Things to Know Before Getting a Perm

Most gals with straight hair have daydreamed about what it would be like to wear permanent, bouncy curls. Don’t let the gorgeous Instagram photos fool you—taking care of a perm is hard work! Not everyone should get a perm, and once you have one, your hair will require an extensive beauty routine.

The following is a complete guide on what to know before getting a perm.

Perms require long and healthy hair

The first thing to know before getting a perm is that this hairstyle isn’t for everyone. Perms aren’t recommended for people with very dry or damaged hair. The treatment process involves strong chemicals that can further damage poorly-maintained strands. If you perm dry hair, the finished product won’t look very nice. Repair your locks before getting a perm so you can achieve shiny, luscious curls.

Highlights and color-treated hair don’t hold a perm very well. The chemicals in perms and hair dye don’t mix well, which can lead to extensive damage. Avoid perms if you’ve dyed your hair multiple different shades in the past. Color treatments damage and dry out your hair over time. However, it might be safe to perm your hair if you committed to only one color within the past five years.

If you’re considering whether you should get a perm, keep in mind this style doesn’t look too good on short, layered hair. Loose curls will end up looking straight, and tight curls could make you look like a poodle! If you really want a perm, be patient and grow out your locks first.

What to expect from the process

The hair treatment process is important to know before getting a perm. Your stylist will advise against dyeing your hair a month before or after the perm. Dyeing it beforehand will cause breakage during the perm process, and dyeing it right after can ruin your new curls.

After receiving the perm, wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair. The chemical treatment needs time to fully set in, and getting it wet soon afterward will undo your stylist’s hard work. All those hours of sitting in the salon chair would be for nothing!

Steps for taking care of a perm

A big factor that determines whether you should get a perm is the new hair care routine that comes along with it. Perms dry out hair, so you should switch to products that rehydrate your precious locks. Your stylist can recommend a hair conditioner that’s designed to maintain perms.

If you want a perm, it’s probably because you’ve gone through life with naturally straight or wavy hair. You’ll have to swap straight hair products for ones better suited to take care of your new curls. Unlike paddle brushes, a wide tooth comb can pass through curls without making them frizzy.

Now that you’ve decided to get a perm, the next step is finding a good hair stylist for the job. Perms are a drastic change, so you probably want to know what the finished product will look like. Our photo gallery is filled with hair styles completed right here at Studio FX Hair Design LLC. You’re sure to walk out of the salon loving your new ‘do!

Categorised in: Hair Styling