Perms, also known as permanent waves, is a process where hair is treated with chemicals to alter its structure. This process allows a person with poker straight hair to have curls or waves. Whether they are soft and bouncy curls or tight spiral curls, different types of perms help to create a different look. Perms are mainly of two types, regular perm which is also known as cold perm and hot perm, which is also known as digital perm.
The process of perming involves the use of two main components. The first part is where the hair is wrapped around rods and a waving lotion (perming solution) is applied to soften the hair structure. The second part involves the use of a neutralizer that sets the curls.
The kind of perm that you get depends upon the size and shape of rods used, the wrapping technique used, as well as the kind of perming solution that is applied. Hair perming can be done with acidic or alkaline perming solution. Perms done with acidic solution are milder on hair and they give more gentle and shinier looking curls. Alkaline perms are suitable for hair that is coarser, has low elasticity and is more resistant to curling.
Types of Perms
Spiral PermSpiral perms are tight curls that look like twisted corkscrews. The look of the spiral perm would depend upon the size of the perming rod, the kind of perming solution used, as well as the expertise of the hairstylist. This technique is achieved with the help of long perm rods. The end result is a bunch of cascading curls that have spring and bounce.
Body Wave PermA body wave perm gives loose curls that have a slight wave. These are ideal for women who want to opt for the wavy look with more volume. This style of perm will also add more movement to hair and are well-suited for women who have flat and thin hair. Straight hair when treated with a body wave perm would result in large curls. This process is generally done with the help of large perm rods.
Spot PermA spot perm involves perming only one section of hair. In spot perming, one can have tight or loose curls. The kind of perm that you will get will depend upon the type and size of the rod. A spot perm is generally preferred by women who want to curl a particular section of hair, to create a specific hairstyle.
Pin Curl PermPin curls are obtained by curling sections of hair with the help of pins. This can be achieved without the use of chemical treatment. It is done with the help of some hair gel and curling pins. Pin curls give a natural look.
Multi-Textured PermA multi-textured perm is created by using two different sized perm rods. This gives the curls a more natural and less-defined look. This type of perm is suitable for long hair.
Root PermA root perm as the name implies, gives height and lift to the hair at the roots. This perm is ideal for women who have flat and limp hair.
Stack PermWhen curls are added only to the end of the hair, then it is known as stack perming. A stack perm is more suitable for women who have single hair length and are looking to add more volume to their hair. Stack perming can be done with the help of perm rods of different sizes. The illusion of layers can be created with this process.
Partial PermA partial perm is done when one wishes to add curls to few sections of hair, keeping some strands straight in texture. This perming style is suitable for people who want to add body and volume to flat hair.
Volumizing PermThis technique of permanent waves is suitable for different hair lengths. It adds more volume and texture to limp and fine hair. During the process, the curls are allowed to relax to avoid the tightly curled look. The perm in this case is used for adding more volume and body, avoiding the springy, tight and curly look.
Before making the decision to perm your hair, make sure that your hair is healthy and not chemically processed or colored. As there are many perm styles that you can choose from, discuss with your stylist which type of perm will suit your face structure.
