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All set for a makeover? Attempt a perm. When synonymous with over-processed ’80s hair, the perm has returned positively, becoming a popular trend again. While the core modern technology hasn’t changed much, developments have substantially lowered damages from chemicals and warmth. Modern perms offer versatility, from tight spirals and corkscrew swirls to subtle texture and waves. Wondering for how long does a perm last? Normally, perms can last around six months, providing adequate time to appreciate your new look. A perm might be the ideal choice if you want to transform your hair.
What Is A Perm?
A perm, short for permanent wave, is a hair treatment that uses chemicals to modify the framework of your hair, producing curls or waves. This procedure entails using a solution to break down the hair’s all-natural bonds, wrapping the hair around rods, and then using a neutralizer to change the bonds in a brand-new form. Perms can last anywhere from 2 to 6 months, depending on aspects like hair kind and care regimens. Familiarizing yourself with how long permanent extensions last guides in optimizing perm longevity and maintenance.
How Does a Perm Work?
Perms change the structure of the hair using chemicals. First, a solution, such as ammonium thioglycolate, breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair. Then, the hair is wound on sticks to form curls or waves. A neutralizing agent, usually hydrogen peroxide, restores the bonds and fix the new shape. This chemical process ensures that the hair will retain its curls or waves for a long period. Understanding how long a permanent wave lasts is essential for managing expectations and planning proper hair care.
What are the different types of perm?
There are two main types of perms: digital and ceramic. Both use chemicals to break down and reform the bonds of the hair and the rods to form curls. Here are the different types of perms:
- Digital (hot) perm: Uses heated tongs and an acidic solution. Creates natural curls.
- Ceramic (cold) perm: Does not use heat or an alkaline solution. The result is tight, vintage curls.
Suitable for different curling styles:
- Body wave: A hot method with large curlers. Gives soft, natural waves. Easy to care for.
- Multi-textured: A hot method with rods of different sizes. Ideal for long hair. Natural, elastic curls. Does not require special care.
- Partial: This is a hot approach to the ends of the hair. It is perfect for medium to long hair with voluminous ends. It requires a very low level of care.
- Root curling: A cold method for extra volume at the roots. It lasts for several weeks. Does not require special care.
- Spot perm: Hot or cold approach for individual sections of hair. The density of the curl can be customized. It does not require special care if the hot method is used.
- Chemical perm: Hot method for the middle and lower part of the hair. Suitable for hair of the same length. Creates the illusion of layering. Does not require special care.
- Straight perm: A straightening solution and heat are used. Ideal for curly or wavy hair. Lasts about three months. Needs to be conditioned.
- Twist/spiral perm: A cold method with long, thin rods. It is best suited for hair at least eight inches long. Retro-style curls. Medium to a high level of difficulty.
Factors That Affect Perm Longevity
Perms chemically change hair’s framework, changing straight hair into curls or curly hair into straight hair.Â
Stylist expertise
One of the most crucial elements when getting a perm is choosing a knowledgeable hair stylist. A perm functions by using a potent option to disintegrate and restore hair bonds around curling poles. Given the stamina of these chemicals, it’s important to spend time discovering an experienced stylist.Â
Chemical processing
While it’s feasible to perm lightly bleached hair, greatly bleached or chemically processed hair isn’t recommended for perming. Your hair needs to be evenly healthy from root to tip. The more chemicals your hair has been exposed to, the less likely it is to hold the new structure. This could include cutting off harmed ends or staying clear of color treatments before perming.Â
Lifestyle and environmental factors
To make the perm last longer, you should take into account the effects of water. Activities like swimming, frequent shampooing, or wet weather can shorten. Wet perms open the hair cuticle, releasing chemicals that secure the curls. Protect your hair by wearing a swim cap when swimming and using waterproof capes when it rains. Reducing the frequency of shampooing and using mild, sulfate-free shampoos can also help maintain the longevity of your perm and keep your curls intact.
Quality of perm products used
When you perm your hair, anticipate altering your hair products regularly. Permed hair requires extra nutrition and various maintenance. Use only premium, moisturizing items without unsafe toxins to make your perm last.Â
Understanding Perm Maintenance
Maintaining a perm is essential for prolonging its lifespan and keeping your curls looking their best.Â
Wait before washing your hair
After perming your hair, it’s critical to wait 48 hours before washing it. Throughout this moment, refrain from getting your perm wet, putting it up, or touching it excessively, as the chemicals need time to set your strands. In addition, cleaning your perm daily can impact how long a perm lasts, so it’s advisable to expand the space between washes as much as feasible. Adhering to these actions aids in maintaining the integrity of your curls and ensures they last longer.
Use the right shampoo or conditioner
After a perm, hair becomes more prone to frizz and dryness, so moisturizing is essential. To maintain the health and appearance of your curls and extend how long a perm lasts, use the right products. Wash your hair twice a week with a moisturizing shampoo to fight dryness. Then use a deeply moisturizing conditioner to restore moisture and keep your hair in optimal condition. By incorporating moisturizing into your hair care routine, you can ensure that your perm stays vibrant and healthy for a longer period of time.
Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet
Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet, as it’s even more susceptible to damage. This advice is specifically important after perming your hair. Damp, permed hair is delicate and vulnerable to damage. Rather, use a detangling spray, leave-in conditioner, or oil to include dampness and ease out knots gently. By preventing damage during brushing, you can help maintain the integrity of your curls and extend how long a perm lasts. Prioritize gentle hair care guarantees that your permed hair remains healthy, balanced, and vivid for an extensive period.
Avoid heat styling tools
After a perm, your hair becomes drier and needs more moisture. Keep heat styling to a minimum to maintain the health and longevity of your curls. Air drying is preferred, or a diffuser should be used when blow drying to prevent further hair drying. This approach preserves how long a perm lasts and helps activate your curls, enhancing their appearance. If you are forced to use heat styling tools, be sure to apply a heat protectant beforehand to protect the strands from damage and preserve the integrity of the curled hair.
Sleep with your hair in a loose bun
To shield your permed hair while you sleep, opt for a satin pillowcase rather than cotton to reduce rubbing and protect against damage. Additionally, tying your hair in a loose bun or utilizing the plop method can aid in keeping the stability of your swirls. The plop method involves wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel and securing the excess on top of your head. These techniques safeguard how long a perm lasts and add to healthier, much more manageable swirls in the future.
How Long Does a Perm Last?
A perm can last from three to six months, depending on the type of perm, your hair type, and how well you take care of it. Traditional perms, which create even curls, and spiral perms, which offer different-sized curls, last approximately 3-6 months, depending on your hair growth and care. A digital perm, also known as a hot perm, uses heated rods to create how long a permanent wave lasts, which can vary but generally aligns with traditional perms. A straight perm chemically straightens the hair and lasts until the hair grows out or is cut, usually 4-6 months. Proper hair care is crucial to extend the life of any perm.Â
Is There Anything You Can Do to Make It Last Longer?
Proper care of perms can significantly extend their lifespan. What are some specific steps you can take to keep your curls alive and lasting longer?Â
Get regular haircuts
To maintain your perm and keep your curls looking their best, get routine haircuts. As your hair grows, swirls come to be much less noticeable. Trimming every 3-4 months assists in maintaining the form and long life of your perm. This is essential for making certain how long a permanent wave lasts. Regular trims will certainly avoid split ends and keep your curls defined, healthy, and balanced.Â
Wash your hair less
To maintain your perm and prevent dryness, wash your hair less often and condition it a lot more. Overwashing strips away natural oils necessary for healthy hair. According to research in the International Journal of Trichology, these oils are important for keeping hair healthy and wellness. Lowering shampoo frequency assists your perm last longer by protecting moisture. This can enhance how long a permanent wave lasts. Rise conditioning time to nourish and moisturize your hair, keeping it soft and manageable.Â
Invest in protein treatments
Invest in protein treatments to strengthen your hair after a perm. Perm chemicals break down the protein bonds in the hair that are repaired in the salon, but additional protein treatments are beneficial. Use products designed to relink broken disulfide bonds, suitable for all hair types, to enhance how long a perm lasts. You can also create your own protein hair masks using ingredients such as egg and yogurt or avocado and coconut milk. These treatments nourish and fortify your hair, helping to maintain how long a permanent wave lasts by keeping your curls healthy and resilient.
Change your brush
Change the brush to keep the curl. Using the wrong comb can quickly ruin your curls. Instead, use a wide-toothed wooden comb to brush through damp hair gently. Once your hair is dry, switch to a soft brush comb to remove any stubborn knots without damaging your perm. This helps to maintain the permanent wave and ensures that your curls remain well-defined. Additionally, gentle brushing techniques are crucial for keeping how long a perm lasts by preventing unnecessary breakage and frizz, ultimately extending the life of your beautiful curls.
Avoid chemical treatments
Avoid chemical treatments to maintain the health of the perm. After a perm, wait at least a month before applying any additional chemicals to your hair. This will help your hair recover from the initial perm and prevent further damage. By avoiding harsh treatments, you ensure that the permanent wave will last a long time and protect the integrity of your curls. Whether considering hair color or other chemical processes, patience is key to maintaining how long a perm lasts.
Add a fringe
Add a fringe to your haircut to instantly refresh your look and hide gray hair. New bangs can help you look younger by taking years off your face. Ask your stylist to make short, blunt bangs. This will create a thick fringe that will add volume to the crown of your head, effectively masking thinning hair. Adding a fringe is also a great way to complement how long a perm lasts by maintaining a stylish appearance.Â
Final Words
For optimal results, perms are best suited for virgin hair, as bleached, permed, straightened, or colored hair can be further damaged. It’s worth noting that perms are usually most effective on straight, thick hair, although people with curly, natural, or fine hair can also achieve satisfactory results. At HairUp, we offer a wide range of premium hair care products that will complement your perm procedure and provide long-lasting results.
FAQ
Does getting a perm hurt your hair?
Perms involve chemically altering the structure of the hair to create curls or waves, which can potentially cause harm. The process typically involves the application of a solution to break the hair's natural bonds, followed by reshaping and reforming the hair to the desired style. Although modern methods and products are designed to minimize damage, some people may experience dry, brittle, or frizzy hair as a result. It is important to consult with a professional stylist to assess your hair condition and discuss the best approach to minimize any potential harm and achieve your desired look.
Can you get a perm if you have dyed hair?
Yes, you can have a perm if you have colored hair, but it is important to consider the condition of your hair and the type of dye used. Perms chemically change the structure of the hair, so it is very important to avoid overlapping chemical processes that can lead to excessive damage. It is advisable to consult a professional stylist who can assess the condition of your hair and recommend the best approach. They may suggest a strand test to determine how your hair will react to the perm solution and adjust the process accordingly to minimize potential damage and achieve the desired result.