Some stylists prefer to cut hair before the perm to remove excess length and weight. Others prefer to cut after the perm to remove any dry or damaged ends and to shape the style.
No, you don't need to cut your hair before getting a perm. However, if your hair is really straight, you might want to wait until it's about five inches long so it can get into the rods. Also, if you want a tighter perm, you need to wait at least two months, and for a body wave, you need to wait at least four months.
Gently cleanse hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove oil, debris, and product build-up that could prevent absorption of the waving lotion—but do NOT use conditioner before perming. Finally, rinse thoroughly, apply a towel, and re-evaluate to make a final determination on whether hair is perm-able.
"Generally, two inches is the minimum length of hair for a perm because it is enough to be wrapped onto the perm rod.
Don't wash your hair for 48-72 hours after a perm . During that time your perm is still technically forming and can be ruined or relax if you decide to wash it within that time frame. Don't comb thru your hair during the first 48 hours. Leave it alone as much as possible.
Next, let's talk about the importance of a thorough cleansing before your digital perm adventure. This step is a game-changer! Not only does it remove product buildup, but it also helps with the even distribution of the perming solution, improves its penetration, and makes life easier for your fabulous stylist.
Keep in mind that if you have thin or fine hair, your results may not be as noticeable. The process: To achieve the root perm, your hair will be wrapped at the roots with small rollers, a prepping perm solution is applied, and then your hair receives a shaping solution along with a final wash and style.
Similarly, if your hair is already very dry or breakage prone because of frequent heat-styling, a dry climate, your genetics, or even illness, this may not be the best time to think about perming your hair. The best time to have a perm—rather, when the perm is most successful—is when you have healthy hair.
While the term "permanent wave" suggests a lasting transformation, it's important to note that the effects of a perm are not truly permanent. As your hair grows, the new texture will gradually move away from the roots, resulting in a noticeable contrast between the treated and untreated sections.
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.
“Perming doesn't get taught to hairstylists like it did in the 80s, so the technique has kind of died out a bit,” says Hersheson. “It's really important that the person you go to understands perms. You also need someone who will tell you not to have it done if your hair isn't in the right condition.
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.
Consult with your stylist. Some stylists prefer to cut hair before the perm to remove excess length and weight. Others prefer to cut after the perm to remove any dry or damaged ends and to shape the style.
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.
You should also avoid rubbing or scratching the scalp while perming, as this can irritate the scalp and cause unnecessary damage to the hair.
Hairstylist, Licensed Cosmetologist. Your hair must be washed before perm, with deep cleansing, clarifying shampoo in order to remove build up. For the best results, you want to make sure your hair is clean, and stripped of any deposits before applying perm solution.
Continuously subjecting a perm to activities like swimming, frequent shampooing or wet weather will damage the longevity of your perm. Getting it wet opens your hair's cuticle, releasing the chemicals used to set the perm.
A spiral perm is a popular choice for hair that's shoulder-length or longer and involves rolling the hair onto a perm vertically to establish a spiral shape.
Consider A Haircut First
Cutting your hair after a perm can affect the curl – so, if you need a trim, it's best to do that first. Perms look better when you have layers rather than a blunt cut, as they add more volume. You also need to account for your hair getting shorter during the process, too.
Consider your current haircut carefully
Well, the same thing happens to your hair. So, if you like the length of your hair right now, keep in mind that it could be as much as two inches shorter once it's wavy/curly.
The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.
If you're considering getting a perm, you may be wondering if you should get a haircut before or after the treatment. The good news is that you can do either one!
Both phases of the perm process are of equal importance.