Perms have come a long way since the 80s, and the idea about perms comes from a movie made 30 to 40 years ago.
In actuality, there are now a lot more choices and varieties of perms than ever before, including spiral perm, beach wave perm, body wave perm, and many others.
Have you ever considered getting a perm? If not, you might be surprised to learn that there are many different types of perms to choose from.
In this article, we will explore the 15 most popular perm types so that you can figure out which one is right for you. Whether you’re looking for tight ringlets or loose waves, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
What is Perm?
A perm is a process in which the hairstylist uses chemicals to change the texture of your hair to a permanent curl or wave.
This treatment can be done on both straight and curly hair, although it is most commonly used on people with straight hair who want to add some curl or wave to their hairstyle.
The perm process usually takes about two hours from start to finish, and the results will last for several months.
Hot Vs. Cold Perms
A perm is a hairstyle in which the hair is curled or waved and set in place with the help of chemicals.
There are two types of perms:
- Cold perms: In this type of perm, cold rollers are used to set the shape of your hair.
- Hot perms: Hot perms make use of hot rollers to set the shape of your hair.
The main difference between the two types of perms is the amount of time required to set the hair. Cold perms take a longer time to set than hot perms.
How is a Perm Done?
A perm involves combining the use of chemicals and heat to break and then reform the bonds that make up your hair’s structure.
The type of curl or wave you want will determine the size of the rollers used, as well as how long they’re left in your hair.
The process can take anywhere from an hour to upwards of four hours, depending on the perm.
Also read our web story on Oils that Control Hair Thinning.
15 Different Types of Perms
When you say perm, what comes to mind is probably that tight, 80’s defined curl. But there are actually many different types of perms that can give you a variety of looks.
1. Spiral Perm
Spiral perms are a popular option for hair that is longer than shoulder-length. To create a spiral shape, the hair is rolled vertically onto a perm.
The type of rod and chemicals used will affect the final result, but spiral curls are typically highly tight, twisted, and bouncy.
You can expect a spiral perm to last about six months before the curls start to loosen, making it a fantastic method to add volume to your hair.
The very tight curls are created by spiral perms, which use a cold method and have both movement and bounce.
2. Spot Perm
A spot perm is a great way to add curl or texture to just a few sections of your hair.
This type of perm is done by wrapping smaller sections of hair around much thinner rods. This results in looser, softer curls that blend in better with the rest of your hair.
Spot perms are often used to add curl around the face or near the crown of the head. If your hair naturally curls on one side of your head, you can choose the spot perm.
The spot perm gives your hair a luxurious, fuller appearance by lifting the roots. It also doesn’t take any additional maintenance, but the perm is the only thing to which you should pay special care.
Make sure to pre-condition your hair and use a leave-in spray before washing it.
3. Body Wave Perm
A body wave perm is one of the popular perms these days and it is perfect for those who want to add volume and waves throughout their hair.
This type of perm uses large rollers to create gentle, flowing waves. The chemicals used are also milder, which helps to keep the hair healthy and strong.
The body wave perm works best on long hair and creates a very natural appearance that will refresh your fashionable appearance while requiring little care.
Body wave perms can last anywhere from four to six months and are a great option for those with fine and straight hair that doesn’t usually curl.
4. Beach Wave Perm
The beach wave perm is a popular choice for those who want to add some texture and waves to their hair.
This type of perm uses small rollers to create natural-looking waves. The chemicals used are also milder, which helps to keep the hair healthy and strong.
Many people choose this style because the loose waves are the expression of hair that is minimal and a little messy in a positive way.
It’s a low-maintenance perm, but to avoid frizz, you’ll need additional style products like a mousse for hair and shampoos and conditioners.
Beach wave perms are perfect for short to medium-length hair and can last anywhere from four to six months.
5. Root Perm
A root perm is a great way to add some volume to your hair and this perm only focuses on the roots of the hair or The first two to four inches from the scalp.
This type of perm is done by perming only the roots of your hair. The rest of your hair will remain intact and unpermed.
This is a basic hairstyle technique since the perm must be applied close to the scalp and can only be done with the cold perming technique.
This style is perfect for those who have fine or thin hair because it gives the illusion of fuller, thicker hair.
Root perms can last anywhere from two to three months and are best suited for short to medium-length hair.
6. Stack Perm
The stack perm is a natural-looking hairstyle that keeps the ends of your hair more curly and slightly straighter at the roots. This style of perm is one of the most popular and is often used on long, thin hair.
This particular perm gets its name from the way the hair is stacked on top of each other to achieve this look. This style is created with a variety of perm rod sizes so that the curls look natural.
Many people choose this style because it looks very natural, and can be styled in many different ways.
Stack perms last anywhere from four to six months and are perfect for those with medium to long hair.
7. Straight Perm
The straight perm, also known as reverse perm or Japanese straight perm, is designed to remove any natural curls from your hair.
Your hairstylist applies heat and a strong solution to loosen the bonds in your hair. The hair is then washed and straightened with a hot iron.
This type of perm is perfect for those who have frizzy or wavy hair and want to achieve sleek and straight locks.
The chemicals used in this perm are strong, so make sure you visit a professional stylist to avoid any damage to your hair.
Straight perms require little maintenance on a daily basis, but you’ll need to get them done roughly every six to seven months.
The procedure itself often takes six to eight hours, so make sure to schedule your appointment in advance and plan accordingly.
8. Digital Perm
Digital perm is the hottest hair trend in Japan, and it has gained international popularity. This perm is a new choice for those wanting natural waves without using harsh chemicals.
If you have very straight or thin hair, a digital perm is best for you. You won’t find this style in your local hair salon; instead, you’ll get it at the closest city salon.
The process begins with your hair being rolled onto digital perm rods. These rods are then connected to a machine that emits heat and vibration.
This combination of heat and vibration helps to break the disulfide bonds in your hair, resulting in natural-looking waves.
Digital perms often take less time than traditional perms and can last up to a year or 14 months. This perm is one of the longest-lasting styles.
The main downside of this perm is that it can be quite expensive, so make sure you do your research before booking an appointment.
9. Pin Curl Perm
The retro-style pin curl perm is frequently referred to as a pin curl. Throughout the 1900s, this fashion was supported by several Hollywood beauties.
This curl is the best option for women with short or medium-length hair. The pin curl perm involves using small metal curlers, which are rolled into the hair and then pinned in place.
This is a good option for those who want to add volume to their hair without adding any extra curl. This particular type of perm does not last more than one month.
10. Finger Waves
Finger waves perm looks wavy and vintage and it can be achieved with a special perm.
This perm was very popular in the 1920s. This particular hairstyle involves using your fingers to create waves in the hair.
The waves are then set with a curling iron or hot rollers. This is a good option for those who want to add volume and texture to their hair without adding any extra curl.
11. Multi-Textured Perm
A multi-textured perm is a great approach to getting curly hair that looks natural and has different textures.
By using a variety of perm rod sizes, this perm may create one of the realistic and lightly curled styles.
The use of smaller perm rods will produce tighter curls, while the larger ones will generate looser waves. This type of perm will also have less of a chemical smell because the process is shorter.
A multi-textured perm is normally considered to be a healthier option and is less damaging to the hair.
This style should last for a few months depending on the variations you pick and works best on hair that is medium or longer-length hair.
12. Volumizing Perm
The biggest benefit of this hairstyle is that it adds more volume than tight curls by creating more volume.
Several different-sized rods are used to create the volumizing perm and they do not use neutralizers with pods.
A volumizing perm is ideal for people who have straight or wavy hair that is medium to fine in texture.
If you have very thick hair, then this perm might not be the best option as it can make your hair look bulky.
Volumizing perms are one of the most affordable styles, and last for a few months, although you might need to use a volumizer spray or mousse to help maintain the style and volume.
13. Braid Perm
French braid perms are currently a new fashion trend. The hair is braided into one or more braids and perm solution is applied to the hair, creating a “zig-zag” style pattern in the hair.
This is a perm that will give you loose, natural-looking waves. It’s perfect for people who want to add body and texture to their hair without making it look overly done.
14. Short and Bouncy Perm
Permed shorter hair can look fantastic and bouncy curls can look romantic with very little effort and maintenance.
This perm is good for people who want to add some curl and body to their hair but don’t want the hassle of long hair. It can be easy to style and can be worn in a variety of ways.
Shorter hair can be easily washed and air-dried. Try adding some gel or mousse to look great with this style.
15. Modern Style Perm
Modern style perm is not to be old fashioned, by adding texture to the bottom half of the style, a simple perm may create an edgy style and modern look.
This particular perm is less about the curls and more about boosting the texture and volume of your hair. If you have fine or limp hair, a modern style perm can give it new life.
This perm is also a good choice if you want to add waves or body to your hair without going too curly.
These days, this style is common, and many Hollywood stars have seen it.
Post-Perm Care Tips
First, Stay away from the shower for the first 24 hours after getting a perm. If you wash your hair too soon, the tightness of the curls may change, which could significantly change how you look.
Below are some post-perm care tips, including:
- Use a mild shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated or permed hair.
- Avoid using heat-styling tools and harsh chemicals on your hair.
- Be sure to moisturize your hair to prevent it from drying out and breaking.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to style your hair, rather than a brush.
- Be gentle with your hair while shampooing, conditioning, and styling to avoid damaging it.
With proper care, your perm can last for 4 to 6 weeks. By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your perm and enjoy your new look for longer.
How Much Does Perm Cost?
The cost of a perm depends on the length, thickness, and health of your hair as well as the type of perm you want.
Expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $500 for a perm.
If you have very short or fine hair, your perm may cost on the lower end of that range. If you have long, thick, or damaged hair, your perm will likely cost on the higher end.
Your stylist may also charge extra for using premium products or performing a special technique. Keep in mind that you will need to get touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain your perm.
Perms are a great way to change up your look, add some curl and body to your hair, or simply make it easier to style.
If you’re thinking about getting a perm, be sure to discuss your options with a professional stylist to find the best perm for your hair type and desired style.
Can You Color Permed Hair?
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that It is possible to color permed hair, but it is important to take extra care of your hair to avoid damaging it.
If you want to color your hair after getting a perm, wait at least two weeks before doing so. This will give your hair time to recover from the perm and will make it easier to color.
Be sure to use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. You should also avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible to prevent damaging your hair.
If you take care of your hair after getting a perm, you can successfully color it without damaging it too much.
How Long Does a Perm Last?
A perm will typically last 4 to 6 weeks.
However, the lifespan of a perm depends on a number of factors, including the type of perm you get, how often you shampoo and style your hair, and how well you take care of your hair after getting the perm.
If you want to keep your perm for as long as possible, be sure to use a mild shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated or permed hair.
You should also avoid using heat-styling tools and harsh chemicals on your hair.
If you take care of your hair after getting a perm, you can extend the lifespan of your perm and enjoy your new look for longer.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 15 types of perms that you can choose from to change up your look!
These various great types of perms can help you show your personality and draw attention to your best features at any age, whether you have short hair or long, versatile hair.
Remember, when getting a perm, always consult with a professional stylist to ensure that you get the best results for your hair type.
Which perm style is your favorite? Have you ever gotten a perm before? Let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do perms ruin your hair?
If done correctly, perms should not cause any damage to your hair. However, if you perm your hair too often or do not take care of your perm properly, it can damage your hair.
Do perms slow down hair growth?
Perms will not slow down your hair growth. In fact, perms can help stimulate hair growth.
Which perm lasts the longest?
The most of perms last between three and six months. This may vary depending on how you treat them. Spiral, straight, and body wave perm perms often last three to six months. A digital perm could last up to a year with proper maintenance.
How do I choose a perm?
The best way to choose a perm is to consult with a professional stylist. They will be able to help you choose the right perm for your hair type and the look you want to achieve. There are many different types of perms and the choice can be overwhelming.
Also, you must be aware of your hair’s texture and length in order to choose the best perm for you.
Which perm is less damaging?
Spiral and body wave perms are less damaging than other types of perms because the chemicals used in these perms are not as harsh and do not involve much heat. However, they are not completely free of damage.
What is the best perm for fine hair?
The best perm for fine hair is a spiral perm. This type of perm will give your hair more volume and body.
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