Perms Are Back! (And Better Than Ever!)

Not so long ago, girls with naturally curly or wavy hair broke out the straightening irons and flattened their tresses until they were shiny and sleek.

Now, not only are curly-haired gals resisting this practice, but those with once-enviable straight tresses are now getting perms. Fashion trendsetters like Katie Holmes and Bella Hadid are sporting bouncy, coiled curls. 

Are you suffering from curl envy? Whether you desire loose, beachy waves or Botticelli ringlets, here’s what you need to know about today’s perms and whether you are a good candidate.

What’s Different? 

The perms of yesteryear often left hair damaged, frizzy, and poofy (and if you need proof, just pull out a 1980s high school yearbook). New formulas are less damaging. And there are some new types of perms as well.

Cold Wave Perm

Cold wave perms are the original “permanent wave,” created in the 1930s. A cold wave perm uses rods and chemical solutions but no heat. Cold perms create tight curls that go all the way up to the roots of your hair. 

Hot Perms

The new hot perms, also called digital perms, use chemicals and rods, too. However, in this method, the rods are heated and digitally controlled, allowing stylists to create looser curls in many sizes and styles.  

Types of Curls and Waves 

Do you want your hair to look like you just emerged from the ocean into the salty air? Or would you prefer it be reminiscent of Sarah Jessica Parker, a la 1990s Sex and the City? Maybe you’re seeking supermodel waves. With today’s perms, you can get any type of curl you want. Here’s some inspiration:

Spiral

A spiral perm is achieved by rolling hair vertically around perming rods. Your stylist can modify the curl size by changing the rod width. This style is best if you have long hair. The result is the tight, twisty curl that Julia Roberts sported in Pretty Woman. 

Spot 

A spot perm infuses targeted volume into a specific section of hair.  These are great if your hair is wavy or curly but lacks consistency or if you want to inject some volume into a particular area, like the midsection.

Body Wave

Body waves provide softer waves by using larger rods and a milder chemical solution. This type of perm is perfect for those who want those bouncy waves but not coiled curls.

Root Perm

With a root perm, the stylist applies the solution only near your scalp to create volume and lift only at the roots.  

Should You Get a Perm?

While today's perms are kinder and gentler than those from the Reagan era, they are still not for everyone. 

• If you have highlighted air, consider skipping the perm. Bleach opens your hair cuticle so the chemicals can penetrate. It also breaks down the fatty acids on the hair shaft, weakening the strand and causing you to lose moisture from your tresses. Perms can dry your hair as well. You may wind up with broken, frizzy hair when you put one chemical process on top of another.
• Perms can dry out your hair. If your hair is already lacking moisture, you can expect it to be even more so after a perm.
• While color is not as damaging as bleach, it is still a chemical process, so a perm may cause additional harm to colored hair.
• If you have short, layered hair, skip the perm. The curls tend to be a bit unruly on the shortest hair. 

The Process 

A perm takes anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the length of your hair and the type of perm. First, you and your stylist will choose the roller size. They will then prepare your hair by washing it thoroughly to remove any products or oils. The next step is to wind your hair on the curlers, which is the most time-consuming part. They may apply the solution before or after they install the rollers. Lastly, they’ll add a neutralizing solution to close your hair cuticles and then rinse.

Ready to get the curls of your dream? Ready, set, curl! 

Customized Curls

The best way to get the curls you’re dying for is to discuss your vision and your hair history with an experienced stylist. The experts at Studio 16 can find the perfect curls for you! All our hair and skin services, including perms, harness the power of AVEDA’s 100% vegan products. Visit us for a relaxing experience and treatments tailored to your needs.