No, not if you have virgin or unprocessed hair. While there is a misconception that perms will leave your hair damaged and dry, if your hair is already healthy, a perm shouldn't do too much damage. If you have lightened or bleached hair, getting a perm is slightly riskier, so it's important to go to a professional.
New perms are less chemical-y which means they leave hair softer and less damaged. (The modern chemicals in REF's perms are protected information). But they are so much gentler that people can get their hair dyed or bleached and permed on the same day without any fear of breaking or even damaging their hair.
There are a ton of different ways to get a perm. The safest way is a digital perm, also called a hot perm. They're a little more expensive than regular perms, but digital perms are less harmful to your hair.
Perms work by permanently waving your hair through shape memory. Though the name suggests these waves will last forever, they're temporary. Perms can damage your hair over time. If you don't take care of your scalp health, you could get hair loss.
Your hair may still look healthy after one, two, or even more perm treatments. But because the effects accumulate, you will do more harm to your hair with each perm treatment you get.
Ideally, you should only be perming your hair 1-2 times a year. Cold perms can be more damaging than hot perms, due to the stronger chemical solutions they use.
Potential Damage:
Despite being less damaging than traditional perms, the use of chemicals and heat still poses a risk of damage, especially if the hair is already compromised.
"Over-bleached hair, highlighted hair, over-colored hair, and porous hair types should not get a perm," says James, "as the hair will disintegrate." While frizz can be smoothed with product, it can also be a sign of serious breakage caused by frayed cuticles.
Luckily, there are ways to get bouncy curls, soft waves, or gorgeous waves without causing any harm. If you've been wanting a head full of gorgeous curls without the damage, using rag curlers, foam curlers, a curling iron, or scrunching your hair could be the perfect options for you.
Keeping your permed hair safe overnight might be the most difficult task yet. Regular cotton pillowcases can cause friction that damages your hair. Sleep on a satin pillowcase instead to give your hair the freedom to move without damage. You could tie your hair up in a loose bun, braids, or do the plop method.
A Natural Perm is a modern, healthy way to prevent any hair- and scalp-related problems from occurring. All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins.
Don't use products that contain parabens, sulphates, or alcohol as these can ruin your perm.
To reduce the potential for damage, it's important to go to a professional stylist who specializes in perms, use hair care products designed for chemically treated hair, and follow a good hair care routine that includes regular conditioning and minimal use of heat styling tools.
The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.
Tip 1 - Bleached/Pre Lightened hair cannot be permed
Thus before each color, always be sure to ask your stylist what goes into your hair. Inform your stylist that you intend to perm your hair in the near future, thus your hair cannot be bleached or pre lightened.
A perm typically lasts three to six months, depending on the type of perm you get, your hair type and how well you take care of it. A traditional perm that produces a uniform curl pattern can last 3-6 months, depending on how fast your hair grows and how you treat it.
If you're worried about hair damage or have fine, brittle hair, opt for Japanese airwave or cold perm, as they are the least damaging perm techniques across all types of perm. Both methods are quick and affordable to retain the look and subtlety of natural curls without the use of heat.
From foam rollers and rag rollers to braids, buns, and pin curling, there are plenty of no-heat methods for creating curls. To enhance curls and ensure the style lasts longer, gently work in a curl-defining gel, spray, or mousse before rolling or pinning small sections of your hair into coils, buns, rags, or rollers.
Body wave perm
Adds volume and soft, loose waves to hair, creating a natural, fuller look. This technique uses larger rods to create a gentler curl pattern. The process typically takes 2-3 hours and results can last 3-5 months. Body wave perms are ideal for those wanting movement and volume without tight curls.
The normal time period between perms is three to four months for short to medium-length hair as long as hair is trimmed or cut two or three times within this period.
A perm can result in dry hair that is weak, brittle, and prone to breakage. As strands of hair break, you may experience thinning hair or temporary hair loss while new strands begin to grow back.