lot with tangled ends, I cut my hair under the bob and was very pleased with the result, everything looked decent, the hair was alive, obedient, and for a long time I didn’t want to do anything with them.

After graduating from school, I entered the university and went to live in another city. An independent life began and the desire to change appearance appeared again.

I decided to highlight my gray blond hair to make it a little brighter.

I really liked the effect of highlighting and for a long time I settled on just such a color solution for my hair.

Highlighting and hair thinning.

Haircuts could be different, shades of highlights, too, but I did not intend to refuse highlighting and regularly refreshed it.

Highlighting and hair thinning.

–

it was not always possible to clearly get into the previous strand, and over time the hair color became somehow piebald, it was generally not possible to make out what it was originally. The general impression was that I was almost blonde.

Multiple highlights.

In order to transform all this squalor, I decided to completely dye my hair blonde, because my young man, whom I was dating at that time, turned out to like blondes, and of course I decided to please him.

Hair blonding.

Hair blonding.

Women are still stupid creatures and often do rash things. Why change something in your appearance for the sake of a man who doesn’t really need you. If a person loves you, then he will like you with any hair color, without makeup, tearful, and even without an arm or leg. If a person requires you to change the image, for the sake of some of his ideas, then you should not do this in any case.

You need to change your appearance only at your own will (but again, including the head).

Hair blonding.

I did not go blonde for long. I broke up with a young man and decided to regain my hair color, for which I again dyed my hair, but already in light brown.

Coloring in natural light brown color.

As time went on, in a few years I regained my healthy hair, which I could be proud of. I regularly trimmed them, split ends practically didn’t bother me and I could have stopped there, but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t decide to make a haircut in a cascade with thinning.

Thinning on a haircut in a cascade.

I liked this image very much, my hair lay fluffy, curled, a decent volume was visually visible. With such a hairstyle, I went for a long time, periodically repeating thinning, but once again it clicked in my head: “something needs to be changed!”

Having listened to the master that Ombre coloring is very fashionable now, I decided to do it, especially since I really liked the pictures on the Internet, the girls looked very pretty, and I decided to pay tribute to fashion and entrusted my hair to the hands of the master.

Ombre staining.

As it turned out in vain! If I had known in advance that Ombre coloring was completely unsuitable for my hair, I would never have done it in my life.

Ombre staining.

It all looked just awful and without hesitation I cut off those terrible dry and split ends, getting a very nice bob.

Since then, I decided that I would not do anything else with my hair, I would carefully care for it and grow it out. Thanks to the use of vitamins and the use of various masks, I put my hair in order, grew a decent length and I became bored.

I wanted to experiment again. But there is no way to subject your hair to some decent salon procedure, such as lamination, shielding, cutting with some unusual scissors. No! I did what I had sworn off for many years, what I was afraid of like fire, what I liked fresh from other girls and women, and what repelled me after several months of wearing. Perm hair!

Perm hair.

Now I don’t understand at all what I was guided by at that moment, but my hands just itched to change something in my appearance, and since my hair is naturally a little curly, I decided to enhance this effect and fix the curls for a long time.

I didn’t have time or desire to choose a salon, but I had a burning desire to quickly see how I would look with chemical curls on my head. Even negative reviews could not affect my desire, even the words of my friends did not stop the sufferer.

So I came to the salon, sat down in an armchair and with a naive look showed the master the picture saved in the phone “I want the same one.” Hairstyle is the same. I just didn’t calculate that a completely different master did the girl’s hair from the picture and the cost was higher, and the solutions were better. Well, the structure of the hair could be significantly different, and that is why a perm is suitable for someone and does not particularly harm someone, but for someone it completely kills hair.

The master with an important look began to assert that modern preparations for perming are absolutely not dangerous for hair, do not spoil their structure and generally treat!

In order to perm her hair, she insisted that the hair must first be washed with some special shampoo that would protect it from overdrying. Despite the fact that a minute ago she swore and swore that chemistry was not dangerous. Anyway.

After drying her hair, the craftswoman took an unusual type of curlers, affectionately calling them bobbins, prepared a bunch of jars with smelly solutions and began to chatter to me, telling me about the types of perm, their features and how to take care of the hair in the future. She was broadcasting in an edifying tone, apparently on purpose, so that the client did not have time to think again and did not run away.

With a confident hand, I first started winding my hair in curlers, then treating it with a solution, what happened next, I don’t remember, because I almost fell asleep from her monologue. I remember exactly that the hair was dried, and then the curlers were carefully unwound.

The whole process did not last very long, but it seemed to me that I spent an eternity in the salon.

Having finished torturing my hair, the jack-of-all-trades let me go, giving me advice on how to care for my new hair and getting a decent amount of money from me.

Perm hair.

Recommendations were as follows:

– do not comb your hair during the first day and do not wash your hair for 3 whole days.

It was difficult to do this, because out of habit it seemed that the hair was tangled and urgently needed to be combed. The smell of caustic solutions was absorbed into the hair and scalp, how terribly I wanted to wash my hair with some fragrant shampoo, I could hardly restrain myself. The smell lingered for a few more days, resembling something between an unpleasant chemical smell and the smell of burnt hair. At first, I was even afraid that my hair had been burned. But, as it turned out, this is normal.

Perm hair.

– Comb only with a wide-toothed comb, try not to dry your hair with a hair dryer, use special shampoos for permed hair, and styling products..

that my hair was not completely combed, I dried my hair quite rarely with a hairdryer, I didn’t buy special shampoos, because I don’t really believe that they are able to preserve, prolong and improve something there.

Perm hair.

– since perm is still a traumatic procedure for hair, you should regularly use hair masks, both industrial and home-made, herbal decoctions, serums and all that.

These recommendations were followed like no other, but in the end it didn’t help much.

Perm hair.

The first impression of the new image I saw in the mirror was very positive. Pretty pretty curls, neatly stacked looked very natural. My hair looks about the same at high humidity, only the effect disappears immediately after combing, only large waves remain. Here it was clear that no comb could cope with these curls and give fabulous smoothness to hair.

Additional volume appeared, it seemed that the hair became much larger.

At the same time, the hair lost its softness, became stiffer, the curls were elastic. I liked the result, but, unfortunately, did not last long. Literally after a couple of months, the curl began to straighten out a little, in some places the curls remained, in other places the hair became almost straight. It all looked disjointed and very unattractive. In addition, at the roots, the hair is decently branched and the transition between normal hair and “chemically treated” was clearly visible, although, let me remind you, my hair itself does not curl so badly. Chemical curls were dull and somehow not alive, they contrasted strongly with growing ones.

Hair became coarser and drier than before curling, it was constantly tangled, it became more and more difficult to comb it, for the most part it simply pulled out.

Despite all the preventive measures taken by me in terms of preserving the hair structure, they did not bring the proper result and the hair began to terribly split, break and fall out. At the same time, not only the tips split, the hair could exfoliate in the middle, and the more such hairs became, the thinner the tips looked in the total mass. In a few months, I lost almost a third of the volume of hair, which, in addition to everything, were of different lengths.

Then I regretted a hundred times that I ruined my newly restored hair and now I have to start all over again.

It was decided to start resuscitation of the hair with a haircut! As much as I felt sorry for the long hair grown with such difficulty, I understood that without them I would be better off. With short haircuts, I already once went, so I was not used to cutting off more than half the length.

Literally a few days later I already went with a bob haircut, with tears in my eyes, remembering my beautiful hair in my youth and reproaching myself for the fact that I can’t restrain my desire to spoil my hair and now I dye it, then I cut it, then I curl it. From that moment on, it was decided to only trim the hair, only remove split ends in all possible ways, carefully care for the hair, feed it with vitamins and grow the length.

Apparently, my hair was grateful to me for the fact that I decided to leave it alone and reciprocated my love for them, that is, they began to grow very quickly.

Of course, I needed careful care, masks, balms, shampoos, both natural and from professional lines, various vitamins, I tried not to wear my hair loose, so that it would not hang out and break, as soon as it became possible to braid a braid, I began to regularly do it.

After a while, I managed to grow my hair down to my shoulder blades, and it looked quite decent.

If you do not know how they were bullied, then in general you can say that they are thick and healthy. But I know that if I hadn’t done all those things for my hair for a few years, they would look even better.

Natural hair.

In conclusion, I want to say that before doing something with your appearance, think a hundred times whether you really need it so much. Maybe in the desire to improve something, you will achieve only the opposite result. And it’s good if it’s only hair that can be cut off and grown back, of course, with a lot of effort.