As part of our beauty routine, we go to a salon at least once a month to get that dashing hairstyle. Admit it, it’s not just real hair extensions, a new cut or color that we go to the hairdresser’s for but also the salon-fresh feeling especially when we decide to get a perm. Our hair smells different (but in a good way), feels better, looks shiny, and gives us more confidence while exiting that salon. However, sometimes it is a struggle to maintain that fresh-from-the-salon look, but on this blog, we’re going to talk about the ultimate list of do’s when getting a perm.
Is this your first time getting a perm? Do you like to achieve those fantastic waves and transform them into fashionable, uptight chic ones? Well, this is for you. But first, let’s define what a perm is.
A perm is a chemical technique done by a platinum hair salon near me affecting the keratin of your hair. Keratin is a protein that makes up 95% of your hair and forms the structure of your individual hair. Perm treatment reacts to the bonds between keratin molecules and allows your hair to hold a new shape. There are two types – hot or digital perm and cold wave perm. On the other hand, the most common chemical used in perms is ammonium thioglycolate. If you have thin or fragile hair, gentler perms are acid-balanced and use glyceryl mono thioglycolate.
Now let’s go to the perming process that you need to know.
1. Deep Cleansing Wash
Just like any other art, getting that perfect curly hair or even blonde hair extensions starts by creating a clean canvas as your hairdresser begins by applying a clarifying shampoo. This sloughs away any product residue clinging to your strands. Deeply cleansing your locks also helps to remove excess sebum and dead scalp cells. After cleaning, the stylist will dry your mane and loosen out the knots and tangles with a wide-toothed comb.
2. Applying the perm solution
The next step is to coat your locks with the perming solution. This solution works on the protein bonds called disulfide bonds which connect the molecules making up each strand. The chemical reaction causes them to break down. Your stylist will then wash the solution out of your mane. The nature of this solution generally depends on your chosen style. Hot or digital reconditioning techniques in particular use an acidic solution. While cold perm on the other hand calls for the use of an alkaline solution.
3. Shape the Wave
After applying the solution, it is time to reshape the protein molecules with the help of rods. These rods are smaller when applying the cold wave technique, setting your tresses into their new form. Smaller rods equal tighter spirals that you may find in classic or pin curls styles. Digital perms like Korean waves involve heated rods that are connected to the machine that manages the ideal thermal setting to create the big, shapely waves that you desire. Depending on your chosen style, the stylist will begin to remold your cuticles accordingly.
4. Setting the Curl Style
The stylist locks in your wonderfully reshaped tresses with an oxidation lotion that is made up of hydrogen peroxide, the key ingredient that rebonds the disulfide molecules in the desired wavy structure. Once that is done, the stylist washes any excess solution. A quick blow-dry and some styling tips from your hair expert end the session. You’ll walk away with a head of fresh new curls.
Now let’s go to the Dos when having a perm:
Know your Whys
There are so many advantages to getting a perm. One is that you’ll get those shapely curls without too much work in the mornings. You can use these guide questions:
-What do you want to achieve with salon perming?
-Is it about adding volume to your crowning glory?
-Are you someone who loves tousled curls but was not naturally blessed with them?
-Do you want to save your tresses (and yourself) from the pains of daily styling?
If you know your “what” and answered yes to most questions, then going for salon curling is definitely the right choice. The important thing is to be sure. At Xpreshun Aveda Seminole, you can always ask your stylist for their opinion to help you make that final leap. Be confident with your choice and perming is the quickest way to achieve your dream style.
Keep the length first
Keeping your crowning glory as long as possible will definitely give you more style options to choose from. Longer hair gives your stylist more room to play with and easily creates a style that frames your face well. On the other hand, chemically shaping choppy and layered or short, cropped tresses will add too much volume close to your face.
Know the condition of your hair
Know your tresses which means knowing the natural type, texture, density, porosity, and strength of your crowning glory. Natural type is the hair type you are born with – it can be straight, curly, wavy, and coily. Texture tells you the thickness of your strands, ranging from fine, to medium to thick. Density indicates how much volume you actually have and curling it will add to that volume. Porosity is how porous or open your cuticles are, which can determine how well natural oils and hydration can pass through your strands. And strength points are how strong or fragile your strands are.
Do your research
Take time for yourself to research what style will suit you. Figure out what you really fancy and be sure to bring what you know to your stylist. Clearer communication will omit any room for error.
Come prepared to relax
You can bring something to do while you are in the chair as perming can take up to two hours. While the experts are on the work, take this chance to turn this into a full relaxation session. You can also download your favorite TV series, queue up podcast episodes to catch up on or read your favorite ebook.
Complement with the right haircut
New curls won’t be complete without the right cut. Your stylist may suggest gentle layers to really bring out the fresh texture. This style can complement your wavy look by adding the effect of cascading waves down your back. Other than layers, you may simply opt to trim the sides slightly to add to the roundness of your tresses.
