What is a Perm: Everything You Need to Know About Perms

Wondering, 'What is a perm?' Our guide covers it all, from the duration of those beautiful curls to understanding how perms may affect the health of your hair.

Getting a perm might be perfect for you if you want to change your hair and are fed up. But what is a perm? You can get anything from soft beach waves to tight curls with today's perm styles. The stuff used in a perm solution is rough, so knowing the dangers is good before you try getting a perm. Your efforts in taking care of your hair also have an effect. This article will teach you all about how long does a perm last, how to do a perm, and does a perm damage your hair.

1. What is a perm?

Getting your hair permed changes its shape. Chemicals remove the old form of your hair strands, and then other chemicals change it into a new shape. A perm is a chemical treatment for curling your hair. It's not the same as straightening, which uses chemicals to make your hair flat. The curl-perm method makes thin and straight hair thicker, giving it more fullness. This also makes it simpler to style.
 
The most often used chemical in perms is ammonium thioglycolate. If your hair is thin or weak, softer perms are balanced with acid and use glyceryl monothioglycolate. These are better for delicate tresses.

2. How to do a perm?

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to perm your hair:
 

2.1 Prepare the Hair:

Start by making sure your hair is clean and not using any styling things. Use a simple shampoo to remove any gunk that might stop the perm from working. Use a towel to dry your hair until wet but not soaked. Break the hair into easy parts, thinking about what curls and sizes you want from the perm rods or rollers. Secure each section with clips.
 

2.2 Apply Protective Measures:

Before using a perm solution, put on some protection cream or barrier around your hairline and ears. This step is very important to stop the skin from being bothered by chemicals in the perm solution. Take your time to put on the protection cream properly so it covers all areas well.
 

2.3 Wrap Hair Securely:

Getting a good perm is all about being careful when you wrap your hair around the perm rods or rollers.

Take small, equal parts of hair and wrap them tight around the rods. Make sure each strand is smooth and spread out evenly. Use endpapers to keep the ends safe and make sure everything works evenly.
 

2.4 Apply Perm Solution:

Put on the given gloves to keep your hands safe from chemicals. Put the perm solution evenly on each wrapped piece of hair. Make sure each hair is soaked well, this helps in creating the same curls all over. Remember to follow the suggested time for processing, which is usually between 15 and 30 minutes. This depends on your hair type and how curly you want it to be.
 

2.5 Rinse and Neutralize:

Once the time to process is over, wash your hair with warm water all over. This helps get rid of the stuff that gives you curls. After washing, put on the balancing solution. This step is important because it makes the curls and stops the chemical change. Stick to the exact time given for neutralizing things. After neutralizing, a proper wash makes sure all chemical leftovers are gone.
 

2.6 Style with Care:

Use a towel to dry your hair carefully, removing extra water without messing up the new curls. Let the hair dry independently, or use a lower heat setting with a diffuser. Stay away from too much heat to keep your freshly curled hair safe. When your hair is dry, take out the perm rods or rollers carefully. Start from your neck area. Make your hair look how you want, and enjoy the beauty of your professionally curled hair.

Remember, it's important to be careful and follow instructions when doing a perm at home. If you don't want to make a permanent change but still want a different hairstyle, extensions from HairVietnam give you lots of choices. They are easy and not forever changes.

3. How long does a perm last?

Giving your hair permanent waves is a two-step process that uses chemicals. The perm changes your hair at a small level. It uses chemicals that join with your hair's proteins to make curls. Perms make your hair stay shaped forever by using a process called shape memory. Although the name makes it seem like these waves stay forever, they are short-lasting.
 
Over time, perms can harm your hair. You might lose hair if you don't look after your hair health. A healthy scalp is needed because when a hair root gets harmed, you can't make new hair from that root.

You should only get perms from a reliable salon. Your hairdresser must know how to use the perm chemicals right and put them on correctly. Your skin can get irritated if you don't use the chemicals right during the hair perm process. Your hair might break and fall out. You could also have bad side effects if you swallow the chemicals by mistake. They may leave long-lasting scars on your scalp, too.
 

4. Does a perm damage your hair?

Yes, changing the shape of hair by using chemicals can sometimes harm it. The process uses chemicals to change the protein links in hair strands, changing its normal shape. Modern perm treatments try to reduce harm, but some hair stress is always there.
 
The stuff in the perm liquid can make your hair dry and break easily. Doing too much, keeping the treatment on for too long, or using a very strong perm can make these effects worse. It's important to follow instructions and carefully ask a professional if unsure.

Also, using heat during the balancing step and styling later can add to possible harm. Doing things like treating your hair with special care is suggested. This can limit the effects of using chemicals on it.

Different types and states of hair can have different levels of damage because everyone is unique. Before getting a perm, it's important to check the health of your hair. After that, make sure you take good care of it and maintain it properly. This will help avoid damage and keep your hair strong and bright.

5. Conclusion

So, what is a perm? It includes soft waves and clear curls. But it's important to understand that hair coloring uses chemicals and could harm your hair. In the end, you should think carefully before getting a perm. Consider what you like and be ready to take good care of it.

For people who want to avoid using chemicals like perms, a good choice is HairVietnam extensions. These add-ons give a gentle method to try out many sizes and looks without the binding decision or possible harm of curling.