A perm – Permanent Curly Hair
Do you need a change of hairstyle? A perm, short for “permanent wave,” is a well-known hair styling technique that enables individuals to achieve long-lasting, voluminous curls or waves. For those seeking permanent curly hair, a professional perm at a perm hair salon is the ideal way to transform straight or limp locks into bouncy waves, curls, or even loose curls or permanent beach waves.
Unlike temporary methods like curling irons or rollers, a perm hair alters the hair’s structure; it is a chemical treatment, creating curls that last for months. The salon treatment involves the use of chemicals to break and reform the hair’s natural bonds, ensuring the curls remain intact even after washing. Whether you’re aiming for loose, beachy waves or tight, defined curls, a perm offers a versatile look that’s tailored to your desired style.
Choosing the right perm hair salon is key, as the expertise of the stylist plays a critical role in achieving the best results while maintaining the health of your hair. Most perms last between three to six months, but this can vary based on factors like the type of perm, the length of your hair, the texture, type of hair care. Long hair can be more complex to perm, and curls will eventually lose definition as your hair grows; it is a great consideration to get regular haircuts to help maintain the look.
Styles for Men and Women
The process involves using chemicals to reshape the natural texture of the hair, creating a more manageable, voluminous, and stylish look that can last for months. It is a two-step process. The hair is wrapped on perm rods and then undergoes a chemical change caused by applying permanent wave solution and neutralizer. There are two perm solution categories: alkaline and acidic. Both swell the hair and open the cuticle allowing the waving solution to penetrate the cortex – the middle layer of the hair shaft.
Alkaline perm – cold perm is recommended for stronger hair and it is more suitable for coarse, moisture-resistant hair. Their active ingredient is ammonium thioglycolate ( ATG). They create tight, defined curls and opens the hair cuticle more aggressively with a higher pH level.
Acid perms – hot perm produce far less cuticle layer swelling. They are more ideal for fine, damaged, or color-treated, fragile hair. Their common active ingredient is glyceryl monothioglycolate ( GMTG). They create softer, looser waves and works at a lower pH level, causing less stress on the hair.
You need to let a hairstylist make a decision what type of perm to use, because it depends on professional knowledge of hair texture, elasticity, porosity, and general hair analysis. There are four common patterns of wrapping the rods: basic wrap, bricklay wrap. spiral perm wrap and a double-rod (piggyback) wrap.
Perms are often associated with retro trends, but they’ve evolved significantly and can now cater to a variety of modern hairstyles.
Soft Wavy Hair Perm
Soft Wavy Hair Perm is used to restructure very curly hair into a larger curl pattern – wavy hair perm, also called soft curl perm. It requires wrapping the relaxed hair in large, spongy perm rods or curlers to create permanent beach waves, therefore, it aims to add texture and soft waves to the hair, not tight curls. The soft curl perm – wavy hair perm is also known as the Jheri curl, which was invented by hairdresser Jheri Redding. The look was popularized in the 1980s.
Perm Hair for Men
While perms are often thought of as a style for women, more men and young boys are embracing the trend to enhance their hair’s texture, volume, and appearance. Perms for men can add fullness and definition to shorter or longer hairstyles. Some popular perm styles for men include:
- Textured Curls: Adds natural, defined curls to add volume and depth to your hair.
- Loose Waves: A more relaxed and effortless look for men who want a natural wave rather than tight curls.
- Tight Curls: For men with shorter hair, tight curls can provide a bold and striking appearance.
- Spiral Perm: A more dramatic look that creates corkscrew curls all over the head.
- Permanent Beach Waves: Permanent beach waves creates loose waves, light and airy curls that mimic the look of hair naturally styled by the sea.
Perm Hair for Women
Women often turn to perms to include body and bounce to their hair. Permed curls can give your hair more texture feel and help it hold a style longer without needing consistent touch-ups. Some popular perm styles for women include:
- Body Waves: Soft, flowing waves that add volume and a natural, beachy look to longer hair, last 3-5 moths.
- Tight Curls: Perfect for those seeking dramatic, long-lasting curls that create a fuller, more voluminous style.
- Loose Curls: A more relaxed look that gives a soft, romantic curl with movement.
- Spiral Perm: Corkscrew curls that create a fuller and more structured curl pattern for extra volume. It is a popular choice for hair that is shoulder-length or longer, last about 6 months.
- Root Perm: Adds volume and lift to the roots, ideal for women with flat, fine hair, root perm are very low maintenance, but they also don’t last very long, typically 1 month.
- Digital Perm: is one of Asia’s hottest hair trends and it’s reached global cultures. It comes from the use of infrared heat through temperature-controlled rods to create loose wavy hair perm and natural volume on top of tight hair ringlets. It typically last about 4-6 months.
- Pin curl perm: could be great for shorter hair lengths, it uses combination of pins and curlers to create quite tight, bouncy curls that add movement to the hair. It last normally 3-6 moths.
Straight Hair Perm
A straight hair perm may sound contradictory, but it’s a hair treatment that straightens curly hair ( or reverse perm). A chemical relaxer permanently straightens hair by breaking down the hair’s natural bonds using strong chemicals.
It is also called Japanese hair straightening, thermal reconditioning. This treatment works by using chemical solutions to soften the hair’s natural texture and re-straighten it. Combines a thio relaxer solution with flat ironing. A straight hair perm is ideal for individuals with overly curly, wavy hair or frizzy, unmanageable hair who wish to maintain their hair’s natural volume while achieving a sleeker and straighter look.
How Does a Straight Hair Perm Work?
The process of a straight hair perm is quite similar to traditional perming, but with a different goal. Instead of adding curls, the stylist applies a chemical solution that loosens the natural curls or waves in your hair. The hair is then flat-ironed or treated with specific techniques to smooth out the texture and eliminate frizz. The result is a sleek, polished look that stays straight for months, requiring minimal styling effort at home.
A straight hair perm is particularly popular for individuals who want a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution to unruly or curly hair. It gives the hair a smooth, straight finish without the need for daily flat-ironing or blow-drying, saving you time and effort in your routine.
Why Choose a Straight Hair Perm?
- Long-Lasting Results: Unlike temporary straightening methods, a straight hair perm provides smoothness for several months, making it a long-term solution.
- Minimized Frizz: For individuals with frizzy, curly, or wavy hair, a straight perm helps smooth out the texture and prevents frizz, offering a shiny, glossy finish.
- Time-Saving: Once the straight hair perm is done, you can enjoy frizz-free, straight hair without needing to spend time with flat irons every day.
Maintenance of Straight Hair Perm
While a straight hair perm can last for months, it’s important to maintain healthy hair care habits to ensure it stays sleek and smooth. This includes regular conditioning treatments, avoiding heat styling tools, and using sulfate-free shampoos to maintain the hair’s hydration.
Conclusion
Overall, perm hair, whether for curly or straight results, offers individuals a versatile way to transform their looks. With the right perm hair salon, you can achieve a personalized style that enhances your natural beauty and complements your lifestyle. Looking at pictures and talking with a stylist can also help come to an ultimate decision.
What to do before a perm?
Always arrive with clean hair, no heavy product. If you colored your hair recently, wait a few weeks and always mention all your previous hair treatments to your stylist.
What to do after a perm?
Keep away from the shower in the first 24 hours after getting a perm. Hydration is also key, as perm removes moisture; therefore, using deep-conditioning treatment is vital.