Why do hairdressers not do perms anymore?

Author: Jessica Renner  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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.

Why don't salons do perms anymore?

You'll likely have to start calling around to ask. Many modern salons won't do perms at all (perms have not really been in style for a couple of decades, so most salons don't carry the chemicals needed to do them -- especially salons that cater to younger people).

Are perms going out of style?

As we step into 2024, the world of hairstyling is witnessing a resurgence of a classic trend—the perm. Once associated with the big, voluminous curls of the '80s, the modern perm has evolved into a versatile and trendy styling option.

Why you should not get a perm?

Cons: -harsh chemicals break the strongest bonds in your hair, and if the stylist doesn't know what they're doing, this can cause irreparable damage. -maintenance is a pain, especially if your hair grows fast. -can't use most brands of perm on hair that is over 30% lightened. -honestly, the smell.

Do hairdressers still perm hair?

Yes, women still perm their hair, although the popularity of perms has fluctuated over the years. In recent times, there has been a resurgence in interest in perms, particularly with the rise of more modern techniques that create softer, more natural-looking waves and curls.

thinking about GETTING A PERM? | detailed perm experience and your perm questions answered

What is a perm called now?

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.

How damaging is a perm?

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. It's important to get perms only from a trusted salon.

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.

Does a perm make thin hair look thicker?

A volumizing perm uses waves and curls, rather than tight curls, to give straight or thin hair more volume. The process: The process is similar to that of other perms, but the rods are removed before the neutralizing solution, making your curls looser and giving your hair more volume.

Which is more damaging, perm or color?

Colored Hair

Although not as dangerous as perming overly bleached and highlighted hair, if your hair is colored, you may want to give more thought to a perm. It will be in your best interest to allow two to three weeks before and after your perm to color your hair.

What is the most natural looking perm?

The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.

How much do perms cost?

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.

Are perms still a thing in 2025?

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.

What is the new perm technique?

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.

How much does a perm cost for long hair?

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.

Do perms still stink?

One of the biggest complaints about perms is the smell—a strong ammonia odor that emanates from the alkaline perm solution formula. The odor often lingers in the salon and in your hair. But according to Mann, there's now a fix for that. Applying an acidic product called Biolage R.A.W.

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.

Why is my hair thinning after perm?

The chemicals used in the process penetrate the protective layer of your hair and alter it structurally. A perm can result in dry hair that is weak, brittle, and prone to breakage. As strands of hair break, you may experience thinning hair or temporary hair loss while new strands begin to grow back.

What perm is best for fine hair?

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.

What I wish I knew before getting a perm?

5 Things to Know Before Getting a Perm
  • Perms work best on healthy hair. ...
  • There is a perm learning curve. ...
  • You can't just color your hair whenever you want. ...
  • You'll have to minimize exposure to water. ...
  • Consider your current haircut carefully.

Why you should not perm your hair?

The chemicals used in perms can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased frizz. Without proper hydration and care, the hair can become more difficult to manage, losing its natural shine and suppleness.

Is a cold perm better than a hot perm?

Digital Perm is a heat activated perm that lasts longer. It's recommended for clients who are looking to get big curls and has a longer hair. Cold Perm is a kind of perm that does not require heat to process. It's recommended for tighter curls also clients with short hair.

What destroys a perm?

Don't use products that contain parabens, sulphates, or alcohol as these can ruin your perm.

How to get curly hair without a perm?

From foam rollers and rag rollers to braids, buns, and pin curling, there are plenty of no-heat methods for creating curls. To enhance curls and ensure the style lasts longer, gently work in a curl-defining gel, spray, or mousse before rolling or pinning small sections of your hair into coils, buns, rags, or rollers.

What is Japanese perm?

Japanese digital perm is widely popular in and out of Japan as it offers more defined curls where heat is used. The heat is activated on dry hair to break down the hair molecules, only to have it rebuilt by mimicking the shape of the curling rods in the hair.

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