Six Tips for the perfect Perm
1. What could a perm do for me?* Straighten curly hair
* Straighten difficult sections of hair like bangs
* Spot or weave perm - some is permed and some isn't - for a natural look
* Root perm - adds lift to the roots if your hair tends to be flat
* Stack perm - just the bottom half of the hair is permed
* Spiral perm - the hair is wound around long rods for a botticelli curl
* Body perm - done on larger rollers to give volume
2. Is it safe to perm colored hair?
Yes - perms are now available in special formulas for even the lightest shades of tinted or bleached hair.
However, it's always best to ask for a strand test to be done first. The stylist will put a few strands of your hair into perming solution and then neutralizer for up to 15 minutes and then check the condition. This is the best way to make sure that your hair isn't going to fry!
Tip: To see what condition your hair is in is to put a few strands into a glass of water. If they sink, it means that your hair is soaking up water because it is dry from damage. If they float, it's healthy and in good condition!
3. How long does a perm last?
After about 6-8 weeks new growth may start to affect how the style looks. If your curls start at your scalp, you may need to regularly have a root perm to 'top-up' your style.
4. How does a perm work and how long does it take?
Perm is short for permanent wave. In the perming process, chemicals break the hair down and then re-structure it into the desired curls, waves or straightness.
The hair is washed and then wound around rollers, short perming rods or long ones - for a look like the pre-raphaelite one here. These determine what size curls you finish up with. The smaller they are, the tighter your curls.A perming solution is then soaked over the hair – raising the cuticle layer and breaking the bonds that give the hair its' usual appearance.
How long a perm takes to do depends on how long or thick your hair is and how fast your stylist works! As a general rule, it will take between one and two hours.
5. How long before I can shampoo?
Some stylists advise 24 hours, others 48 hours and some even say three days! The argument is that you'll risk de-activating the perming solution if you get your hair wet. That's shouldn't be true – the waving solution has worked and then been neutralized so it isn't active anymore!
The truth is, it depends on your hair. Take your stylists advice – and be patient if necessary!
6. I washed my hair for the first time after a perm and it's a puffy mess…help!
OK – don't panic – here's a step-by-step to glossy, healthy curls!
