How do I decide if I should get a perm?

Author: Miss Macie Yost  |  Last update: Sunday, September 14, 2025

So, to help you decide if it's right for you, here's everything you need to know about getting a perm...
  1. It Takes a While! ...
  2. Perms Last At Least 3 Months. ...
  3. You Can't Perm Damaged Hair. ...
  4. Consider A Haircut First. ...
  5. You Can Still Straighten It – Occasionally. ...
  6. Don't Wash Your Hair For 48 Hours After Treatment.

How do you know if a perm is right for you?

How do I know if a perm will look good on me? You can consult a stylist to get an idea of what kind of perm will work best for your hair type and face shape. Always take along a photo of the kind of curl you most like. Photos speak a thousand words!

Who is not a good candidate for a perm?

People who already have curly, wavy or otherwise naturally textured hair are not going to be good candidates for perms. Exchanging once permanent curl for another, unfortunately, isn't what perms were designed for. They also probably aren't right for a perm if they have already had one or have had their hair relaxed.

Should I get a perm or no?

Are perms good or bad for your hair? Perms are a great way to style your hair, but if you do them often and don't take care of your hair with a perm, it can be bad for your hair health.

What face shape suits a perm?

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.

Getting A Perm

Does a perm look good on everyone?

Hair Type – Generally, perms work best on hair that is not overly coarse or resistant to chemical treatments. Hair that is naturally straight or slightly wavy (1A to 2A) is ideal for the perm process. Length – Shorter hair can be permed, but longer hair holds curls and texture better.

Who shouldn't get a perm?

Perms work best on healthy hair

If your hair has already undergone a chemical process, such as bleaching or relaxing, you probably want to skip a perm because doubling up on the chemicals can lead to chronic dryness and breakage.

What are the disadvantages of a perm?

Damage to Hair Structure: The chemical process involved in perming can potentially damage the hair structure. Over-processing or improper application may lead to dryness, breakage, and loss of natural shine, requiring additional care and maintenance.

How to sleep with permed hair?

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.

What hair cannot be permed?

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.

What is the most natural looking perm?

The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.

Should fine hair be permed?

Thin hair is already delicate, and subjecting it to the chemical solutions and heat involved in perming can potentially lead to additional damage. The stress caused by the perming process may result in breakage, frizziness, and overall compromised hair health.

What is a good age to get a perm?

A child younger than five should definitely not receive a perm. For children that are a little older, it is wise to consult with an experienced salon professional, who properly assess the situation based on the child's hair type.

What not to do before a perm?

Avoid Heat Styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools before perming to prevent additional stress on your hair. Prepare Your Hair: Use a clarifying shampoo a few days before the perm to remove any residue, but avoid heavy styling products right before the treatment.

Which perm lasts the longest?

Spiral perm

Creates tight, corkscrew curls using long vertical rods. The hair is wound around the rods from scalp to tip, creating a spiral pattern. This style usually takes 2-3 hours to complete and can last 4-6 months. Spiral perms work best on longer hair and create a dramatic, voluminous look.

Why is perm bad for your hair?

At worst, perms and hair relaxers can lead to hair becoming so dry and brittle that it breaks off in bulk, jeopardising the thickness and appearance of your hair. In this article, you'll learn all about the risks of hair perms so you can decide whether they outweigh the benefits.

How to get curly hair without a perm?

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.

When should I re-perm my hair?

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. Your stylist can help you make this decision.

What I wish I knew before getting a perm?

You should not proceed with getting a perm if your hair is unhealthy. “If your hair is damaged, overly processed, or has a lot of split ends, you may not be the best candidate for a perm,” he warns. “The chemicals in the perm solution can further weaken damaged hair.”

How do you determine if you should get a perm?

So, to help you decide if it's right for you, here's everything you need to know about getting a perm...
  1. It Takes a While! ...
  2. Perms Last At Least 3 Months. ...
  3. You Can't Perm Damaged Hair. ...
  4. Consider A Haircut First. ...
  5. You Can Still Straighten It – Occasionally. ...
  6. Don't Wash Your Hair For 48 Hours After Treatment.

Will a perm hide thinning hair?

Perm. Curls add volume, so getting a perm could be a good way to add permanent bounce to your thinning hair. However, perms can dry out your locks, making them more prone to hair breakage. So make sure to treat your tresses to regular moisturising sessions (coconut oil is a great DIY hair mask).

What is the healthiest perm?

All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins. Caring for the environment while caring for your hair will leave you feeling great and looking just as stunning with your Natural Perm look.

What hair length is best for a perm?

Ideally your hair should be shoulder-length or longer for a perm to look its best, but you can perm hair that's up to 2 inches long - this is the minimum hair length for a perm, because it's just long enough to be wrapped around a perming rod.

What is the difference between a perm and a spiral perm?

Basic Perms offer versatile curl patterns, while Spiral Perms deliver more distinctive ringlet curls. Lifestyle and Maintenance Requirements: Spiral Perms may require more attention and maintenance than Basic Perms. Reflect on your daily routine, lifestyle, and desire for upkeep when making a choice.

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