Caring for Your Perm

Perms are great options for those who have straight hair and want some body or curl. But if you're going all in and getting that perm, you want it to last. Here are our tips, tricks, dos, and don'ts for maintaining those curls after you get your perm.

What is a perm?

A perm (or permanent) is a process that changes the texture of your hair to a permanent wave or curl using chemicals and heat. They alter the structure of your hair by breaking the bonds that determine your natural texture (wavy, straight, curly). Most perms last between 3-6 months, depending on the type of perm and length of the hair. Regular trims help maintain the style as the hair grows.

Prepping for a perm:

This isn't talked about a lot, but there are a few things you can do before your perm to make sure your hair is healthy, strong, and has the best chance for giving you those beautiful curls.

• Moisturize and condition: About 1-2 weeks before your perm, strengthen your hair with deep conditioning masks once or twice a week, especially if your hair is dry or damaged.

• Clarify: If needed, use a clarifying shampoo 5-7 days before your perm appointment to remove excess buildup.

• Shampoo: Avoid washing your hair 24-48 hours before your perm. Your scalp's natural oils will help protect your hair from damage and avoid irritation.

• Avoid color treatments: Do not bleach or severely lighten your hair before a perm, as it can damage the hair.

• Get a trim: If it's not built into your perm appointment, make sure to get a trim a few weeks before your perm to remove any damaged or split ends.

What type of perm should I get?

Loose curls? Spiral curls? Tight or loose? There are lots of options when it comes to perms, so we're here to help make the choice a little easier for you! Here are some examples of perm types:

• Beach wave perm: Good for straight or wavy hair that is medium to long in length. You'll get tousled, loose waves. This is a good option for those who want a little texture without all the fuss; ask your stylist for soft, spongey rollers instead of regular perm rods.

• Body wave perm: Good for those with straight, thin hair that's medium to long and will give you soft, voluminous waves. This is a good choice for those who want to add body and natural wave; this perm uses larger rollers for larger, looser waves. If your hair doesn't typically curl, this is a good option for you.

• Digital perm: Good for those with straight, thin hair that's any length. You'll get waves or curls with a smooth texture, depending on your hair's length. The "digital" comes from the use of infrared heat through temperature-controlled rods to create loose waves and natural volume on top of tight hair ringlets. In addition, gentle chemicals are used to recondition and repair the hair where heat was used.

• Helicopter perm: Good for straight or wavy hair that's medium to long. You'll get defined, uniform curls. If you love a "perfectly undone" vibe, this one's for you. This technique wraps sections of hair in a way that creates loose waves near the roots and more defined curls at the ends. It's got more structure than a beach perm, but has the same relaxed feel.

• Multi-textured perm: For straight or wavy hair that's medium to long. This type of perm will give you natural, varied curl patterns. Your stylist will probably use different types of rollers to create loose and tight curls. This layered style resembles natural curls.

• Partial/spot perm: This is for curly, thin hair of any length; specific sections of the hair are permed to add curl. This targets a specific section of the hair to add volume, cover thinning hair, or create a uniform look if you have curls on one side of the head but not the other. Your stylist will determine the best area for the perm and type of roller so that it matches your curl pattern seamlessly.

• Pigtail perm: Great for straight or wavy hair that's medium to long, the pigtail perm will give you crimped, deep waves. Think of the way your hair looks when you take it out of braids: perfectly crimped. Ask your stylist to braid your hair before applying the perm solution to lock in the texture. You'll get extra volume and a fun, tousled look.

• Pin curl perm: Good for short-to-medium thin, straight hair, this perm will give you curls exactly like the name sounds--tight, vintage-style curls. This type of perm uses pins and curlers to create tight, bouncy curls that add movement; the tightness of the curl depends on the size of the rollers.

• Root perm: This is for thin, curly hair that's medium to long and is meant to bring volume to the root of the hair. This is a type of partial perm done near the root, within 2-4 inches from the scalp. They're great for adding lift and volume, especially if the rest of your hair is already permed, but keep in mind that they only last about a month.

• Spiral perm: Good for straight or wavy hair of any length, this might be what you think of when you picture a perm. This perm type gives you tight ringlets and is a great way to add volume. The hair is rolled vertically to give tight, bouncy curls.

• Stack perm: For curly or wavy hair of any length, this perm type will give you curls and waves on the ends of your hair. This is another type of partial perm that leaves the roots alone and instead focuses on the middle to ends of the hair. It adds volume and creates a layered look by using different rod sizes on the middle and lower sections of the hair to blend the curls in with your natural hair.

• Straight perm: For thin, straight hair of any length, this perm will give you sleek, straight hair. This is for those who have naturally curly hair or permed hair and want to reverse the process. The process includes using heat (such as a flat iron) with chemicals to straighten the hair, and though it can take up to 6-8 hours, the results are long lasting.

After-perm care:

So you got your perm and want to know the best tips to take care of it to keep your hair healthy and happy. Here's what you need to do after getting that perm:

• Don't wash: Do not wash your hair for 24-48 hours after getting your perm to allow the chemicals to set. Washing too soon can cause you to lose the curl pattern. Try to avoid activities that will make you sweat and high humidity for those first couple of days, too.

• Avoid hair ties: Try not to use hair ties or put your hair in a ponytail or bun for the first day or two. The extra tension can also mess with the curl pattern. Hats, clips, and pins can all cause dents in the curl pattern, too. Silk or satin scrunchies are good for pulling hair back without making a dent in the curl pattern and creating frizz.

• Shampoo and conditioner: Switch to sulfate-free hair products and wash no more than 2-3 times per week. Curly hair generally doesn't need to be washed as frequently as straight hair. (Find our curly and wavy hair care tips here.)

• Brushing: Try not to brush your hair for the first day or two so as not to disrupt the curl pattern or create frizz. Use a wide-tooth comb or Wet Brush specifically meant for curly hair, and detangle when your hair is wet in the shower.

• Products and styling: Use products specifically meant for curly or chemically treated hair. You'll want to add in a moisturizing hair mask at least once a week to keep your hair healthy. A leave-in conditioner or light hair oil applied to the ends of the hair will give your hair the added moisture it needs on a daily basis. After detangling, apply a leave-in conditioner and then a little curl cream on damp hair to minimize frizz. Diffuse your hair dry with a hairdryer, and avoid heat styling if possible.

This can seem overwhelming, but don't let it stop you from getting a perm and adding the bounce and curl that you've always dreamed of to your hair. We at Salon Patrice love doing perms and would be happy to talk with you about your hair goals. Give us a call at (815) 223-8643 or find all of our hair services here.