What Exactly is Perm?

If you’ve ever scrolled past someone with perfect waves or juicy curls and thought, “How do they wake up like that?” — the answer might just be: perm.

Yep, we know what you're thinking...
“Isn’t that what people did in the 80s with all the frizz and crunchy hair?”
Hold that thought! Because perms have had a major glow-up, and they’re here to slay in 2025.

Let’s break it down for you — minus the boring jargon, plus a lot of real talk and juicy details 💅👇

💫 What Even Is Perming?

Perm = short for permanent wave.
It’s a salon treatment that reshapes your natural hair pattern using a chemical solution to give you long-lasting curls, waves, or body. So no, it's not temporary. And no, it doesn’t look like your mum’s yearbook photo (unless you want that throwback vibe, of course).

Whether you want soft beachy waves or full-on spiral curls — there’s a perm for every vibe.

✨ Why People Are Still Getting Perms (And Loving It)

Low-maintenance styling: Wake up → shake it out → done.
Serious volume: Hello, fuller, bouncier hair!
Customized curl pattern: Choose your curl type, from subtle waves to drama-queen spirals.
Stays for months: We’re talking 3 to 6 months of textured realness.

🔥 Types of Perms – Pick Your Fighter

Let’s talk options. Because perms aren’t one-size-fits-all:

Cold Perm – No heat, tighter curls. Think structured & defined.
Digital (Hot) Perm – Uses heat + solution = softer, more natural waves. Perfect for that K-drama hair.
Body Wave Perm – For loose, bouncy waves that scream effortless.
Spiral Perm – Iconic corkscrew curls. The drama. The volume. The main character.
Root Perm – Need just a little lift at the roots? This one’s your bestie.

🛠️ The Perm Process – A Quick Peek Behind the Scenes

Here’s what a typical perm appointment looks like at Curl Care Thane:

Consultation: We chat about your vibe, hair goals & what suits your texture.
Cleanse: Hair gets a fresh start — squeaky clean.
Wrap it up: Hair is rolled into rods (different sizes = different curls).
Magic potion time: A perm solution is applied to break the hair’s internal bonds (called disulfide bonds, btw).
Neutralizer: Locks in the new curl pattern.
Final rinse & reveal: We let those curls live their best life. 😍

Whole thing takes a few hours — but it's a transformation worth every minute.

⏳ How Long Does a Perm Last?

3 to 6 months, depending on your hair type and how well you care for it.
As new hair grows out, the curl pattern starts shifting from roots — but hey, that gives you time to decide if you’re ready for round two (or a totally different curl style next).

🧴 Post-Perm Care 101 – Keep It Cute

Permed hair = commitment. But don’t worry, it’s not hard — just consistent.

Use sulfate-free shampoos (they’re gentler on curls).
Deep condition weekly – hydration = definition.
Skip the heat tools — or at least keep them minimal.
Sleep on a silk pillowcase (hello Slip!), avoid rough towels, and never brush dry.
Let your curls air dry or use a diffuser if you’re in a hurry.

And remember: don’t wash your hair for 48 hours after perming. Let those curls set like a fresh mani 💅

😬 But Wait... Is Perming Damaging?

Let’s be real — any chemical treatment can stress your strands if not done right. But when done by trained curl experts (like us, hi 👋), with proper aftercare? Your hair will live, thrive, and probably slay harder than ever.

Just avoid if:

Your hair is super damaged or bleached.
You’re not ready to commit to a new hair routine.
You're expecting no-maintenance hair (sorry love, that doesn’t exist!).

💖 The Final Word

A good perm is like the ultimate glow-up for your hair. Whether you want beachy waves or bold curls, it’s all about working with your natural texture — not against it.

And if you’re unsure whether to go for it? Book a free consult with us. We'll guide you based on your hair type, curl goals, and lifestyle.