What Is a Perm? - Studio 312 Salon (2024)

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• June 28, 2024

It’s official: perms are back!

But if you’re still cringing at the thought of your mom’s prom pictures, don’t worry! Modern perms no longer resemble the frizzy, puffy look from the ‘80s. Instead, they offer softer, more natural looking curls (or none at all!), allowing you to fully customize your look.

Whether you’ve long been envious of curly hair or you’re simply curious about trying out a new hair texture, a perm just may be the answer you’re looking for!

What Is a Perm?

Perm is short for “permanent wave.”

This technique first started about 150 years ago, and involved a combination of heat and chemicals to change the hair’s shape and structure. In the 1930’s, Arnold F. Willatt invented the “cold wave” method, which used a chemical called ammonium thioglycolate that did not require heat or even electricity.

As you can imagine, a lot has changed since then!

While most stylists still use ammonium thioglycolate to create those signature waves and curls, the process is much more intentional than it was in the 1980s. Modern perms are designed to be more gentle on the hair, with more natural looking results.

Types of Perms

Just as there are multiple types of haircuts, there are also multiple types of perms.

Your stylist will choose from a variety of rod sizes to make the curls bigger or smaller, depending on your desired look.

Women and men with nearly any hair type, hair texture, and hair length can get a perm—if you can curl it with a curling iron, you can get a perm. You can even use it to make your hair straighter!

One caveat: you should not get a perm if your hair is very damaged or overly processed. However, this doesn’t mean you have to give up your curly hair dreams forever! Talk to your stylist about a hair repairing treatment, such as K18.

• Spiral Perm – Looking for those classic ringlets? Spiral perms will give you the look of classic Type 3 curls.
• Beach Wave Perm – Recreate the perfectly tousled look of beachy waves.
• Root Perm – Also known as a “volumizing perm,” this method focuses on the roots of your hair, adding lift at the scalp.
• Straight Perm – Also known as “thermal reconditioning,” this method smooths and relaxes curls, giving you straight hair. One major drawback: it can take hours to achieve results. A better bet is a keratin or relaxer treatment.
• Spot Perm – Are you struggling to style your “Irish curls”? A spot, or partial, perm targets only certain areas, allowing you to customize your curl pattern.
• Multi-Textured Perm – A multi-textured perm uses a variety of rod sizes to create a look that blends larger and smaller curl sizes. This can be used to create a very edgy, modern style or a more natural look.

Another method that is currently trending? “Digital” perms.

Digital perms (also known as hot perms) use a combination of chemicals and heated rods that are temperature controlled using a digital display.

There is a myth that cold perms result in tighter spirals while digital perms result in looser, softer curls. The truth is that your stylist can simply use larger rods to achieve any look you want (and for a much smaller price tag).

What To Expect During The Perm Process

Getting your hair permed takes a lot longer than your average cut and color, so don’t expect to get a perm on your lunch break!

1. Just like any other hair treatment, your perm appointment should start with a consultation with your stylist. The two of you will talk about your hair goals, hair type, and more to create a plan for the perfect curls!
2. Your stylist will wash and section the hair, wrapping it on perm rods.
3. Next, s/he will apply a chemical solution which breaks down the disulfide bonds of the hair. This is essentially “rewiring” your hair’s shape. In most cases, you will wait between 15-20 minutes while this process takes place.
4. The chemical solution is rinsed off, and your stylist will apply a neutralizing solution, which locks your hair in its new shape.
5. Your hair is rinsed again and your stylist will apply a conditioning treatment.
6. The stylist styles your hair and you walk out looking and feeling great!

Caring For Your Perm

With proper care, perms can last between 3-6 months (depending on how fast your hair grows). So let’s talk about how to properly care for your new locks!

If you’ve seen Legally Blonde, you already know that you should avoid washing your hair for 24-48 hours after your perm appointment. You should also avoid putting your hair up and heat styling as well.

To keep the curl in longer, try to wash your hair less frequently. Wash your hair only when needed, using a sulfate- and sodium chloride-free shampoo.

As your hair grows, your hair will grow in un-permed, but you can always get root touch-ups as well (just like you do for color).

Don’t forget a curly cut to maximize your new ‘do!

Curls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Whether you’re looking to put a twist on your stick-straight hair or simply want to change up your curl pattern, there’s no doubt about it—perms are definitely more fun!

At Studio 312, we have a team of professional stylists who are not only experienced in creating perms of all types, they are dedicated to helping you look and feel your best.

Book your appointment today!