Perming is a two-step process: Initially, a perming lotion is applied on hair that disrupts the bonds and chemically relaxes the hair. Mercaptans are used to soften the hair. Hair is wound over rollers or curling rods, to take their shape.
Perming The Hair:
The process we call permanent waving uses chemicals to break and reform the stronger disulfide bonds of the hair. When the hair is washed and wrapped on a perm rod (the rod size used determining the tightness of the curl), we place the hair in the physical shape we want it to take.
During a Basic Perm service, our expert stylists carefully wrap hair sections around perm rods and apply a perming solution. This chemical process restructures the hair to achieve a uniformly curled appearance.
The Don'ts of Perming Hair. Don't expose your hair to too much heat. Avoid using curling irons, hair straighteners, and other heat styling tools as much as possible, as they can damage your perm. If you must use heat styling, be sure to use a heat protectant spray first.
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.
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. Scalp health is important because once a hair follicle gets damaged, you can't grow new hair from that follicle.
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.
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.
While regular perms may last 3 – 6 months, a spiral perm (if taken care of properly) can last even longer. Spiral perms use a stronger perming solution than regular perms to keep the curls tight for as long as possible.
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.
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.
Ammonium thioglycolate, also known as perm salt, is the salt of thioglycolic acid and ammonia. It has the formula HSCH2CO2NH4 and has use in perming hair. Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
However, when performed by an experienced professional, your perm shouldn't cause hair loss or damage your hair in any way. Unfortunately, when not performed correctly, the harsh chemicals used for a perm can damage your hair and possibly lead to thinning hair or hair loss.
Modern perming methods and solutions are far less damaging than their 1980s counterparts, but they still can be damaging if you overdo it. We'd recommend waiting 8-10 months between each perm to give your hair a chance to recover. Ideally, you should only be perming your hair 1-2 times a year.
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.
The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.
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.
Usage of The Wrong Conditioner/Shampoo
An example of an inappropriate shampoo is clarifying shampoo. Although clarifying shampoos are excellent for removing product buildup from natural hair, they are too harsh for freshly permed hair and cause the curls to give way too soon.
“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.
Don't use products that contain parabens, sulphates, or alcohol as these can ruin your perm.