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The perm (short for 'permanent wave') is a type of hair treatment using chemicals to curl or wave the hair for months. Getting a perm means learning how to get a perm, such as preparation, steps to take, and proper care of your hair afterwards. In this article, we are going to discuss what to expect when getting a perm, how to prepare for a perm, the steps you need to take to get a perm, tips to make your curls last longer and the pros and cons of getting a perm.
How to Prepare for a Perm?
How to get perm: Before you get the perm it is important whether you have your hair ready to take the perm.
Preparation makes the perm take well and lasts longer. Here are some steps to get your hair ready:
- Condition Your Hair: It’s good to deep condition your hair a week before the perm in order to strengthen it. Curls are held better and the chemicals used in perming will not damage healthy hair.
- Avoid Shampooing Right Before: There are just some good reasons you shouldn’t wash your hair before a perm. You will try to refrain from shampooing at least 24 hours beforehand.
- Stay Away from Heavy Products: If you plan to have a perm, avoid styling with oils and serums beforehand. These products can affect the chemicals used in the permanent process.
- Assess Hair Health: Healthy hair is best for perms. If you have damaged or over processed hair, conditions treatments or trims before going under the perm.
Well prepared for this process, perming will become smoother and the chances of getting long lasting, defined curls will increase.
How to Get a Perm: Steps to Get a Perm
Getting a perm in this day and age can be understood with the help of the steps. Here is a general outline of what happens during a perm:
- Consultation: Before the treatment, make sure to talk with your hairstylist about your goals. Depending on whether your hair type and condition permit, they will suggest the type of perm that will suit your hair.
- Choose Your Curl Style: There are various styles of perm; root perm, body wave and spiral to mention but a few. Then your stylist will help you find a style right for your hair type and the look you’d like to achieve.
- Hair Preparation: They will wash you hair and may trim off any split ends to give you a smooth finish. The better hair to take the perm solution is wet hair than dry hair.
- Applying Perm Rods: You do this by feeding small rods or rollers into your curls. The tighter, the longer, the looser the curls.
- Applying the Perm Solution: A chemical solution is applied to your hair, which breaks down your hair's normal structure to allow it to again be reshaped around the rods.
- Setting Time: It’s for a specific length of your hair. This allows the curls to set.
- Rinsing and Neutralizing: Once the perm solution has been rinsed out, a neutralizer is applied to put the 'curls' in. Then, the hair's structure changes on top of the rods.
- Final Rinse and Styling: The stylist will rinse your hair, then remove the rods, and then rinse your hair and apply a conditioning product. You may be lucky and get some tips in how to style and care for your new curls.
When you take these steps to get a perm, you get a clear picture of what to expect. Follow your stylist’s aftercare advice and you’ll get the best results.
How to Make a Perm Last Longer?
If you have a perm, the right steps to take can help make your curls last longer. Here are some tips on how to make a perm last longer:
Wait Before Washing: Don’t wash your hair for at least 48 hours after getting a perm. The curl sets fully since this allows the curl to set fully.
- Use Sulfate-Free Products: Sulfate free shampoos and conditioners are a great choice because they don’t dry your curls out and won’t cause your curls to lose their shape as quickly.
- Moisturize Regularly: Keep your hair hydrated with use of leave in conditioners or curl creams. Moisture retains curl shape keeps you away from frizz.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Symptoms may be worsened by heat tools such as straighteners and curling irons and are permanent. When you want to let your hair air dry, try and use heatless styling methods.
- Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase: Curls tend to stay intact in a night when they lie on silk pillow cases because they create less friction. You can also wrap your curl in silk scarf.
These tips on how to make a perm last longer should keep your curls fresh for weeks.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Perm
So, why are all our perm suggestions so good?
Just as a perm is a hairstyle, it has its ups and downs. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of getting a perm:
Pros of Getting a Perm:
- Long-Lasting Curls: They offer curls that can last up to six months, which means you don't have to style your hair every single day.
- Added Volume: For fine or thin hair, a perm will give your hair that volume it needs to look fuller.
- Low Maintenance: Perms are typically easier to maintain than many other hairstyles and once set, exist for a bit, so they’re great for busy weeks.
- Variety of Styles: From a choose of different types of perms, you may derive curl size and shape that best fits your look.
Cons of Getting a Perm:
- Chemical Damage: Usage of chemicals in perms also weakens as well as dries out the hair, if hair is already damaged.
- Maintenance Costs: While perms do simplify daily styling, you’ll need to see a salon to trim or 'touch up' every so often.
- Permanent Commitment: So if you decide on a perm, be sure you don’t regret it for months.
- Risk of Frizz: However, frizzy hair is a result [or] permed hair if not cared for in the right way!
- Thinking through the benefits and drawbacks of having a perm will allow you to make the best decision, and will ensure the style is aligned with how you take care of your hair day-to-day.
Conclusion: How to Get a Perm
If you’re looking to add long lasting curls and volume to your hair getting a perm is a great option. So how to get a perm only involves both the preparation and aftercare needed for the best results. Once you learn how to get a perm, prepare the hair beforehand and follow these tips to make the perm last longer, you’ll sport gorgeous curls without daily styling. If you’re considering getting a perm, weigh the pros and cons of getting a perm before making a decision if it’s right for you. However, with the right care your perm can remain vibrant and healthy for months.