Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Permed Hair

Image courtesy: @emmy Simply put, perming is a procedure that involves applying chemicals to hair strands to change its structure, add texture and create various levels of waves and curls. Traditional perms were tighter, with the process itself causing a lot of damage. But innovation in techniques and products used have resulted in procedures that are much gentler on the hair. They are also much more believable and the transition of the hair texture is seamless. Switching up from monotonous perm patterns in the 80s, the 2010s have perm treatments that are able to mimic naturally curly or wavy hair.

Image courtesy: @excellence.beauty.lounge Before you opt for a perm, a hairstylist will take your full hair history. From past colouring, to the level of existing damage, many factors go into deciding if your mane is ready for a perm. Depending on your hair length and thickness, you can be in the salon for anywhere between 1-3 hours (yes, it is a tedious procedure). The usual process followed is that first, the stylist will wrap your tresses in rods (or newer curling devices) and apply perming lotion to set the curls. After the lotion has sat for about 20 minutes, it is rinsed out. Then, your tresses are dried thoroughly, removing all traces of water, following which, a neutralizer is applied to finish the perming procedure.

As mentioned before, perms can be customised to suit whatever look you are going for. Some of the major types of perming are:

Traditional perms from the 80s were tight and looked like spirals of curls that were instantly recognisable. If you actually want to take the plunge and go for big, obviously-permed hair, this is the one to pick.

This technique involved giant hairpins to add statement waves to a length of hair. The result of a bouncy mane with a whole lot of volume, equally distributed through your mane. Also, pin-curl perms are created after the solution is applied to your hair - which means it is a much more controlled process to get classy waves.

As the name suggests, root perms are only focused on the roots and not the entire hair. After a perming solution is applied in the first inch of the roots, silicone rollers are put in place to give the hair a lift. This type of perm is ideal for girls with fine and thin hair who are craving more volume near their roots.

Inspired by beachy haired divas from the 90s, body wave perms use bigger curlers, instead of slim ounces, to create wavy patterns down the length of your hair. The result is luscious and loose curls that look like you live at the beach!

Image courtesy: @hairbyjohnd The duration of permed hair depends largely on the length of your hair. If you like to wear your hair short and go in for frequent trims, your perms will last you for at least 3-4 months. However, if you like to wear your hair long, you make your perm last longer. Since new roots start to flatten the top, the bottom, curly part keeps the volume and texture in the hair. For long hair, you can make your perm last for 6-8 months. Another important factor to make your perms last is how you take care of them, let's take a look at that next.

Post-perm hair care looks a lot like the routines that naturally curly or wavy-haired follow. Here are some top tips for taking care of permed hair:

Switch up your hair care routine and practices by adding products and techniques that are specially formulated for curly hair. From weekly deep conditioning sessions to using a diffuser to set your curls, your old routine will not cut it for the new hair.

Avoid combing or brushing your hair when it is dry. Use your fingers to detangle your mane in the shower during conditioner application. Scrunch some leave-in product post-shower and let air-dry first, followed with blow-drying with a diffuser for a soft and natural finish.

Similar to other chemical hair treatments, UV exposure can affect the longevity and look of your permed hair as well. Protect your hair with hats and scarves or use leave-in sun protection products to minimise UV damage on permed hair.

Image courtesy: @link_marino Innovation in hair perming techniques and products have significantly reduced the level of damage on the hair. But make sure you are getting it done by a professional; at-home DIY perms are a big no-no. Also, if you have color-treated hair, you might have to go for pricier versions, because the formula used on virgin hair won't work on previously chemically treated hair. Trust the process, and your stylist, for a damage-free perming session!

**A. **Even though hair perming techniques can be customised to suit your hair types, sometimes the results may not be what you're looking for. It is possible to re-perm your hair with a difficult technique, but you have to give at least 1-2 weeks for your hair to bounce back from the damage caused in the first session.

**A. **The days following the first perm appointment are crucial for how your perm will turn out to be. You are advised not to wash your hair for at least 48 hours as the moisture can loosen up the curls and make your perm fall flat. But a little bit of sweat should not cause too much concern, but try to keep your mane as dry as possible.