Having straight hair comes with tons of benefits, from zero maintenance to easy and stress-free styling. Plus, you can get experimental, as it’s so convenient to mould into any hairstyle that complements your facial features. All that said, have you ever stopped to wonder what it would be like to have some gorgeous waves and bouncy curls?
The perfect way to max out on body and volume for straight hair is through hair perming. Popularised in the 1980s, perm hair is one of the hairstyles that has been making a comeback in today’s beauty world. It provides a more permanent way to achieve wavy locks than using curling irons or rollers. So, if you think your hair is too flat and you’re looking to revitalise your hairstyle, a perm can fulfil your wishes.
However, before heading to a salon and asking your hairstylist for a perm, make sure you know how to take care of your permed hair. To do that, you need to understand what it is and how it works.
What Is A Hair Perm?
Short for a permanent hairstyle, a perm uses chemicals to change the hair fibres, restructuring the strands to create body and texture. The process starts with the application of a chemical or perm lotion to swell and open the hair cuticle and penetrate the cortex. Next, the solution deposits hydrogen which attaches itself to the disulphide bonds of the hair structure. This action causes the bonds to break apart, putting the hair in a state where it can easily change to the shape of perming rods.
The final stage, after the stylist washes off the perm lotion, involves applying a neutralising product. The neutraliser eliminates the hydrogen generated in the first stages and adds oxygen. The broken disulphide will then reform, permanently fixing your hair in its new shape.
If you’re concerned that your hair will look the same as other permed hair out there, don’t fret. There are various ways to perm hair that result in different styles. Talk to your hairstylist about the looks they can create and choose the one that suits you best.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of perming varies depending on the stylist or salon you visit. Stylists may also consider the texture and length of your hair to determine the cost of their service. For those reasons, charges can range from £70 to £300.
Does A Perm Work On Every Hair Type?
Perms work on various hair types and textures ranging from straight to wavy. The ideal candidate for hair perming is probably someone who hasn’t coloured or chemically treated their hair before. Although new formulas allow modern perms to be less damaging to hair than their predecessor, your strands may still become too fragile for the process, especially if you have fine hair.
How Long Does A Perm Last?
If you want your new texture to last, maintenance is vital. Unlike hair colour, perms won’t wash out; they have to grow out. If you treat your permed hair with care, you can extend its life and maintain your beautiful locks.
3 Ways To Maintain Your Permed Hair
We’ve already established that how you care for your perm will largely determine how long it lasts. For this reason, we’ve gathered a few simple tips on how to maintain your permed hair properly.
Conditioner Is A Must
Since permed hair tends to be dry, it’s best to give it extra nourishment and hydration through deep conditioning. Use a formula that helps restore any damage to your hair’s appearance due to the perming process. A good conditioner will leave your locks feeling and looking healthy.
Use Sun Protection
Your hair requires just as much sun protection as your skin. To keep your permed hair in its best condition, therefore, protect it from the sun by using products that contain UV filters. You can also use a protein-rich leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and protect your strands from UV rays and hot tools.
Revamp Your Hair Care System
Your regular shampoo and conditioner may not give your newly permed hair the essential nutrients it needs to remain hydrated and healthy, so you might need to make a few changes to your hair care system to cater to the unique requirements of your chemically-treated hair. Choose a sulphate-free shampoo that’s curl-specific and made with antioxidants, together with a conditioner that will leave your waves silky smooth and bouncy.
Conclusion
Getting a perm may be one of the most significant hairstyle changes you’ll make in your life. It can give you endless styling possibilities as long as you’re not afraid to reshape your new curls or create the look you want. Just make sure you pay attention to how you take care of your new locks so that you can enjoy your bouncy waves for a long time.
If you’re experiencing any hair loss or thinning and want some professional advice, Vinci Hair Clinic can help. Take advantage of our free consultation and start your journey to better hair today!
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