Q&A for How to Perm Your Hair

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You should dye after, as the perm can cause color to fade. Wait at least a week, ideally 2 weeks, between services.

Any beauty supply store should carry it. You can also find it online through beauty supply websites, and even Amazon.

It varies depending on the type of perm you are using and the manufacturer. Follow the directions that come with the solution.

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.

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.

Sure, absolutely! Just make sure you don't have any other chemical services for at least 2 weeks before and after.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It can absolutely just the bottom half.

Yes. That is actually a good idea because it may be more difficult to cut after you get the perm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Only if you get your hair wet. I would suggest protecting your hair with a shower cap.