Permanent Waves

So this week we have been working on Perms!!
I know, I know, perms aren't exactly "In" at the moment but curls are ALWAYS in fashion.
So here's the lowdown on these chemical curls!

Rules of Perms

Perms have come a long way since the 80's when peeps sported the very fake-y/gross, "crimped" perm. Unfortunately, some people still pull that look... But, these days perms can be fine-tuned to give you exactly the kind of wave/curl you want. You can get perms that just add body to fine, limp hair; you can get loose, sexy waves or you can go for the corkscrew curls that many straight-haired girls covet (and some curly-all-their-lives girls are sick of). I currently fall into the straight hair all my life category!

*So...Who should get them you ask? Perms work best on hair that has not been colored. The chemicals are way too harsh for double-processed or super highlighted hair. Not sure if your hair is a good to go for a perm? Ask your stylist. You'll want to tell them every chemical process your hair has been through in the last couple years! And don't lie! Trust me, it will only help you out if you're upfront and honest. One way you can find out if your hair is damaged and can't withstand more chemical processing is to do the old float trick. Take a few strands of hair and put them in a glass of water, if they sink, this means your hair is damaged and is soaking up moisture. If the strands float, this means your hair is healthy. You may want to keep it that way and avoid the perm....

Oh and one other tip: The thicker your hair, the better the perm will take! Unlike my hair which is brittle, thing, and super Super fine!

* How long does a perm take? One to two hours, depending on how long your hair is and how fast your stylist is. Your stylist will apply a single chemical solution to break the structural bonds in your hair, and another called a "neutralizer." Also keep in mind, a perm takes 28 hours to settle. Give it some time before you get too worried about the end result.

*How long does a perm last? Generally 'bout 3 (three) to 6 (six) months.

*Where do I find a fabulous stylist? First, call ahead to your salon (or several salons) and ask if they have someone who specializes in perms. Since perms aren't really as popular as they were (yep, the 80's) you'll want someone who knows what she (or he) is doing!! You may have to call around a bit to find a specialist. Even in NYC, most salons don't have a perm specialist.

*Don't leave home without a picture! You need to take a picture or pictures with you of the type of wave you want! Just telling your stylist what kind of curl, leaves you in jeopardy of getting either a super-flippin' tight ringlets. Stylists can control the amount of wave and etc, so help them out with a visual!

*A consultation beforehand is a must! Tell your stylist not only what you want (show the pictures) but what you don't want (i.e. the crimpy curls of the 80's).

*The tightness of the curl depends on the size of the rod! If you re worried you'll end up with too-tight curls, ask your stylist to show you the types of rods she is using. Keep in mind that tightness of curls can vary on the size of the rod and how long the solution stays in.

*Some hair is trickier to curl than others due to the hair being really resistant. If you are African- or Asian-American, then you will want someone who specializes in curling your type of hair. Trust me!

*You can also prep your hair. To prep your hair for a perm, you'll want to use a moisturizing conditioner after you shampoo. Avoid deep-conditioning your hair for at least 24 hours before the perm, otherwise the perm may not take.







Aren't you glad perms have somewhat evolved since this contraption??