Think perms are just for people who want bold, bouncy curls? Think again.
The root perm is one of the most exciting and popular Korean hair trends to emerge in the last couple of years – and it’s easy to see why. We’re living in a world where people have a lot less time to focus on styling. A root perm gives you an easy way to ensure you wake up each morning with a volume-packed hairdo that’s perfect for any occasion.
This targeted perming process focuses on adding extra volume and texture to your hair right at the roots, transforming flat and lifeless hair in an instant.
So, what is a root perm exactly, how does it work, and who is best for? Here’s your complete guide from our own team of Korean hairstylists.
What is a Root Perm?
A root perm is a specialist type of perming treatment that adds lift and volume to the roots of your hair. Usually, it focuses on the first 2-4 inches of new hair growth, giving more body and life to your hair. This perm is ideal for people who generally have hair that falls very flat against their scalp, and it can even make your hair seem fuller if your hair is quite thin.
A root perm works in a similar way to various other types of perm, such as the digital perm, or the traditional cold perm. Your stylist will still apply a special solution to your hair to break down the protein bonds in the follicles, and allow them to “reset” the shape of your tresses.
The biggest difference is that while other perms focus on all of your hair, from root to tip, a root perm is concentrated on the roots alone. It won’t change the shape of the rest of your hair, so you can still maintain your natural waves, curls, or pin-straight style.
It’s also worth noting that there are a few different types of “root perm”. For instance, the Korean root perm, is all about creating subtle volume at the roots. Perm touch-ups, on the other hand, are a type of root perm that focus on maintain the texture of a pre-existing perm.
Who Should Consider a Root Perm?
Like most perms, root perms generally aren’t recommended for people with extremely damaged or heavily pre-treated hair. They’re safer for virgin, healthy hair, because a perm involves exposing your locks to a lot of chemicals. Since the root perm focuses on the roots of your hair, if you have a problematic scalp, or brittle hair, you’ll be more likely to see additional damage.
If you’re not sure whether your hair is suitable for a root perm, the best option is to speak to a stylist. They’ll be able to assess the health of your hair and scalp, and suggest the best service for your needs.
Aside from the caveat that you really need “healthy” hair for a root perm, there aren’t any other limitations on who can consider one. Root perms are excellent for people with curly, wavy, and straight hair. They’re also suitable if you have coarse or fine hair.
In fact, if your hair is pretty fine, a root perm could help to draw attention away from that fact, making your tresses look fuller and more youthful.
What is a Root Perm Good For? The Pros and Cons
Like any type of perm, a root perm won’t be the right option for everyone. It’s best for people who really want to add volume to their roots. So if you already have hair that sticks out quite a lot, this perm won’t help much. We actually recommend getting a Korean down perm, which is basically the opposite of a root perm, if you want to minimize volume.
Here are the major pros and cons of a root perm to keep in mind:
Pros
- Extra volume: Root perms give bounce and volume to lifeless hair. They can make your hair seem fuller.
- Versatility: As mentioned above, root perms are great regardless of whether you have straight, wavy, coiled, frizzy, or curly hair. There are virtually no limits with the exception of previously bleached or damaged hair.
- Affordability: Root perms are a lot cheaper than other types of perms, because they require less time and product. They could be an affordable way to revitalize your look.
- Customization: The right stylist will work with you to create the perfect look based on your goals – you can even choose parts of your hair that you want to have more volume.
Cons
- Longevity: Because they only target your roots, root perms don’t last as long as some alternatives. Usually, you’ll need a touch up in 1-2 months.
- Scalp issues: If you already have a dry and irritated scalp, a root perm could make this issue worse – so talk to your stylist first.
What to Expect from a Root Perm Appointment
A root perm can be a slightly different experience for someone who’s never had a “targeted” perm treatment before. The right stylist should make the experience as comfortable as possible for you however, and walk you through everything that’s going to happen.
Here’s what you can expect from a root perm service with PERFECT X HAIR.
The Initial Prep
Just like with most perming services, you’ll be able to contact our team for a consultation before you get your treatment. This is a great time to talk through your hair goals, and discuss any concerns you might have with a professional. When you book your appointment, your stylist will also conduct an assessment of your hair, to make sure a root perm is definitely the right choice for you.
One thing to keep in mind is that most stylists will actually wash your hair before beginning the perming process. This helps to ensure any extra dirt and sebum is removed from around your scalp, so the perming solution adheres properly.
The Perming Process
After washing your hair, your stylist will section your hair, and apply a specialist prepping solution to the root area. Your stylist will determine how many sections are necessary based on your hair thickness, and the overall look you want to achieve.
Once the solution is applied, the stylist will add rollers to the base of your roots, again, the size of the roller will depend on the results you want to achieve. Your hair will be left to process for about 20 minutes, and sometimes heat might be applied with a dryer – but that’s not always the case.
After the solution has processed, your stylist will rinse your hair thoroughly to eliminate any remaining residue. The second solution applied to your hair will be the perming solution, to set the hair into your desired shape. Usually, this solution only needs to process for about 10 minutes or less.
Finally, your stylist will rinse your hair again, and remove the perm rods, then blow dry and style your hair according to your preferences.
The Aftercare
At the end of your treatment, your stylist should give you some tips on how to maintain your root perm. For instance, like with most perms, you won’t be able to wash your hair for at least 48 hours, as this can disrupt the final results.
You might also get some advice on the kind of treatments you can use to keep your roots and scalp healthy, such as specific shampoos and conditions you can use. Remember, tight up-do’s usually aren’t a good idea for the first week or so, and you shouldn’t be adding any chemicals or dyes to your hair for a decent while after your perm.
Once you get past the first week, root perms don’t usually require a lot of maintenance. You might want to add a scalp oil treatment from time to time to keep your hair healthy, but that’s about it.
Ready to Give your Roots a Boost?
A root perm can be a fantastic and convenient way to add life to virtually any hair style. Provided you have healthy hair, you can use a root perm to add volume to curls, straight hair, and wavy tresses. All you need is the right stylist to revitalize your look!
If you’re interested in getting a root perm, the team here at PERFECT X HAIR have years of experience delivering exceptional results to all kinds of clients. Contact us to arrange an initial consultation with one of our stylists, and give your roots the boost they deserve.
FAQs
What should I do after getting a root perm?
It’s best to avoid washing your hair or exposing it to any form of moisture, like sweat, for 48 hours following your perm treatment. Getting your hair wet too soon after a perm can reverse the effects of the perm and cause you to lose your curls and volume.
How long will a root perm last?
Root perms don’t last as long as some perms, as the hair at your roots can grow out quite quickly. Some treatments last between two to six months, but the longevity of your style will depend on your hair type, growth rate, and even how well you maintain your look. Consider getting a touch-up from time to time if necessary.
Are root perms damaging?
When applied correctly, no perm should be particularly damaging to your hair. However, a perm does involve exposing your hair to chemicals, so it can cause dryness and issues for people with already damaged hair.
Is it worth getting a root perm?
If you’re looking for an affordable way to refresh your look, and you love having bouncy hair that’s full of volume, a root perm is a great idea. It can give life to flat strands, and reduce the amount of time and money you need to spend styling your hair with curling irons and volumizing sprays.
