Permanent hair: everything you need to know for a flawless result!
We women are never happy. Do we have curly and fluffy hair? We would like them smooth as spaghetti. Do we have straight hair that is always styled? We dream of wild and charming curls. The truth is that we like to change, to always see ourselves in a new and unexpected way.
Curls have never been so current: if the idea of having hair teases you, you can opt for a perm. If, on the other hand, you prefer not to make definitive choices (the perm lasts at least 8/9 months) you can opt for a twisted crease to do on some special occasion!
How the perm works
The perm is a chemical treatment, it is used both to straighten the hair and to curl it. First the hair is prepared for the new shape and then the chemical solution is applied. The first thing to understand is if you really want to do the perm because as the name says it does not go away immediately but you have to wait for the hair to regrow. Obviously the hair will grow back as before but the indication of the part of the hair treated will remain, albeit lightening month after month.
If you are motivated to continue, you just have to choose at this point whether to do the perm at home or at the hairdressers. And then enjoy your new and beautiful curly hair or your light wave!
See also
Does the perm damage the hair?
However, the perm is a chemical treatment that requires a little care to give the desired effect. Thick and strong hair takes less damage with an alkaline perm, while unruly or very straight hair, such as Asian hair, is difficult to treat without damaging it. For dyed hair it is best to use a milder acid.
Before proceeding
Make sure you don't have to color your hair for at least 15 days (and wait 15 days after color before perming). Before starting, remember that it will take you several hours to complete your work, from 2 to 4 hours (Does that seem like a lot? Get a friend to help you to shorten the time a bit!). After carrying out the treatment you will not have to wash or style your hair for at least 24 hours. If you want to cut them always do it before proceeding with the perm. If you want to use acids to straighten your hair you can also choose to make a fringe. If, on the other hand, you want to curl your hair, do you also choose the type of curl you want, small and tight or wide and curvy? Then choose the already suitable curlers based on the effect you want to achieve. Warning: if you have very short hair, wait a few weeks before perming.
Permanent: at home or at the hairdresser?
Doing a perm at home allows you to save a lot, but if you are not very practical or if you have hair that is difficult to treat, it is much better to do it in a salon where the hairdresser can repair any damage. In case of colored or problematic hair (frizzy, rebellious or that does not hold the fold) it is much better to rely on your trusted hairdresser. If you have soft and supple hair, if you have already done the perm yourself and if you love coloring your hair at home, you can do it yourself!
How to do a perm at home
If you want to do the perm at home, buy a permanent kit and read the instructions carefully. Memorize the steps and also the times. When you decide to proceed, comb your hair to remove all the knots. Shampoo by choosing a nutrient-rich product and apply a conditioner to detangle them thoroughly. Do not rub them with a towel to avoid breaking them. When the hair is wet it is fragile and it is very easy to break it. Dab them carefully and only use a wide-toothed comb to avoid damaging them.
Before proceeding with the perm, wear plastic gloves to protect your hands and apply moisturizer or a little petroleum jelly to the face, neck and scalp, just like you would doing a hair dye at home. Wear a t-shirt dedicated to this treatment or cover yourself with an old towel. The risk of ruining the clothes you wear is quite high.
At this point, divide the locks and apply the curlers of the size you prefer, remembering that to have more natural curls it is better to choose wider curlers. Put some perm papers on the tips, to protect them from the action of the acid and then proceed with the application of the permanent solution: massage carefully and let it act for the time indicated by your kit. After this time, rinse carefully and apply a professional neutralizer, which will be used to rebuild the inside of the hair, giving your locks their new shape. Remove the curlers, shake your hair gently and pat dry with a soft towel. Dry carefully but without a hairdryer, do not comb the hair and do not use other products for the first fold.
How to make a perm at the hairdresser
Talk to your stylist and describe exactly the type of curl you want to achieve. If you want them soft and natural or if you prefer them very tight. Ask to make the cut first if you wish and recommend that you always make them a little tighter than you want because in a few weeks the curls will loosen and the waviness will drop a little, especially if you have them very long. Think that you will have to stay 4 hours at the hairdresser so bring with you the necessary to pass the time. The smell could be a bit strong, help with a damp towel to place on your mouth. If you have very sensitive eyes, keep them closed to prevent chemicals from reddening and irritating them.
