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How to Perm Hair - Your Handy FAQ List

How to Perm Hair Yourself and Your
Other Hair Permanent Questions Answered

Considering a first time hair perm? Or have you done it before and just want more info on the process? Relax, here we tell you all you need to know about how to perm hair yourself and look like you went to a high end beauty salon.

Q: How to perm your hair at home?

A: Most important point when looking for an at home perm to change your hairstyle? Read the instructions. Carefully. They’re put on your perm kit for a reason. After that perms at home come down to following the instructions and protecting your hair and skin from the chemicals involved.

So you want to always use gloves while handling the chemical solutions. Also be sure to protect your neck and shoulders with an old towel.

Wrap your washed hair around the perm rod.

Apply the perm lotion along the scalp and then work it through your hair.

Rinse out the solution at the specified time. Then apply the neutralizing solution. (In case you were wondering this solution 'sets' your curls.) After which you wan to gently blot dry your hair.

Perming Tip: Don’t forget that you need to use an acid perm on color treated hair. That’s because such perms are milder than the alkaline variety.

Q: How to rod perm hair?

A: Your choice of rod perm really depends on what sort of a perm you want. A thick perm rod will give you larger curls and waves. Thinner perm rods will give your permed hair smaller tighter curls.

You can try to curl hair using perm rods without perming solution but it's better not to as your hair could get damaged.

Q: How to roll hair for a perm?

A: Rolling hair for a perm involves wrapping the rods downwards along the hair at the sides and back. The hair on the top of your head should be rolled towards your face.

Q: How to section hair for a perm?

A: Ideally, split your hair into four equal sections and work on each section at a time.

Q: How to curl hair for perm?

A: Again the type of curls depend upon the size of the perm rod you use. Some women also use curling irons.

Q: How to get wavy hair with a perm?

A: You need to get a large perm rod for the wave effect. Make sure you don't use a very large rod for the curling. Otherwise you'll wind up with limp weak curls that have no spring to them.

Q: How to spiral perm hair?

A: A spiral perm gives you those springy curls reminiscent of yesteryear hairstyles. The trick is vertical perm rods to achieve that look.

Q: How long should your hair be before getting a spiral perm?

A: Spiral perms are typically meant for shoulder length (6 inches) or longer hair. Any shorter and you may wind up with tight corkscrew curls that stick out at angles all over your head.

Q: How long does the perm smell stay in hair?

A: Sometimes a reaction between perm chemicals and hair affects how long does perm smell stay in hair. A rinse with tomato juice can eliminate any odors.

Q: How to transition from perm to natural hair?

A: This is the same as how to get hair natural after a perm. A perm can be removed by a relaxing process. It's better to get this done by a competent hairdresser. Relaxing is performed using large rollers to provide a gentle wave. Now you can get chemical relaxers in retail outlets as well.