Perm Style Guide

Immerse yourself in a world where luscious waves and cascading curls reign supreme, where texture dances with every breath, and where time bends to the whims of effortlessly glamorous locks – let’s talk about the once-trendy perm that’s recently making a comeback!

Since its inception, perms have been a great way to add texture and volume to your hair while reducing styling time. If you’re planning to get a perm or already got one, this exclusive perm style guide will provide you with everything you need to learn about perms, their different types and techniques, and the routines you should adapt to care for them.

Start your majestic hair care journey with Iles Formula. A collection of award-winning, high-performance hair products meant to instantly transform all hair types into lustrous, luxurious, and sumptuous hair guaranteed to catch your heart.

What Is A Perm?

A perm, short for permanent wave, is a remarkable process where a chemical solution transforms your strands. This treatment restructures the fabric of your hair, shaping it into enchanting waves or glamorous curls that last for three to six months.

The allure of the perm lies in its ability to create majestic curls from your locks and instill a sense of confidence, empowering you to conquer the world with a newfound radiance. It’s perfect for those who want to add texture or volume to their hair or only want to spend a few minutes styling their hair.

How Does It Work?

The perm works by breaking down your hair’s disulfide bonds, which are responsible for your hair’s curl pattern. A solution of chemicals, often containing ammonium thioglycolate or sodium hydroxide, will be applied to your hair and then neutralized with a solution of hydrogen peroxide. This will allow the hair to be reshaped into a new style.

However, the actual perming process begins with your stylist washing your hair with a shampoo to remove any buildup. Then, your stylist will divide your hair into sections and apply the perm solution to each section.

After a period of time, your stylist will neutralize the perm solution with hydrogen peroxide, stabaliser and then rinse your hair and dry it. Always terminate such a treatment with Conditioner, especially one like Iles Formula which will close tight the outer cuticles delivering the perfect after chemical treatment. Once dry, your hair is ready to be curled with a curling iron and shaped into your desired style.

What Are The Benefits Of Permed Hair?

Here are some of the things you can enjoy when you have permed hair:

Customizable Curls

Luxuriously tailored to your desires, the perm lets you manifest an array of captivating curls. From vivaciously tight and bouncy coils to effortlessly tousled, beach-inspired waves, the choices are as limitless as your imagination.

With the right technique done by the right stylist, you’ll easily achieve your desired appearance. You can also use styling products like Iles Formula Curl Revive Spray or Iles Formula Finishing Serum to create texture and definition and further customize your curls.

Added Volume

Your styling options aren’t the only things blooming with possibility when you have a perm – your hair will also blossom into something elegant and voluminous. As the perm solution penetrates your strands and breaks your hair’s natural bonds so they can be reshaped into curls or waves, the result is fuller-bodied, bouncier-looking hair.

This is especially beneficial for people with fine or thin hair, as it can give the illusion of having thicker hair. You can also expect to enjoy the benefit of more texture, which can make styling easier and more fun.

Are you struggling with thin hair but aren’t interested in getting a perm? Learn about your other options by reading Wendy Iles’ best tip for thin and fine hair, or look at some everyday styling ideas for fine hair.

Reduced Styling Time

Permanent waves and Iles Formula haircare products share a similar goal: to reduce styling time. With Iles Formula, you can achieve instantly lustrous, majestic hair, saving you hours of styling time.

With a perm, you can spend less time worrying about your hair and more time focusing on other things since your locks will retain their charming curls for months. You can also rest assured you won't have to worry about having bad hair days, as your curls will always look perfect.

Decreased Washing

The perm keeps your hair looking fresh and vibrant for longer, so you don’t need to wash your hair as often. This can benefit those with dry, brittle, or damaged hair, as washing too often can cause further damage.

To maintain your perm, all you need is a mild shampoo and conditioner like the Iles Formula shampoo and conditioner. You can also use something like the Iles Formula Hair Mask twice a month (or weekly!) to nurture and strengthen your locks.

No More Tangles

Traditional perms use chemical solutions to break your hair’s bonds, while modern perms use digital technology to create more natural-looking curls. The result is a smoother, more manageable texture that’s easier to comb and style. You won’t have to worry about your hair getting tangled up in the wind or during the night – your curls will stay in place and look beautiful all day long.

Bid Farewell To Bad Hair Days

With the right perm technique, you can achieve a look that is both stylish and low maintenance. Considering the benefits discussed above, you can expect to suffer fewer bad hair days and style your hair effortlessly.

Boost In Confidence

Getting a perm can give you a whole new look and make you feel more attractive. You can experiment with different styles and customize your look, choose from a variety of curls, and add volume and texture to your hair.

What Are The Different Types Of Perms?

You can get perms traditionally or in a more modern way. Let’s talk about them:

Traditional Perm

A traditional perm is a classic style of perm that uses a combination of chemicals and heat to create long-lasting curls in the hair. The process involves wrapping the hair around rollers and then applying a combination of thioglycolate and ammonium thioglycolate to the hair. These chemicals break down the hair’s natural bonds and allow it to be reshaped.

Traditional perms are best for those who want to create curls that are more defined and long-lasting. It also suits those with naturally straight or wavy hair, as it will help to create a more uniform curl pattern.

However, while this method can give you the curls you've always dreamed of, it can also lead to hair damage due to the harsh chemicals used. That's where Iles Formula steps in. These hair repair formulas are designed to combat the damage often caused by these chemical treatments, restoring your hair's health and vitality. Discover the perfect solution for maintaining the health and integrity of your permed hair here. Remember, beautiful curls deserve exceptional care.

Modern Perm

Unlike traditional perms, modern perms don’t use harsh chemicals. Instead, they rely on gentle, natural ingredients. This type of perm is perfect for those who want to achieve a softer, more natural-looking curl pattern without the fear of damaging their hair.

Modern perms are typically done using a combination of rods, rollers, and curling creams or lotions. The process begins by applying a relaxing cream or lotion to the hair to loosen the bonds in the hair shaft. This allows the stylist to create the desired curl pattern.

What Are Some Perm Techniques?

If you need some inspiration on the kind of perm to get, here are some ideas:

Beach Wave Perm

Beach wave perms are created by wrapping the hair around rods of varying sizes. The size of the rod will determine the size of the curl. Smaller rods create tighter curls, while larger rods create looser, beachy waves. The solution used to process the perm is also important, as it determines the strength of the curl and the overall look of the perm.

This type of perm is perfect for those who want a natural, relaxed look or have medium to long hair. You can easily style it from tousled and messy to sleek and polished, and it can last for days without needing to be restyled.

For maintenance, use Iles Formula Curl Revive. It features high-quality ingredients free from parabens and silicone, and it’s guaranteed to keep your curls beautifully defined and frizz-free.

Straight Perm

A straight perm straightens and smoothens out naturally curly or wavy hair. This technique involves wrapping the hair around rods of varying sizes to create soft, natural-looking waves and curls.

It’s best for those who want to achieve a sleek and polished look without resorting to using harsh chemical straighteners. It also works well on those with fine or thin hair, as it can give it more body and volume.

For maintenance, you can get yourself Iles Formula Signature Collection, which contains our Haute Performance shampoo, conditioner, and finishing serum in one box. They’re gentle on the hair and formulated with raw, virgin, sustainably sourced ingredients, combined with science at the highest level.

Body Wave Perm

Body wave perms produce gentle, flowing waves. The curls created by this technique are not as tight or defined as those created by other perm techniques, but they’re more subtle and can last up to 6 months.

It’s best to always use a wide-toothed comb like Iles Formula Conditioner Distribution Comb when styling body wave perms. This will gently detangle your hair and keep the curls majestically intact.

You should also use a hair mask like Iles Formula Hair Mask Haute Performance to hydrate the hair and reduce frizz. Additionally, avoid heat styling the hair as much as possible because this can cause the curls to become limp and lifeless!

If you really need to heat style, we recommend using Iles Formula Finishing Serum, a heat protectant and styling serum that features hand-picked, sustainably sourced, and custom-blended ingredients to feed your hair with nothing but goodness.

Digital Perm

The digital perm uses heat and chemicals to create beautiful, long-lasting curls. This works best for those with straight or wavy hair who want to add more body and texture to their hair. It can also be used to create a variety of curl styles, from tight ringlets to beachy waves.

The digital perm process begins with the application of a chemical solution to the hair. After the chemical solution is applied, the hair is rolled onto rods and heated with a digital machine. This machine uses a combination of heat and pressure to set the curls into place.

Once the curls have been set, a neutralizer solution is applied to the hair to lock in the new style. The digital perm process is usually completed in one to two hours, depending on the desired results.

Spiral Perm

A spiral perm is achieved by wrapping the hair around a perm rod in a spiral pattern and applying the perm solution. This technique gives a more natural curl pattern than a traditional perm and creates a bouncier look.

The curls created with a spiral perm tend to be looser and more free-flowing than those created with a traditional perm, and the spiral perm is best for those with fine to medium hair that is not too thick. The end result of a spiral perm is a head of voluminous, wavy curls that have a natural, effortless look.

How Do You Take Care Of Permed Hair?

Permed hair requires extra care and attention to maintain its look and texture. Here are some tips to keep your perm looking its best:

Moisturize Your Hair

Permed hair tends to be dry and brittle due to the chemicals used in the process, so it's important to keep it hydrated. Applying a moisturizing hair mask like Iles Formula Hair Mask Haute Performance can keep your hair soft and nourished.

Shampoo Less

Shampooing your permed hair too often can strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry and dull. To keep your perm looking its best, limit shampooing to once or twice a week, and pick a shampoo that will serve you best.

For instance, our award-winning Iles Formula Shampoo Haute Performance is not just a regular shampoo. This exceptional product not only detangles and evens out porosity, but it also adds root volume to your hair. Formulated with the most exclusive, high-performing, sustainably sourced ingredients, it caters to all ages and hair types. But that's not all. When used correctly, our shampoo can extend the time between your shampooing sessions, keeping your hair looking fresh and vibrant for longer. It's not just about cleaning your hair; it's about elevating your hair care routine to the next level. Trust us, your hair will thank you!

Use Suitable Products

Again, choose a shampoo and conditioner that are free of sulfates and parabens, as these can strip away natural oils and cause your perm to become dry and brittle. Additionally, always use a protective serum like Iles Formula Curl Revive to protect your hair from heat styling and keep your curls soft and lustrous.

Interested in getting a whole package for your hair care needs? Try Iles Formula Nurture Pack for softer, more manageable hair or our Extension Pack to protect and maintain your beautiful locks.

Avoid Heat Styling

When caring for your permed hair, it's best to avoid heat styling as much as possible. Heat styling can damage your curls and cause them to become frizzy and unmanageable. If you must use heat, apply a heat-protectant serum and use the lowest heat setting possible.

Dry Your Hair Properly

After washing your hair, dry it gently to maintain the integrity of your curls. Instead of rubbing, blot your hair with Iles Formula Hair Turban Towel. This specially designed towel offers a no-friction drying experience, which is key for preserving perfect curls.

Additionally, use a wide-toothed comb to remove any tangles. This way, you're setting your curls up for success, right from the drying stage.

Get Regular Trims

Getting regular trims is essential for maintaining the look and health of your permed hair. Regular trims help keep split ends at bay and prevent damage. It’s best to get a trim every six to eight weeks to keep your hair looking its best.

How Much Do Hair Perms Cost?

The cost of a perm will depend on the type of perm, the length of your hair, and the salon you choose. Traditional perms typically range from $50 to $150, while modern perms can range from $100 to $250. Digital perms and spiral perms cost more, typically running from $200 to $400.

Related journals:

If you want to start your luxurious hair care transformation with us, visit our product collection or know more about our products’ ingredients. You can also browse our FAQs or contact us.