Tip 1 - Bleached/Pre Lightened hair cannot be permed Bleached/Pre Lightened hair cannot be permed until the bleached portion has been totally cut off.
Hair Type: Some hair types, particularly very coarse, thick, or resistant hair, may not hold a perm well. Fine or overly processed hair can also struggle to maintain curls.
"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.
It depends on your hair texture, things like how resistant your hair is, or very limp, so won't take a perm. Ideally, the hair must also be able to hold the perming rollers when hair is wound. Then other considerations includes whether there is any bulid up from silicones from 2in1 shampoos or hair serums.
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a perm. After all, they “work best on hair that is naturally straight or has a slight wave,” says Grenia. “Hair that is already very curly may not take to the perm solution as well and could result in overly tight or frizzy curls.”
"Most perms work best on virgin or healthy hair, however, you can perm pretty much any hair type as long as the hair is not compromised from bleaching, previous perms, or the use of other harsh chemicals such as relaxers and so on," says hairstylist Mateo Lara.
“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.
when hair is damaged and neglected, the hair bonds are generally broken. thus, hair will not have the elasticity and resilience to undergo digital (heat) perm. more often than not, the curls will turn out to be “lifeless” or even “fried”.
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.
Consider Your Hair Type
Different hair types react to perms differently, impacting the potential for damage. Most perms work best on healthy hair, but you can perm most hair types as long as the hair is not compromised too much from bleaching and previous chemical treatments.
Fact #4: Avoid perming your hair if they are exceptionally thin or coarse. On the one hand, when the hair is too fine, it lacks the elasticity and strength to hold the curls in place. Consequently, the curls either don't last, or they tend to have lots of flyaways.
An approved labor certification from the Department of Labor proves no qualified U.S. citizens are available to occupy the position offered. However, PERM applications are often denied due to errors and noncompliance with complex regulations.
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. Don't wash your hair too often.
Multi-textured perm
This style is a great way to create natural-looking curls that vary in texture. Like a stack perm, your stylist can use different-sized rods and rolls to create a combination of tight and loose curls. This results in a layered style that closely resembles natural curls that vary in tightness.
Excessive heat
Excessive heat during the perming process can damage the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Excessive heat can cause the hair to become brittle, dry, and more prone to breakage.
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.
During the perm process, skin irritation, hair breakage, oral toxicity, and scarring alopecia can occur if the chemicals are not used correctly. Perms are not recommended for younger people. Studies have shown that children between 10 and 13 years old using chemical perms have a higher risk of breast cancer.
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.
Incorrect use of rollers
The rollers need to be rolled in the correct tension to have the desired effect. Rolling them too tight or too loose will determine how well your perm turns out. The longer the development of the hair, the tighter your curls will be, and the less the development, the looser the curls will be.
Can you perm dyed hair? 'Coloured hair can definitely get this process done now, thanks to the softer solution and rods we use on the hair,' says Roszak. 'It can even de-frizz and redefine naturally wavy hair.
If flat, lifeless strands need a lift, or you're tired of volumizing sprays and teasing combs, this type of root perm is best. Korean root perms are ideal for people with straight or slightly wavy hair, as well as those who have dyed or bleached hair.
As we step into 2025, the world of hairstyling is witnessing a resurgence of perms, with modern twists that cater to diverse hair types and personal styles. At Charles Ifergan Salons, our expert stylists are embracing this trend, offering a variety of perm styles designed to enhance texture, volume, and individuality.
Do not tie your hair into a ponytail or a bun. Let your hair open for 1 day or 2 days. It will avoid any deformation in your curls and help to maintain its shape. Also trim your hair every 4-5 weeks.
Unlike the traditional cold perm, which uses a liquid solution and indirect heat, Digital Perm utilizes a cream solution and a professional machine to heat the rods before applying them to the hair. This modern process results in longer-lasting curls or waves.