Q&A for How to Perm Your Hair

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  • Question
    How do you make your hair naturally curly?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can use curl enhancing products to make the most of your natural hair texture. You can also use rollers or pin curls to set the hair without heat or chemicals.
  • Question
    How long do perms last in your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A perm will start to loosen after about 2-3 months and should be retouched to maintain the style. Tighter perms last longer than loose ones.
  • Question
    Do perms ruin your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Perms use chemicals to permanently alter the structure of your hair. If used repeatedly they can cause damage, especially if combined with other chemical treatments like hair color.
  • Question
    How much does it cost to perm your hair for men?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    The cost of a perm can range from less than a hundred dollars to a few hundred depending on the stylist, area, and hair length. Call salons in your area for an estimate.
  • Question
    What material and equipment do I need to perm my hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If depends on the type of curls, but generally you need something to set the hair on (rods, rollers, etc.), end papers, a tail comb, plastic sectioning clips, pins or clips to hold the curlers, gloves, paper towels, cloth towels, cotton strips, a spray bottle full of water, and a perm kit.
  • Question
    How can I get more natural-looking curls that aren't all the same size?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Use a few different sizes of rollers or rods and alternate them. Also, using a brick lay pattern where the curlers are applied in staggered alignment instead of vertical rows will create a more natural effect.
  • Question
    Should I dye my hair before or after the perm?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You should dye after, as the perm can cause color to fade. Wait at least a week, ideally 2 weeks, between services.
  • Question
    Where can I buy a perm solution?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Any beauty supply store should carry it. You can also find it online through beauty supply websites, and even Amazon.
  • Question
    How long should the neutralizer stay on?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    It varies depending on the type of perm you are using and the manufacturer. Follow the directions that come with the solution.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to relax my hair before I perm it?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You should not relax hair and then try to recurl it. Instead, if you have naturally curly or kinky hair, use a product that is designed to reduce or restructure the existing curls. This should be a one-step process.
  • Question
    Do I have to use rods or curlers?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Not necessarily. You can perm hair around pencils, strips of cloth, or even apply perm solution to braids, but you will need to create some sort of sturdy set.
  • Question
    Can I get a second perm after two months?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Sure, absolutely! Just make sure you don't have any other chemical services for at least 2 weeks before and after.
  • Question
    Instead of using rolls, can I braid my hair to get wave?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but you will want to be careful about how you finish the braids, as using a rubber band can leave a strange dent at the ends of the hair. Small plastic butterfly clips could work.
  • Question
    Can I get a perm if I have short hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Absolutely, just make sure to sure to use rods that are small enough that your hair wraps around at least 1 1/2 times. If your hair is very short (less than 3") at the sides and nape, you may have to leave those areas out of the set. Comb them into desired shape before applying the perm solution.
  • Question
    How long should body perm last? Months?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    A perm should last about 6 months. You may need to get a touch-up about every 2-3 months when you have grown enough new growth and want to refresh your curls.
  • Question
    I just had a salon perm. The top half did not take. Can I wash it out?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    While a perm will gradually soften up over time, you cannot wash it out. If you're unhappy with the results, you may want to re-perm or use a mild chemical straightener. Just make sure you use one with chemicals that compatible with the perm you've had, or your hair could break.
  • Question
    How much time does it take?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    A perm will take at least 2 hours to complete. It widely depends on the length and texture of your hair, as well as your level or experience.
  • Question
    How do I sleep with a perm?
    Community Answer
    Get a hair net or satin sleeping cap. A silk or satin scarf could work too, but you would probably have to pin it to stay in place.
  • Question
    What are some resources I can use to find out where to buy perm products?
    Community Answer
    You can buy perm supplies and products at beauty supply shops and salons. The employees can also help you with what product you should buy based on your hair type.
  • Question
    Do perming cause further damage to rough hair?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily, your hair's roughness or softness stays the same, provided it is done properly. What does change is that it will become drier and frizzier, something you need to control well.
  • Question
    I'm a male with uneven bangs. Should I try to even out my hair or just get it permed the way that it is?
    Community Answer
    Yes, try to even them out. If you don't, when you get your perm, your curls will be uneven as well, and it will be more noticeable.
  • Question
    Is it possible to use small rollers for bigger curls instead of perm rods?
    Community Answer
    No, small rollers will make the curls smaller. The perm rods are specially designed to make perfect curls without mistakes, so it is better to use those.
  • Question
    When getting a perm at the salon does it have to be my whole hair that has to get it or can it just be the bottom half?
    Community Answer
    It can absolutely just the bottom half.
  • Question
    Can I cut my hair before a perm?
    Community Answer
    Yes. That is actually a good idea because it may be more difficult to cut after you get the perm.
  • Question
    How do I treat my hair after the perm?
    Community Answer
    You shouldn't comb/brush your perm when it is dry. If you want to rid your hair of any tangles, do it when your hair is wet. When washing, rinse out all the conditioner with warm water and gently squeeze the water from your hair.
  • Question
    Is it possible to perm my hair permanently?
    Community Answer
    Permed hair lasts for up to six months. You would need to visit a salon or stylist after that period of time. Permed hair is permanent on hair, that the treatment has been applied to but the hair that grows will not be permed.
  • Question
    Do I wash my hair before perm?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You should wash your hair about 1 to 2 hours before the perm. Let your hair dry naturally and then get your perm done.
  • Question
    How long should I wait to perm my hair after dying it?
    Community Answer
    If the dye was permanent, consult with the stylist, and ask them what they are comfortable working with. Bleached and permanently dyed hair means a less predictable outcome, so calling or emailing the salon to ask is the best option.
  • Question
    How long should I wait to try a perm if I've just had a relaxer applied?
    Community Answer
    You should wait at least six weeks, but once you change it, you should stick to one or the other and not go back and forth.
  • Question
    Will showering ruin a perm?
    Community Answer
    Only if you get your hair wet. I would suggest protecting your hair with a shower cap.
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