The end result is that a cold perm results in tight, defined curls while a hot perm results in looser, softer curls.
Yes, tight curly hair can be permed to achieve looser curls, but the process and results can vary based on several factors:
Unlike tight, traditional perms, a soft curl perm focuses on creating relaxed texture, making it ideal for short hair. This modern take on perming offers a low-maintenance solution for adding volume and movement without requiring lengthy daily styling routines.
A loose perm, also known as a body wave, is a chemical treatment that adds volume, texture, and soft waves to naturally straight or flat hair. Unlike traditional perms, which produce tight, uniform curls, a loose perm creates loose, natural-looking waves.
Beach Waves Perm
If loose, messy, beachy waves are your favorite curls, opt for a beach perm. “It uses foam rollers rather than traditional perm rods to wrap the hair loosely for a soft wave,” Dudley explains. “Typically, beach perms also use a milder perm solution.”
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.
How much does a perm cost? On average, the cost of a perm usually ranges from $80 up to $250, but it will vary depending on where you get the service done and the type of perm you choose. Some perms involve more complex and time-consuming processes to achieve the look, which raises the price.
Loose Wave Perm
As the name suggests, this type of perm creates loose waves which can be easily compared to the beach wave look, something which looks fab come summertime. It can be done on any length of hair but the longer the better in this case or the waves likely won't have much effect on your look.
5. Beach Wave Perm. Just as it sounds, a beach wave perm makes your hair look like you just stepped off the beach, giving it beach waves instead of tight curls.
At Kimage Salon, a digital perm by Senior Stylists ranges from $230 to $290, while a digital perm by Junior Stylists costs between $140 and $180.
Loose curls: If you have long hair, you will use about 30 medium rods or just 20 large rods for a more beachy wave. Short and medium hair lengths will need approximately 24 medium rods for loose curl patterns or 10 to 15 large rods for waves.
The term 'perm' is short for 'permanent hairstyle', and this hairstyling technique uses chemicals to give straight hair curls, ringlets or waves.
Curling your hair in alternating directions will make your curls look more natural. It will also help to prevent your curls from clumping together, providing a softer, more bouncy look. The larger and thicker the strands of hair you wrap around your curling iron, the looser your curls will be.
Cold perms, also known as acid perms, are often considered gentler on the hair compared to traditional heat-based methods. The process uses a milder acidic solution, which is less damaging to the hair's structure.
Are permanent waves actually permanent? Yes, the are, until the hair grows (at the rate of 1/2 inch per month, on average). Remember, however, that perms usually loosen up to 25% within the first two weeks after a perm with shampooing and ordinary attention.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Perm
Your face shape will also come into play when selecting a perm style – oval faces look great with body waves while heart-shaped faces suit loose curls best.
Moreover, perms can also impact the volume and body of thin hair. While perms can add texture and create the illusion of thicker hair, it's crucial to note that the process involves chemicals that can make the hair more porous.
Perms can damage your hair over time. If you don't take care of your scalp health, you could get hair loss. Scalp health is important because once a hair follicle gets damaged, you can't grow new hair from that follicle. It's important to get perms only from a trusted salon.
The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.
So if you want curls that are a little loose, you can grow your hair for some time, at least to the ear, and then get a perm. The smallest size rod can fit in hair with a length of as little as 2 inches, while the largest rod, giving loose curls, can require a length of up to 5-6 inches."
Perming your hair involves using chemicals to break down the bonds in your hair and then reforming them into a new shape. This process can damage your hair, so use hydrating styling products and techniques and consult a professional stylist who is experienced in perming curly hair.
Perms for short hair can cost $30 to $150, medium-length hair can cost $60 to $200, and perms for long hair can cost $80 to $400. Short hair is the least expensive since it uses the least amount of product and the least amount of time to prep and install the perm rods.
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.