Preparation: Hair is washed and treated with a perm solution to weaken its natural structure.
Rolling: Hair is sectioned and wrapped around perm rods (rod size influences curl size).
Processing: Chemicals set the curl pattern while hair remains coiled.
Neutralizing: A neutralizer is applied to help restore structure and lock curls in place.
Types of Perm Rods and What They Do
Perm rods come in different sizes, each creating a different result:
Small rods: Tight, defined curls
Medium rods: Soft curls or loose waves
Large rods: Voluminous, beachy waves
Home vs. Salon Perms
Perms were originally considered a professional service, but in the 1970s and 1980s, at-home kits became common. These kits:
