![\"what](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/what-is-a-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nA perm is a styling process that changes the structure and texture of your hair permanently, whether it\u2019s by making your hair wavy or curly, or by adding volume and straightening your hair. This is typically achieved using foam rollers, which remind you of traditional curlers, or perm rods, which are small rods that sections of your hair are wrapped around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to note that while nearly all hair types can get perms, people with damaged hair should avoid getting a perm, as perming can make that damage worse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hot vs. Cold Perming Methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are two main perming methods, either hot or cold, with the different methods impacting your final look. Perm rod sizes<\/a> will also impact your final look, as larger rods create natural-looking waves and smaller rods produce tighter curls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The differences between the methods and how they affect your hair are outlined below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain types of perms will be best for specific hair types and lengths, so we compiled a chart based on the hair type and length, perm styles, and look achieved so you can find the perm that\u2019s best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people with perms have straight or thin hair, as a perm can remedy flat hair that lacks volume or doesn\u2019t have a wave or curl to it. Below are the various perms for people with this type of hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have straight or flat hair and want more volume, a root perm might be right for you. Keep in mind that if you have thin or fine hair, your results may not be as noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n The process:<\/strong> To achieve the root perm, your hair will be wrapped at the roots with small rollers, a prepping perm solution is applied, and then your hair receives a shaping solution along with a final wash and style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for:<\/strong> Short to medium-length hair, so talk to your hairstylist if you have long, heavy hair that could potentially weigh down the volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline:<\/strong> Root perms give you volume at your roots for about six months<\/strong>, decreasing the chances of hair damage since the root perm only concerns your roots, not the rest of your hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The digital perm offers a more modern perm type that was invented in Japan. It creates waves or soft curls.<\/p>\n\n\n The process:<\/strong> This hot perm uses an acid solution to break your hair\u2019s bonds and allow it to be reshaped. Your hair will then be wrapped around perm rods that are temperature regulated by a machine for 30 to 90 minutes. After the rods are removed, a neutralizing solution is added and the shape is set. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for: <\/strong>All types of hair, although it\u2019s best for coarse, straight hair. Additionally, you\u2019ll want to avoid getting a perm if your hair is damaged or recently bleached. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline: <\/strong>With proper maintenance, your digital perm could last up to a year,<\/strong> although you may need to touch it up every so often as your roots will grow straight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A volumizing perm uses waves and curls, rather than tight curls, to give straight or thin hair more volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The process: <\/strong>The process is similar to that of other perms, but the rods are removed before the neutralizing solution, making your curls looser and giving your hair more volume. This will give you volume at your roots and curls or waves near the bottom of your hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for: <\/strong>Straight or thin hair that is lacking volume<\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline:<\/strong> Since this perm only provides volume, it will typically only last about six weeks.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Body wave perms are best for straight or thin hair whose length is medium to long, acting as a great alternative to the root perm.<\/p>\n\n\n The process:<\/strong> The process involves wrapping your hair in large rollers with the perm solution applied. Then, by using medium or large perm rods, your hair will produce a looser curl that also increases volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for:<\/strong> Medium to long, straight or thin hair<\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline:<\/strong> Since these waves are looser, this perm will usually only last about six to twelve weeks. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have curly hair but lack volume, or if you have wavy hair, you might consider the following perm types. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as it sounds, a beach wave perm makes your hair look like you just stepped off the beach, giving it beach waves instead of tight curls.<\/p>\n\n\n The process: <\/strong>Achieving this look is similar to that of traditional perms, except your stylist wraps your hair around foam rollers instead of perm rods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for: <\/strong>Straight or wavy hair that\u2019s medium to long in length. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline:<\/strong> Beach waves are loose waves with some volume, so you can expect this perm to last about six months.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Multi-texture perms give you waves that look more natural and have more variation to them.<\/p>\n\n\n The process: <\/strong>Following the typical perm process, different rod sizes give you various sizes of curls or waves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for:<\/strong> Medium or long hair with a straight or wavy texture <\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline:<\/strong> This perm should last about three to six months.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The pin curl perm used to wrap hair around pins instead of perm rods to give you soft waves, and some stylists may still do it this way.<\/p>\n\n\n The process:<\/strong> Your stylist will section your hair into curls, roll the curls with rods, and then pin the curl to your head using a bobby pin. A solution is applied and processed, and then a neutralizer is applied before the pins are removed, the hair is rinsed, and, finally, styled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for: <\/strong>Medium to long, straight or wavy hair <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline:<\/strong> Like the multi-textured perm, this should last about three to six months.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This perm is perfect for people who don\u2019t have layers but want to achieve that volumized, layered curl look.<\/p>\n\n\n The process:<\/strong> Your stylist will apply the perm solution to your hair and wrap your hair around different-sized rollers. Once your hair is set, the stylist applies the neutralizer before removing the rods, leaving you with layered curls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for:<\/strong> A stack perm is for people who have straight or wavy hair and medium to long length. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline: <\/strong>This perm lasts about six months.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n For those of you with natural curls or wavy hair, never fear! There are perm options for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also called the reverse perm, this perm does not curl your hair \u2014 it straightens it.<\/p>\n\n\n The process: <\/strong>Your hair will be covered in a straightening solution, then left under a heater before washing and straightening it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for: <\/strong>Short to long, curly or wavy hair<\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline:<\/strong> This perm will last around three months,<\/strong> but keep in mind, this perm is damaging to your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A partial perm can also be called a spot perm, as a part or section of your hair is curled, instead of all of it.<\/p>\n\n\n The process:<\/strong> The process for this perm is the same as any other perm, except the stylist will wrap your hair around rods in only one section of your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for:<\/strong> Short to long, thin or curly hair that needs additional volume or curls at the ends or near your roots<\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline: <\/strong>The partial perm can last for three to four months.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A spiral perm is one of the most common perm types, giving you tight, bouncy curls.<\/p>\n\n\n The process:<\/strong> Your hair is wrapped vertically around the perm rods during the perm process, and you can choose the size of spiral curls you want by increasing or decreasing the perm rod size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Works best for: <\/strong>Similar to the partial perm, a spiral perm works best if you have curly or thin hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Timeline:<\/strong> Once achieved, your spiral perm look will last about six months.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, now that we\u2019ve discussed the different types of perms, it\u2019s time to understand the perming process itself. The perming process can take anywhere between 1\u20135 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as you do anytime you change your hairstyle, it\u2019s important to consider several factors. Just as the name implies, a perm is permanent (at least for a while), so be sure you understand what exactly you\u2019re getting into. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perms can last about two to six months \u2014 tighter curls will likely last longer. Be sure you understand the maintenance that comes along with the perm you choose, and be ready to rock the style for several months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Adding curls changes the length of your hair, so you should consider that before getting a perm. You may not be able to wear your hair up in a ponytail anymore if that means having to stretch the curls to reach the band. The tight band and other updos that stretch your permed hair can create uneven curls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Having healthy hair is the best way to ensure a successful perm. Soft, fine hair is even better as this type of hair can be restructured the best, while those with naturally curly hair may not be good candidates for perms. If your hair is already damaged, remember that a perm has the potential to damage it more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid additional damage, limit your hair color treatments like dyeing or bleaching. The additional harsh chemicals applied for color can affect the chemical process that your hair undergoes during a perm, potentially damaging your hair further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Average costs for perming your hair can range from $30 to $400, depending on a lot of factors. The type of perm, where you live, your current hair texture and type, as well as hair health, can all affect the price of your perm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it\u2019s less damaging than bleaching or permanent coloring, the chemicals used to change the structure of your hair to be more curly or wavy may damage it. By subjecting your hair to chemicals and heat, you can run the risk of hair breakage and damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Types of Perms Based on Hair Type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Type of Perm<\/strong><\/td> Hair Type<\/strong><\/td> Hair Length<\/strong><\/td> Look Achieved<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Root perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Straight or thin<\/td> Short to medium<\/td> Volume at the root<\/td><\/tr> Digital perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Straight or thin <\/td> Short to long<\/td> Waves or curls<\/td><\/tr> Volumizing perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Straight or thin<\/td> Short to long<\/td> Volume with loose curls and waves<\/td><\/tr> Body wave perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Straight or thin <\/td> Medium to long<\/td> Loose waves<\/td><\/tr> Beach wave perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Straight or wavy<\/td> Medium to long<\/td> Loose waves<\/td><\/tr> Multi-textured perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Straight or wavy<\/td> Medium to long<\/td> Natural, fewer uniform waves<\/td><\/tr> Pin curl perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Straight or wavy<\/td> Medium to long<\/td> Soft waves<\/td><\/tr> Stack perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Straight or wavy<\/td> Short to long<\/td> Volume at the root with curls and waves on the bottom half of your hair<\/td><\/tr> Straight perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Curly or wavy <\/td> Short to long<\/td> Straightened <\/td><\/tr> Partial perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Curly or thin<\/td> Short to long<\/td> Specific parts are curled<\/td><\/tr> Spiral perm<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Curly or thin<\/td> Medium to long <\/td> Tight ringlet curls<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Perms for Straight or Thin Hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Root Perm<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"root](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/root-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n2. Digital Perm<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"digital](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/digital-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n3. Volumizing Perm<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Body Wave Perm<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"body](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/body-wave-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPerms for Straight or Wavy Hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Beach Wave Perm<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"beach](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/beach-wave-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n6. Multi-Textured Perm<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"multi](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/multi-textured-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n7. Pin Curl Perm<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"pin](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/pin-curl-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n8. Stack Perm <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"stack](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/stack-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPerms for Curly or Thin Hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Straight Perm<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"straight](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/straight-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n10. Partial Perm <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"partial](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/partial-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n11. Spiral Perm<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"spiral](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/spiral-perm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat Is the Perming Process?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Considerations Before Getting a Perm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You must do some low maintenance.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your hair length will be shorter.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check that your hair type, length, and texture are ideal for the perm type you want. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You should avoid color treatments.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Perms can be costly.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You could cause additional damage to your hair.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does a Perm Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n