| Perms are now making their comeback as toned-down versions of the iconic overly-curled and brushed-up hairdos from the 1970s and 1980s. Who could forget Olivia Newton-John’s perm in Grease or Meg Ryan’s in When Harry Met Sally? But beyond their aesthetic, perms are difficult to achieve. Hairstylists use different chemicals and heating solutions, some of which damage the hair, just to create perms. This then begs the question: are perms bad for your hair? Let’s find out! Show
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What is a perm?A perm is short for “permanent hairstyle”. The name is pretty self-explanatory—someone with straight hair who wants to have curly hair can go through a thorough chemical process just to alter the structure of their crowning glory. Perms have existed as early as 1905 when invented the spiral heat method. He applied sodium hydroxide caustic soda on his clients’ hair and wrapped it in a spiral around rods connected to his electric permanent wave machine.  Today, hairstylists achieve modern perms by using different tools, chemicals, and techniques. Celebrity hairstylist Anthony Cole, for instance, uses fabric or rollers to create different types of curls and waves on his clients’ hair. How long does a perm last?Despite its name, a perm does have an expiration depending on the style and hair type. For example, a lasts for six to 12 months at a time, while a expires after three to six months. Having permanently styled hair does sound like a dream, but as your natural hair grows out and it becomes exposed to many external factors, perms will inevitably lose their structure. Is it risky to get a perm?As with any other hairstyling technique like blow-drying, perms aren’t so bad when done right. And when you compare it to bleaching, perming is safer to do. Nonetheless, the perming process poses just enough risks to hair health. Hairstylists typically create and style perms using alcohol, boric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonium thioglycolate, all of which open up the hair cuticles to easily restructure the hair. Your cuticles are the protective layer of your hair proteins, so exposing them to chemicals can weaken your hair. It may also be subject to complete damage if you perm your hair frequently. According to professional hairstylist Trey Gillen, certain perms also pose great risks. Alkaline perms, for example, uses chemicals that are on the acid side of the pH scale, making it the most damaging perm process done to human hair. Acid perms, on the other hand, are often less damaging to hair strands but can cause allergic reactions to your scalp. Lastly, perms are risky if you do them yourself, especially if you’re not a professional. There’s a reason why everyone turns to professional hairstylists. It takes skill to use various chemicals and equipment to achieve the perfect curls or waves, so leave it to your local hairstylist to alter the structure of your hair. Effects of perms on different hair typesAs any person who’s had a perm would say, perms don’t turn out the same for everyone because the result highly depends on hair texture and type. If you have any of the following hair types, choose wisely before deciding to get a perm:
How should I maintain my perm?If you’ve already gotten yourself a perm, the best thing to do is maintain it properly and ensure that your hair stays healthy and nourished. The first that you can do directly after getting a perm is to not touch and wash your hair for 48 hours. Your hair has just been chemically restructured, making it more fragile than ever, so it would be best to leave it undisturbed for a while. Similarly, let your hair loose and avoid doing ponytails or buns. Your hair is already styled anyway. Why not let it be and boast about it? Experts also recommend protecting your permed hair from the sun by wearing a light headscarf or hat, as UV rays may damage your hair further. More importantly, use products that are specifically formulated to take care of perms. Ask your hairstylist what shampoo, conditioner, and hair masks they would recommend for you. What shampoos should I use to take care of my perm?When choosing shampoos and other hair care products for your perm, select those that have natural ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, plant-based oils, fruit extracts, and leaf extracts because they have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. You can select the following products: Shampoos with humectantsHumectants naturally attract water molecules and bind them to human hair, which then makes hair softer, bouncier, more elastic, and less brittle. If you suffer from severely dry hair due to perming, be on the lookout for shampoos that have humectants as an ingredient. WOW Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner
Check out our other hair products such as hair oils, leave-in treatments, and hair masks to help you get smooth and healthy permed hair! Let's Share This: Previous Next Radhika BhatiaI'm a content writer, copywriter, and blogger with a background in marketing, planning, and eCommerce. I specialize in beauty writing, including skincare, cosmetics, wellness, aesthetics, and health. Classically trained and idea-savvy, I love living in the present. Recommended Products500 ml Hair Onion for Hair Lice - How Does It Help in Managing the IssueLearn the excellent benefits of using onion for hair lice. Discover how this natural remedy can help you manage and treat hair lice infestations quickly... Sarah Dickenson 3 mins Acv Hair An Ultimate Guide to Clarifying Hair with Apple Cider VinegarApple cider vinegar can strip away product build-up and residue, leaving your hairand scalp clean. Find out how to clarify hair with apple cider vinegar. Linda Banner 3 mins Hair Flat Hair Vs. Fine Hair: What Your Need to KnowFlat hair or fine hair – what is your hair type? If you don’t know, read on to find their differences and similarities – and... What is the least damaging type of perm?Digital perms use a milder chemical with a pH close to that of your scalp and hair. They give looser waves or curls than traditional cold perms and the results won't last quite as long, but it's worth it to avoid causing permanent damage to your strands!
How long does a spiral perm last?Spiral Perm
This type of perm uses larger rods than traditional perms and can create tighter or looser curls, depending on your preference. What is this? Spiral perms also tend to last about 3-6 months.
Which is better spiral perm or regular perm?The length of your hair matters when you're deciding between the two. Spiral perms work best for hair that is at least 8 cm long from root to tip. A regular perm is recommended for shorter hair.
Can a perm cause permanent damage?Overuse or improper mixing of the chemicals has the potential to damage the hair and follicle permanently. A chemical burn to the scalp will most likely result in a scar, existing hair will fall out at the root, and the hair follicle will be damaged to the point that it can no longer produce strands of hair.
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How damaging is a spiral perm?
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