Basic Perms offer versatile curl patterns, while Spiral Perms deliver more distinctive
The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.
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. The same goes for a spiral perm, the only difference between the two is the variety of curl sizes or lengths with the spiral.
Modern hairstyling practices and tools have put us long past the days when your hair type determined if you could get a perm or not. In fact, there are a lot more options and different types of perms than there ever have been before, like the spiral perm, beach wave perm, body wave perm and so many more.
A perm can definitely make thin hair appear thicker regardless of the size curl you go with. During a perm process the size and type of curl you end up with is determined by the size of roller used during the process. So whether you decide to go curly or just wavy your hair should appear to be thicker afterwards.
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.
There are two types of chemical root perms solutions: acidic and alkaline perms. 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.
“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.
Unlike the Spiral Perm, which results in corkscrew curls, the Piggyback Perm offers less of a springy, spiral effect and more of a textured wave/curl pattern.
Post perm care
Do not brush or pull hair for 24-48 hours. Use a wide tooth comb or pick to untangle your hair. relax your curl. Use a towel scrunching method to dry your locks.
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.
When you wash your hair after getting a perm, if it is done too soon you risk your perm falling out and losing all the money and time put into perming your hair. After the initial perm, your hair needs time to rest and the chemicals need time to set.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A permanent wave, commonly called a perm or permanent (sometimes called a "curly perm" to distinguish it from a "straight perm"), is a hairstyle consisting of waves or curls set into the hair. The curls may last a number of months, hence the name.
Spiral Perm is an advanced perming technique characterized by its distinctive, long, and springy ringlet curls. During the process, our stylists meticulously wrap hair sections around perm rods in a spiral pattern, applying perming solution to reshape the hair into spiral curls.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a perm, depending on the salon's location, the stylist's experience, and the complexity of the procedure.
Loose Wave Perm
As the name suggests, this type of perm creates loose waves which can be easily compared to the beach wave look, something which looks fab come summertime. It can be done on any length of hair but the longer the better in this case or the waves likely won't have much effect on your look.
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.
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.
Spiral Perm
If you're looking for tight, well-defined curls, a spiral curl could be your best option. You can even customize your style by using a variety of rod sizes for different curl shapes. You'll need to have hair that's at least eight inches long for a spiral perm.