Perms

If you are a person who wants to add body, life, or curls to their straight hair then a perm may be for you. Read below for more information about perms:

When Not To Get a Perm

Sometimes the best choice is to not get a perm at all. Perms can sometimes be unpredictable, especially for certain hair types, leaving the person very unsatisfied. If you are a teen, wait until you are older to get a perm. If you already have wavy hair, do not get a perm. As a result, the perm may have unnatural effects on the hair. If your hair is very, very thin it is best not to get a perm. Try a body wave instead. If you have very, very thick hair, do not get a perm. Perms are not designed to deal with such thick hair. Only get a perm if you have wanted a perm for a very, very long time. If it is just a spontaneous decision, you might regret it later and it takes hair a very long time to get back to its normal hair texture. Also, never do an at-home perming kit. They are nothing more than an accident waiting to happen. If you are still determined to get a perm, make sure you follow all of the recommendations below in order to achieve the greatest perm possible.

The Purpose of Perms

People get perms for a variety of reasons. To add life to limp hair, to add curls to straight hair, or simply make the hair easier to manage and style. Perming can be done to style hair in a variety of ways, including:

Add curl or wave. If your hair is very fine, getting a perm might add just enough oomph to make your hair appear thicker.
To have a reverse effect on naturally curly hair. If you have naturally curly hair, getting a perm with really large rollers can actually relax the curls and leave you with softer, straighter, and more manageable curls.
To straighten hair. There is a perm that may be used to straighten your hair. If you have a perm that you want to get out of or if you have very unruly, coarse curly hair then a straightening perm might be the answer for you.

Teens and Perms

For individuals who are still in their pre-teen and teen years, most stylists will advise against getting a perm. Young hair cuticles lie very flat, making it difficult for the perming solution to penetrate them. While it is possible to perm young hair, the results are very unpredictable. Also, hair texture can still change and you don’t want to damage your hair when it is still changing.

Tips for Perms

Make sure your stylist washes hair thoroughly before giving the perm.
Remind the stylist to keep the solution off the face. If you are allergic to it, it could have very damaging effects.
Do not brush out the curls for a couple of days after getting the perm.
Try to leave your hair down for the days following getting a perm.
Do not wash your hair for at least 48 hours after getting a perm.