Are you someone who likes to change your hair style often? Some people like to keep the same hairstyle, while others like to try something new every month. Hair has a great ability to determine our appearance. Some people have naturally curly hair, while others have straight hair. However, if someone with straight hair wants to have curly hair, or if someone with curly hair wants to straighten it, that is why we use a chemical method called Hair Perm.
Simply put, what is a hair perm?
Hair Perm, Permanent Wave, or Permanent Texture all refer to the same thing. It is a process that uses chemicals to change the natural texture of your hair, making it wavy or straight . It usually takes a few hours. With proper care, a perm can last for about 3 to 6 months . However, this time can vary depending on factors such as the health of your scalp, the care you give your hair, and how fast your hair grows. A perm will last longer on long hair than on short hair.
How do you do a perm at a salon?
Let's take a step-by-step look at what happens when you go to a salon.
1. Washing your hair : First, your hairstylist will thoroughly shampoo and wash your hair, removing oil and dirt, and preparing it for the perm.
2. Wrapping the hair: Next, you separate the hair into sections and wrap them around rollers and rods that match the size of the curls you want. The size of these rollers will depend on whether you want fine or large curls.
3. Applying the chemical liquid: Now is the most important part. You will apply a chemical liquid treatment to your curled hair. This chemical breaks the natural bonds in your hair and causes it to conform to the shape of the roller.
4. Leave to set: Leave this on for about 15-20 minutes. This time may vary depending on the condition of your hair.
5. Re-rinse : When the time is right, remove the rollers and rinse your hair thoroughly with water again.
6. Neutralizing the curls: Next, another chemical is applied to help the newly created curls stay in their original shape. This is called the Neutralization step. This is what stabilizes your curls.
7. Final rinse: Rinse the hair thoroughly again to remove any remaining chemicals.
8. Apply conditioner: Finally, use a good conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and shiny, smooth, and healthy-looking.
In a perm to straighten curly hair, after applying the chemicals, the hair is blow-dried and straightened using a flat iron.
Is it better to do a perm at home?
Nowadays, many people buy Home Perm Kits that they can use at home and watch videos on social media to get their hair permed. Although this saves money and time, it has a lot of risks . Because you are doing this without professional training. Consider what the possible harms are.
| Risks of perming at home | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergic reaction | Chemicals can cause skin irritation and allergies such as itching. |
| Scalp burns | Excessive exposure to chemicals or incorrect application can cause scalp burns and injuries. |
| Hair damage | Dry hair, breakage, and split ends are common. |
| Incorrect setting | Increasing or decreasing the time the chemical is left on may not produce the desired results. |
If you are doing it at home, follow the instructions on the kit exactly . Keep a timer to check the time. If your scalp feels itchy or painful, wash your hair immediately and seek medical advice .
What chemicals does perm actually contain?
A perm directly affects the protein in your hair called keratin . 95% of our hair is made up of this protein. The chemicals in the perm break the bonds between these keratin molecules and rearrange them into a new shape.
The main chemical used in perms is often ammonium thioglycolate . This chemical is the one that causes the most damage to hair. If your hair is thin or weak, it is better to choose a mild (acid-balanced) perm that contains something like glyceryl monothioglycolate .
Some products may claim to be free of `Ammonium thioglycolate`, but instead use other chemicals like `Cysteamine` or `Mercaptamine` . These are also thio compounds that can damage hair.
Before getting a perm, ask your hairstylist, "What kind of chemicals are used?" It's your right.
What types of perm are there?
There are many different types of perms available today. You can choose one that suits your hair type and the look you want.
| Perm type | Description and who is suitable? |
|---|---|
| Cold Wave Perm | This is a quick process. Curls are created in about 15 minutes. It is used to achieve well-defined, tight curls. |
| Digital Perm (Hot Perm) | This is a new method. The heated rollers are digitally controlled. This is good for achieving loose waves that look natural. |
| Body Perm | This is used to add more volume to thin or flat hair. It adds a light wave to the hair. |
| Spiral Perm | A very popular type. It can give your hair tight, bouncy curls. |
| Beach Wave Perm | It gives a light, natural wave look, like you just came from the beach. The hair looks fuller. |
| Straight Perm | A method used to straighten naturally wavy or curly hair. |
How do you take care of a perm?
To keep a perm for up to 6 months, you need to take good care of it. It requires a different approach than caring for normal hair.
- The most important rule: Do not wash or comb your hair for the first 48 hours after perming. This is when the curls really set in. So avoid sweaty workouts or showering without a shower cap during these two days.
- Avoid Chlorine: Chlorine in swimming pools damages the perm.
- Reduce heat styling: Frequent use of hair straightening tools like flat irons and curlers can quickly cause frizz to disappear.
- Sleeping position: If possible, sleep on your stomach or side instead of your back. This will reduce the pressure on your hair. Using a silk pillowcase or a silk cap can help reduce hair tangling.
- How to comb your hair: When combing wet hair, comb it with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb . Comb from the bottom of the hair upwards. Never pull hard.
- Maintain moisture: Chemicals dry out hair. Therefore, it is very important to maintain moisture in your hair by using a good leave-in conditioner and protein treatment.
Who should not have a perm?
Although perming is a great way to give your hair a new look, it is not suitable for all hair types. This can cause further damage, especially if your hair is not healthy. Avoid perming if you have any of the following conditions:
- If your hair is overly processed due to frequent chemical treatments .
- If your hair has split ends .
- If the hair is very weak/porous .
Chemical perms are not recommended for young children, especially those between the ages of 10 and 13. Some studies have linked the use of these chemicals to an increased risk of breast cancer. So, you might want to think twice about it.
Take-Home Message
- Hair Perm is a process that uses chemicals to change the texture of the hair. This can cause some damage to the hair.
- If you do this, choose a salon that is trustworthy, experienced, and uses good quality products .
- Talk to your hairstylist about the type of perm that suits your hair type and the look you want.
- It is very important to take proper care of your hair after a perm, especially within the first 48 hours .
- If your hair is already weak and damaged, it's wise to avoid perming.
- If you develop scalp inflammation, wounds, or a severe allergy, see your doctor immediately.


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