What is a soft perm?

Author: Noelia Goodwin  |  Last update: Friday, August 22, 2025

Final answer: Soft curl perms, also known as body waves, texturizing perms, loose wave perms, or spot perms, involve chemically treating the hair to create semi-permanent curls or waves that can last several months.

What does soft perm mean?

Soft Perm is a hair treatment that creates soft, natural-looking waves in the hair. It is a gentle perm that is perfect for those who want to add some texture and volume to their hair without making it look too curly or frizzy.

What perm looks the most natural?

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.

What is the difference between a cold perm and a soft perm?

If you want soft, bouncy curls, a Digital Perm is likely your match. On the flip side, if you're after a more intense curl that's tightly defined, a Cold Perm might be the way to go. Both options offer a unique path to beautiful, lasting curls, but they cater to different needs and preferences.

Does a soft perm damage your hair?

Perm chemicals change the protein bonds within your hair. After a perm, a lot of your natural moisture is lost, and you might be prone to split ends and breakage, especially on the ends of your hair. Perming your hair the first time usually isn't the problem, it's perming multiple times over already damaged hair.

Getting A Perm

What is the most popular type of perm?

Looser perms or beach waves as they are more commonly known by are by far the most popular choice for clients looking for a natural look curl. They offer clients versatility, ease of maintenance, and the ability to add volume and texture to much finer hair.

Can you get a soft wave perm?

Body wave perm

Adds volume and soft, loose waves to hair, creating a natural, fuller look. This technique uses larger rods to create a gentler curl pattern. The process typically takes 2-3 hours and results can last 3-5 months. Body wave perms are ideal for those wanting movement and volume without tight curls.

What is the best perm for thin, fine hair?

Chemical Type

The acidic perm solution, also known as a hot perm, is ideal for thin, damaged, and delicate hair. It produces more natural-looking curls. An alkaline one, known as a cold perm, is ideal for coarse and textured hair.

What face shape does a perm suit?

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.

How much does a soft perm cost?

How much are perms for different hair lengths? 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.

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.

How do you take care of a soft perm?

Daily Care Tips
  1. Choosing the Right Products. Invest in shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for chemically treated hair. ...
  2. Comb Gently. Avoid brushing permed hair when it's dry, as this can disrupt the curls and cause frizz. ...
  3. Drying Your Hair. Pat your hair gently with a towel instead of rubbing it.

What is the softest perm?

A digital perm creates softer, more natural-looking waves and curls than a cold perm because the digital heat pattern creates looser and more voluminous curls.

What not to do after a perm?

Post perm care
  1. Wait 48-72 hours before shampooing your hair. ...
  2. Do not stand under a shower head for 48 hours. ...
  3. Avoid getting into a swimming pool or hot tub for 7 days. ...
  4. Do not brush or pull hair for 24-48 hours. ...
  5. Do not use a flat iron, curling iron or blow dryer for 48 hours. ...
  6. Avoid coloring your hair for 3 to 7 days.

What is the least damaging perm?

If you're worried about hair damage or have fine, brittle hair, opt for Japanese airwave or cold perm, as they are the least damaging perm techniques across all types of perm. Both methods are quick and affordable to retain the look and subtlety of natural curls without the use of heat.

Is perm bad for thinning hair?

Breakage. Breakage is the most common type of hair loss due to a bad perm. Since perming is inherently a drying process, if done so incorrectly can result in damage to the strands of hair making them weak and brittle. This causes the strands to break, leaving thinning or bald patches.

What is the healthiest type of 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 is the best style for thin fine hair?

Lobs and Bobs Are Always Flattering

An asymmetrical bob or A-line bob is cut shorter in the back and angles to a longer front. This chic style for fine hair looks great if you bend the ends with a straightener. A lob or long bob is cut just above the shoulders, at shoulder level, or just below.

How long does a soft perm take?

Traditional Perm: Uses perm rods and chemical solution, taking 2 to 4 hours. Suitable for various hair types and curl patterns. Digital Perm: This technique involves heated rods controlled by a machine, creating soft waves. It is ideal for medium to long hair and typically takes 3 to 4 hours.

What is digital perm vs soft perm?

a cold perm, a digital perm uses heat to create loose waves, while a cold perm does not involve heated rods and results in defined, uniform curls. The overall finish of a digital perm is glossy and bouncy, whereas a cold perm offers a more natural-looking, often matte finish.

Can you get your hair lightly permed?

If you have straight hair, this perm will give you a light wave. Spot perm. This plain curl perm works on specific sections of your hair. It's good for people who want curls on the ends of their hair or around the middle.

Can you get a soft curl perm?

If you have short hair and dream of having soft, bouncy curls without the hassle of daily styling, a soft curl perm may be just what you need. This popular hair treatment can give your short locks a beautiful texture and volume that lasts for months.

What perm is best for grey hair?

Gray hair is usually very resistant, so your stylist will probably use an alkaline type perm, either a cold perm or an "exothermic" perm. Alkaline perms give a well-defined curl to coarse, resistant hair.

What is the alternative to a perm?

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.

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