It could be because what was once the crinkly, crimped on-trend 'do decades ago has now become what's lauded as the modern-day, tailor-made perm. Even a "straight perm," which will semi-straighten curly or wavy hair, can be created with a perm solution. To learn more about this coveted hair technique—including which hair textures it's ideal for, styling tips, as well as how long perms last—we spoke with professional hairstylist Michelle O'Connor.
Keep scrolling to find her answers to all of our burning perm hair questions. Meet the Expert. Short for "permanent hairstyle," the perms of the 80s meant permanently straightening, curling, or waving the hair via a chemical solution. Fast forward to the present day, and perms have become a recycled hair trend that now offers a sleeker way of altering the hair's texture. So, what exactly does the process entail? Brace yourself because it could be a lengthy one that lasts all of two hours.
Perms have made a major comeback in recent years, but contrary to how we're used to seeing them, they now take on a more slick, modern look.
And according to her, the rods used today mark a notable difference between old versus new. According to O'Connor, perms can last up to six months; however, unlike hair color, a perm won't wash out and can't be chemically reversed. A perm always has to grow out, but thankfully, they typically grow out as natural-looking waves. When it comes to perms, maintenance is key. Treat your hair as you would if your hair were naturally curly or naturally straight, depending on the case.
She adds that you should "Steer clear of parabens, alcohol, and sulfates in your hair care products, as these ingredients can strip your hair of moisture. Below, she lays out some other noteworthy tips:. This is then rinsed off and neutralized—this is considered a double processed service.
While your hair length doesn't play a role in getting a perm, the hair does need to be long enough to wrap around the rod. Virgin hair, or hair that has not been colored, makes the best candidate for a perm, but innovations in technology mean pretty much anyone can get a perm.
Still, the last thing anyone wants is dry, brittle hair that breaks off in chunks, so consult with your stylist if you're on the fence. And while you can use hot tools, it's best to keep them on a low setting—no more than degrees Fahrenheit—to ensure you're not frying your hair and stripping it of moisture.
Celebrity hairstylist Anthony Cole gave us the run-down on everything there is to know about modern-day perms, from what to expect before you go to caring for your curls after your appointment. These new techniques create different types of curls, from spiral coils to wavy hair. Everyone can get a perm, but if you have highlights or lightened hair, perms can get trickier. First and foremost, when you decide to get a perm, you should prepare to be at the salon for a t least two and a half hours.
After you get a perm, how long it lasts depends mainly on how long your hair is. The roots drop on the head and then they just have the wave at the ends. That can last from six months to eight months. The best way for your new curls to shine is to let your hair air-dry most of the way, then use a diffuser , according to Cole. If you really want to enhance your waves, you can use a curling wand, too. What about heat styling? You definitely can, but you need to be careful. If a flat iron is too hot, you could risk frying your perm.
There are also some tricks that can make your perm look as good as possible for as long as possible. Curly hair has a distinct S-shaped curl, and those curls can range from the shape of an uppercase S to a lowercase s, or sometimes even a z. Kinky curly hair has very tight curls and tends to be the finest and most fragile type of curly hair. This hair type also tends to be dry and prone to breakage. As I mentioned before, curly hair requires a shampoo specifically designed for this hair type and should not be washed every day.
Try to avoid using a hairdryer if possible. Create more volume and definition in wavy hair. Create more even curls in hair with a varied texture. Maria, mentioned at the beginning of the article, had hair like this. After the perm, her curls were more even, defined, and even fun! Lastly, I would never recommend a perm to someone with kinky or very defined curls.
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