How many perms have I done in the last ten years? Four. I'd like to tell you why.
Unrealistic Expectations-We all love Taylor Swift! Well, 89% of us. I think it's her hair. Taylor has naturally curly hair. She also has porcelain skin, a healthy glorious body, dated John Mayer, has bone structure reserved for sculptures, plays four instruments and also has millions of dollars.
Quite an amazing head of hair, right? Theoretically, yes. Even with naturally curly hair, Taylor still has to use a curling iron. Please don't get a perm thinking all you'll have to do is wake up, wash your hair, leave your home and someone will approach you on the subway and make you sign a modeling contract because your hair is so incredible. Actually, that may happen, except you'll be modeling for an 80's hair band album cover:
Extensive Maintenance-It's so extensive that I don't even want to write this section, so instead, I'll throw a link your way. It's accurate, written by a professional cosmetologist, covers everything you need to know about maintaining a perm and is as long as Atlas Shrugged. Seriously, though, it's full of great info: https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Permed-Hair
Body Wave Vs. Perm-A body wave is still a perm. I repeat. A body wave is still a perm. The difference is your stylist will use larger rollers, rods, sponges or rags to add texture to your hair. Generally body waves give your hair some "grip" if your hair is naturally flat and/or fine. Again...don't think a body wave means you'll be mistaken for a Victoria's Secret model because of your hair. You still have to do your hair. Chemical treatments are best for people:
-Who have natural curls that lack definition and shape
-Those who want to give their natural curls a boost but keep them relaxed, not tight
-Who miss the 80's
-People with fine hair that want more hold and body in their hairstyles
-Those who are willing to experiment with creams and serums to see which ones work best for their hair, as perms require some product, no you may not use gel or mousse to have that crunchy look, or the wet look
-People with straight hair who want a bit more texture and movement
-People who have very short hair who need texture so they can have weekly roller sets(women over 70)
Finding The Right Stylist-If you're serious about getting a perm/body wave/chemical texturizing service, find the right professional! Ask around. See someone with amazing curly hair? Ask them who did it. Use your yahooglepintergramfacechat and research reputable stylists in your area who excel at chemical services. Don't be surprised if the perm you are after is not $40. Perms for long hair can run anywhere from $80-$600, or also for $12 in your cousin's kitchen. Do your research. There are all types of perm terms. Hot, digital, Korean, rod, ionic, stack, partial, root, spot, volumizing, chemical reformation, rod, heat and wand are types of services to change your hair.
Once you've scoured the internet and found your ideal stylist, be honest with them. If you've had perms, color, highlights, lowlights, a chemical straightening procedure, ombre, balayage, toners, rinses or gloss treatments, they need to know. If you got highlights a year ago, but covered them up with color, that's perfectly acceptable, but your stylist needs to know. If your hair is 3 feet long and has 8 different highlighting sessions in it, your stylist needs to know. I'd hate for you to omit information, only to find out the hard way(burned, damaged, frizzy results) that your hair couldn't take a perm.
I'm not anti-perm. I'm really not. There are plenty of great reasons to get a perm, I'm sure. I can't think of any right now, and I haven't in the last 10 years and that's why I have a low perm count.