Is a Perm right for you
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Waves and curls are in right now and are beautiful with the right hair and on the right person. It can add volume to fine limp hair. If you've always had flat, lifeless, fine hair, a perm can really pump up the volume. It may be your opportunity to have "big hair" if that is your goal. Advances in chemical technology have made the perm process much safer on hair. Better solutions and built-in conditioners help with cutting the frizz and tight 80s curls of the perms of the past. Modern perms are ideal for giving straight, limp hair a great wave or curl.
However a perm is very different from what you see on celebrities. Celebrities have stylists to tend to their every hair need and take time to perfectly curl the hair.
Things to know about perms:
Perms work best on hair that has not been colored or highlighted. The chemicals are too harsh for double-processed or heavily highlighted hair. It can also make it difficult to color your hair. Unless you want seriously damaged hair, it's best to choose between the two treatments. Although you can perm colored hair, over time damage will build up. If you have bleached or double processed hair, perming can be a disaster and should be avoided at all costs. Decide which process is most important to you and nix the other one if you want shiny, healthy hair.
Even the healthiest of hair can appear a bit dry and frizzy after the chemical treatment, causing you to regret your decision and give up on your new hairstyle. You should know that a perm isn’t as good to go as it looks on the first sight. Also keep in mind, a perm takes 28 hours to relax. Give it some time before you get too worried about the end result.
Perms will require a few changes in your hair care routine. Use shampoos and conditioners formulated especially for curly or permed hair. Make sure you condition your new curls regularly and use styling products that intensify and smooth curls. Use a diffuser if you have to blow dry your hair, however the best way to have frizz-free, perfectly formed curls is to let your hair dry naturally, without the help of a hair dryer.
Perms can be damaging. Of course there are drawbacks to any chemical procedure. When you perm your hair, you break protein bonds which can weaken the hair shaft. If you get perms too frequently or continue to use heat on your permed hair, you can end up with an overprocessed mess. If you decide to get a perm, be prepared to do regular deep conditioning and don't plan on perming too often.
One of the most common misconception about perms is that they're "low-maintenance."
To keep your perm pretty and intact for a long time, maintenance and proper care are required. There is a need of applying hair products everyday to keep the curls as is and the hair healthy. Brushing and combing your hair becomes a major don't and getting rid of tangles can become a problem. As a matter of fact, the "effortless curls" a perm promises really is not too effortless after all.
With all of this being said, once you learn the routine of your new do, it can be quite manageable and a great choice for you and your hair.
One last thing, Pregnancy, birth control pills and other hormonal factors as well as a wide variety of health conditions can sometimes affect the ability of a perm to set properly. In many cases, there is no real reason at all for the perm’s failure, Nonetheless, despite doing all you can, sometimes a perm will simply fail.
Once you have done your research and know that a perm is the right decision for you, hunt down pictures. Google and Pinterest are excellent places to search. Bring these pictures to your hairdresser to make sure you are both on the same page. Ask lots of questions, making sure you are well informed and prepared. I have given a few questions for example you could ask your hairdresser before beginning the perm.
How long will the process take?
How much will it cost?
What do I need to purchase to use at home?
Will my hair be a candidate for a perm?
Make sure you feel comfortable with your decision then set up your appointment and prepare for new hair! :)
However a perm is very different from what you see on celebrities. Celebrities have stylists to tend to their every hair need and take time to perfectly curl the hair.
Things to know about perms:
Perms work best on hair that has not been colored or highlighted. The chemicals are too harsh for double-processed or heavily highlighted hair. It can also make it difficult to color your hair. Unless you want seriously damaged hair, it's best to choose between the two treatments. Although you can perm colored hair, over time damage will build up. If you have bleached or double processed hair, perming can be a disaster and should be avoided at all costs. Decide which process is most important to you and nix the other one if you want shiny, healthy hair.
Even the healthiest of hair can appear a bit dry and frizzy after the chemical treatment, causing you to regret your decision and give up on your new hairstyle. You should know that a perm isn’t as good to go as it looks on the first sight. Also keep in mind, a perm takes 28 hours to relax. Give it some time before you get too worried about the end result.
Perms will require a few changes in your hair care routine. Use shampoos and conditioners formulated especially for curly or permed hair. Make sure you condition your new curls regularly and use styling products that intensify and smooth curls. Use a diffuser if you have to blow dry your hair, however the best way to have frizz-free, perfectly formed curls is to let your hair dry naturally, without the help of a hair dryer.
Perms can be damaging. Of course there are drawbacks to any chemical procedure. When you perm your hair, you break protein bonds which can weaken the hair shaft. If you get perms too frequently or continue to use heat on your permed hair, you can end up with an overprocessed mess. If you decide to get a perm, be prepared to do regular deep conditioning and don't plan on perming too often.
One of the most common misconception about perms is that they're "low-maintenance."
To keep your perm pretty and intact for a long time, maintenance and proper care are required. There is a need of applying hair products everyday to keep the curls as is and the hair healthy. Brushing and combing your hair becomes a major don't and getting rid of tangles can become a problem. As a matter of fact, the "effortless curls" a perm promises really is not too effortless after all.
With all of this being said, once you learn the routine of your new do, it can be quite manageable and a great choice for you and your hair.
One last thing, Pregnancy, birth control pills and other hormonal factors as well as a wide variety of health conditions can sometimes affect the ability of a perm to set properly. In many cases, there is no real reason at all for the perm’s failure, Nonetheless, despite doing all you can, sometimes a perm will simply fail.
Once you have done your research and know that a perm is the right decision for you, hunt down pictures. Google and Pinterest are excellent places to search. Bring these pictures to your hairdresser to make sure you are both on the same page. Ask lots of questions, making sure you are well informed and prepared. I have given a few questions for example you could ask your hairdresser before beginning the perm.
How long will the process take?
How much will it cost?
What do I need to purchase to use at home?
Will my hair be a candidate for a perm?
Make sure you feel comfortable with your decision then set up your appointment and prepare for new hair! :)
