The ’80s perms are returning, but they’ve evolved into a modern, customizable trend. Perms can give you Jennifer Lopez-style waves or Emmy Rossum’s corkscrew curls today. There’s even a “straight perm” for a semi-straight look.
Perms work best for those with straight hair who want waves or curls. A perm can help you achieve the perfect balance of volume and definition for your curly hair. Their longevity varies but can last two to six months with proper care.
Professional hairstylist Michelle O’Connor recommends matching your hair type to the right perm and provides essential styling tips. So, whether you crave curls or sleekness, perms offer versatile options to suit your style.
Table of Contents
What Is A Perm?
A perm, short for “permanent wave,” is a chemical hair treatment that can transform your hair’s texture, giving it a lasting curly or wavy appearance. This transformation takes lasts up to six months, although the duration can vary and depend on your hair growth rate and how well you care for your permed locks. To ensure your perm maintains its allure and longevity, consider these essential tips:
- Patience is Key: Refrain from washing your hair for at least two days after getting a perm. This allows the chemicals to set and ensures your curls or waves take hold.
- Choose Wisely: When washing your permed hair, opt for a gentle shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for chemically treated hair. These products are milder and less likely to strip your hair of natural oils.
- Bypass the Heat: Heat-styling tools like straighteners or curling irons can weaken the structure of your permed hair. Minimize their use or choose heat-free styling methods to preserve your beautiful waves.
- Hands Off: Avoid combing or brushing your freshly permed hair for the first 24 hours. By avoiding excessive manipulation, you can help your curls achieve their full potential.
- Dyeing Considerations: If you’re considering coloring your hair, plan accordingly. Refrain from dyeing your hair for at least two weeks before and after getting a perm. Chemical processes can be harsh on your hair, and spacing them out helps maintain its health.
- Moisture Maintenance: Permed hair tends to be drier than non-permed hair, so it’s crucial to keep it well-hydrated. Regularly use deep conditioning treatments and leave-in conditioners to nourish your locks and frizz-free.
- Ponytail Precaution: Avoid tightly pulling your permed hair into a ponytail, especially when wet. With proper care, your curls or waves can stay strong and healthy for years to come.
Perfoming these practices into your hair care routine can extend the life and vibrancy of your perm. Remember that proper maintenance and gentle handling are key to ensuring your curly or wavy hairstyle remains stunning for as long as possible.
Factors That Affect Perm Longevity
Having perfectly curled and styled hair is a dream for many, and perms can make that dream a reality. However, to ensure your perm lasts as long as possible, it’s crucial to understand the factors that affect perm longevity and how to maintain those beautiful curls.
Stylist Expertise
Your stylist’s expertise plays a pivotal role in the durability of your perm. A skilled stylist will assess your hair type, recommend the most suitable perm technique, and apply the chemicals correctly, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring long-lasting results.
Chemical Processing
The type of chemicals used during the perming process directly affects how long your curls last. High-quality, professional-grade products are less likely to cause premature fading or damage to your hair.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Your lifestyle and the environment you live in can impact your perm’s longevity. You can protect your curls from the harsh effects of chlorine, UV rays, and salty seawater with proper care. Protect your hair from these elements to maintain your perm.
Quality of Perm Products Used
Investing in quality perm products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products specifically designed for permed hair, can significantly extend the lifespan of your curls. These products are formulated to protect and nourish permed hair.
Understanding Perm Maintenance
Wait Before Washing Your Hair
After getting a perm, avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours. This allows the curl pattern to be set properly. When you do wash it, use lukewarm water and sulfate-free shampoo to prevent excessive drying.
Use the Right Shampoo or Conditioner
Choose a shampoo and conditioner designed for permed hair. These products are gentler and help maintain the moisture balance in your curls. Apply conditioner generously to keep your hair hydrated and prevent frizz.
Don’t Brush Your Hair When It’s Wet
Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. Instead of brushing, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair gently. Start from the tips and work up to avoid damaging your curls.
Avoid Heat Styling Tools
Excessive heat can weaken the structure of your curls. Minimize the use of blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. When you must style your hair, use a heat protectant spray to shield your curls from damage.
Sleep with Your Hair in a Loose Bun
To prevent tangling and frizz while sleeping, loosely tie your hair in a low bun using a silk or satin scrunchie. This will help preserve the shape of your curls and reduce morning styling time.
How Long Does a Perm Last?
A “perm” is often short for “permanent,” but its duration can vary based on several factors. Typically, a perm lasts anywhere from three to six months. However, this timeframe hinges on factors such as perm type, hair type, and how well you maintain it.
- Traditional Perms yield a uniform curl pattern and typically endure for 3 to 6 months. The duration may vary based on your hair growth rate and maintenance practices.
- Spiral Perms: Similar to traditional perms, they offer a variety of curl sizes and lengths due to the spiral technique. Their longevity also falls within the 3-6 month range.
- Digital Perms (Hot Perms): Unlike traditional or cold perms, digital perms use heated and digitally controlled rods. They provide lasting waves and fall within the same 3-6 month range.
- Straight Perms: This chemical treatment straightens natural hair and can last until the treated hair grows out or is cut off. Typically, it maintains its straightness for about 4-6 months.
What are the different types of perm?
There are two primary types of perms: digital and ceramic. Both methods employ a combination of chemicals and rods to achieve curly hair.
Different rod sizes are utilized to create various curl shapes depending on the length of the hair. The placement of these rods determines the structure and placement of the curls.
Digital perms, also known as hot perms, involve using heated rods to reshape the hair and immersing it in an acidic solution to break its disulfide bonds.
On the other hand, ceramic perms, or cold perms, do not use heat and employ a less damaging alkaline solution.
Cold perms result in tight, vintage-style curls, while hot perms produce a more natural look. In both techniques, a neutralizer is applied at the end to set the curls in place.
Modern Perms
| Perm Type | How it’s Done | Ideal Candidates | Results | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Wave | Hot approach; nonuniform pattern with larger rollers | Those wanting natural-looking curls | Soft, loose, natural waves; Low to medium heat styling | Little maintenance |
| Multi-textured | Hot approach; two different-sized rods | Those seeking bouncy curls; Long hair | Natural curls of varying tightness; Moisturizing | Low maintenance |
| Partial | Hot approach; curling ends only | Medium to long hair for manageability | Natural top and mid-section; Voluminous ends | Extremely low maintenance |
| Root | Cold approach; perming near scalp, leaving rest natural | Extra volume at roots | Body at roots; Rest natural; Short-lived | Low maintenance |
| Spot | Hot or cold approach; specific locations for customized curl | Non-uniform curls or specific placement | Specific section permed; Low maintenance | Low maintenance |
| Stacked | Hot approach; varying rollers in middle and bottom sections | Single-length hair; Medium to long hair | Flat on top, illusion of layers; Little maintenance | Little maintenance |
| Straight | Straightening solution, plastic, heat, straightening | Naturally curly/wavy hair for straight | Completely straight; Slightly higher maintenance | Slightly more maintenance |
| Twist/Spiral | Cold approach; thin vertical curling rods | Hair at least 8 inches long | Retro-style curls of varying sizes; Medium to high maintenance | Medium to high maintenance |
Why Do People Get a Perm?
Many individuals opt for a permanent wave, commonly known as a perm, to transform their hair’s natural texture or enhance curl definition. For some, it’s a means to experiment with a fresh appearance without resorting to harsh chemical treatments.
The motivation behind getting a perm primarily boils down to aesthetics—people desire to look their best and embrace a different hairstyle. Various perm techniques exist, each capable of delivering a distinct outcome.
The outcome of a perm depends on several factors, including the size of the rollers employed and the duration of the processing.
You’ll achieve gentler, more relaxed waves if you choose larger rollers. Conversely, if smaller rollers are used or the processing time is shorter, you can expect tighter, more defined curls.
A perm offers a versatile approach to altering your hair’s natural state, catering to your preferences and delivering a fresh, appealing look that suits your style. Whether adding a touch of elegance or embracing a more casual, carefree vibe, the world of perms provides ample room for creativity and self-expression.
Does Hair Length Matter?
Your hair’s length doesn’t limit your perm options; it’s all about whether it can wrap around the rod effectively. To achieve great curls, your hair should be long enough to circle the rod 2-2.5 times. Layers won’t stop you from getting a perm, but rod size may vary. Longer hair can be styled in more ways. Ultimately, it’s about your hair’s flexibility around the rod, not just its length.
Can You Perm Dyed Hair?
Virgin hair, which refers to hair that has not undergone any coloring treatments, is typically the most suitable candidate for a perm. However, thanks to advancements in hair technology, getting a perm is now accessible to a wider range of individuals.
It’s important to note that while it is possible to perm dyed hair, caution should be exercised when considering this option, especially if your hair has been subjected to bleaching or highlighting processes.
This caution is because bleached or highlighted hair is more susceptible to damage and can become dry and brittle, potentially leading to breakage. To ensure the health and vitality of your hair, it’s advisable to consult with your stylist before making a decision, particularly if you’re uncertain about how a perm may affect your hair type.
FAQs
Can a Perm Expire?
No, perms do not have an expiration date like food or medicine. However, the effects of a perm can fade over time due to various factors such as hair growth, exposure to elements, and the natural relaxation of curls. So while a perm doesn’t “expire,” its appearance and texture may change over several months.
How Long Does a Perm Last with Thin Hair?
The duration of a perm’s effects can vary depending on hair type, but typically, perms last between 2 to 6 months. For individuals with thin hair, perms may tend to last closer to the shorter end of this range, around 2 to 4 months. Thinner hair can struggle to hold the curl pattern as long as thicker hair because there’s less hair to support and maintain the curls.
How long does a perm last on straight hair after?
After getting a perm on straight hair, the initial curl intensity will be at its peak. Over time, these curls will relax and soften. On average, you can expect the curls to last between 2 to 6 months, depending on the factors mentioned earlier. To extend the life of your perm, follow proper care and maintenance routines.
How long does a perm last on straight hair without?
With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy the long-lasting curls of your perm. With proper care and attention, your curls can stay defined and healthy for months to come.To maximize the lifespan of your perm, follow the recommended aftercare guidelines, and consider using curl-enhancing products designed for permed hair.
How Long Does a Perm Last on a Male?
Perms work similarly for both males and females, with the duration ranging from 2 to 6 months. The longevity of a perm on a male depends on factors like hair type, care routine, and the specific perm technique used. Men with shorter hair can still get a perm that lasts for several months, as long as they choose the right curl pattern and care for their hair properly.
