You curl your child’s hair one time for a special occasion, and now they’re constantly asking you curl it all the time. Sound familiar? If you’re tired of reaching for the curling iron, you might be wondering: can you perm a kid’s hair safely?
Perms have come back in style over the last several years, and nope – they’re not the old school, tight ringlets of the past. Modern perms are much more customizable, and you can achieve everything from spiral curls to beachy waves. Perms are plenty popular for adults, but they’ve also become very popular for children.
In short, yes – it is safe to perm your child’s hair, provided that their hair is in top-tier, healthy condition. Children’s hair is typically finer and more delicate than adult hair, which can make it more difficult to hold the curls of a perm. This is why working with an experienced salon that understands how to safely apply perms, especially for children, is crucial for your child’s hair health.
Boys’ perms are much more common at the moment, but girls can also get their hair permed. If you’re thinking about booking an appointment for a kids’ perm, here’s everything you need to know beforehand.
Can you perm a kid’s hair safely?
One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to children’s perms is: what age is considered safe for a perm? There really isn’t a specific age that perming becomes safer – it’s more about whether your child’s hair is strong enough for the perm.
Perms work by breaking down the hair’s natural bonds to reshape its structure. Kids’ hair is softer in texture than adult hair, so curls may not hold as well. For this reason, our stylists at PERFECT X HAIR recommend waiting until your child’s hair feels thick and healthy, and when they don’t have as many baby hairs.
Hair thickness and strength can vary from child to child – some kids have thicker and healthier hair, while some have finer and softer hair.
A perm may not be recommended if your child’s hair has been coloured or highlighted. If their hair has been bleached, it’s best to wait until all of the bleached hair has been cut off. If your child’s hair is very fine, dry, or damaged from heat styling, an experienced stylist will refuse a perm.
So yes, you can perm your kid’s hair safely, as long as your child’s hair is strong enough to go through the perming process.
If you’re considering getting your child a perm, a consultation is an absolute must. During the consultation, the stylist will take a look at their hair type and texture, as well as determine whether it’s possible to achieve the style they’re looking for.
Book a consultation at PERFECT X HAIR, and one of our expert stylists can evaluate your child’s hair and decide whether it’s suitable for a perm.
How does a kids’ perm work?
The perming appointment begins with a consultation, where the stylist will assess your child’s hair condition to determine whether it’s safe to perm, as well as whether it’s possible to achieve their desired style. For boys, hair needs to be at least 2 inches long to achieve a successful perm.
If necessary, the stylist will give your child’s hair a trim, then a wash to begin the perming process. The stylist will apply perming solutions to sections of damp hair, then roll your child’s hair in rods or rollers, depending on the type of perm (cold perm vs. digital perm). Once the hair has been restructured, the stylist neutralizes it to lock it into its new shape.
In general, a cold perm (also known as a traditional perm) is usually recommended to younger kids, as there may not be enough structure in their hair for a digital perm, which uses heated rods. A combination of the two may be done on older kids with thicker and healthier hair.
During the perming process, your child can sit back, relax, and watch a show, read a book, or eat snacks. Do keep in mind that the entire process takes about an hour and a half, so your child may become restless. Make sure they can bear the time before you book the appointment!
Once the perm is complete, the stylist will wash your child’s hair, then blow dry and style it. And voilà, your child can now wake up with beautiful, natural-looking curls every morning.
Is a kids’ perm different from an adult perm?
Kids’ and adult perms are generally very similar, though there are some slight differences. Just like how different cultures have different hair types, the same applies to people of different ages.
Children’s hair is usually less structured and more delicate than adult hair, so the curls of a perm may not form or hold up as easily. As a result, the perming process takes about the same amount of time, if not longer. In some cases, stylists may also adjust the strength of the perming solutions to help the curls hold better.
Will a perm damage kids’ hair?
All perms can potentially damage hair, as they are a chemical process. Perming hair can cause it to become weaker, more brittle, and prone to damage, so it’s important to manage this with hair treatments and products.
As the perming solutions don’t go directly on the scalp, long-term damage is unlikely when performed properly. Perming kids’ hair requires careful precision and experience, so it’s crucial that you visit a salon that specializes in perms and understands how to work with children’s hair.
That said, there are some potential risks of a kids’ perm, including:
- It may not be possible to achieve their desired look
- Curls may loosen more quickly
- Hair may become weaker
- Allergic reactions
As children’s hair doesn’t hold the curls of a perm as well as adult hair, it may not be possible to achieve the exact curls they want, and the results may be softer than expected. Ensure your stylist is also aware of any allergies your child has, in case of a reaction to the perming ingredients.
How long does a kids’ perm last?
Your child’s perm will be the most curly on the day of the perm, and after a few weeks, it may begin to look more loose and natural. With proper aftercare, your child’s perm should last around a few months.
Ultimately, how long your child’s perm lasts depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Hair texture
- Perm style
- How often they wash it
- How well they maintain it at home
Wondering how often your child can get a perm? If their hair feels okay after the first perm, it may be possible to perm their hair again in 6 to 12 months. However, if their hair feels damaged or dry, it isn’t recommended to do another perm until their hair becomes stronger.
On the other hand, roots can be touched up anytime. When your child’s hair has mostly loosened and they want to get another perm, your stylist will assess whether it’s safe to do a perm again.
Perm aftercare
While perms make everyday styling easier, there is some maintenance involved in order to keep the perm in shape and frizz at bay. In terms of aftercare, you’ll want to invest in products specifically for curly hair to ensure the hair stays hydrated and the curls last longer.
Products to use
Curling lotion or cream is recommended for post-wash, now that your child’s hair has been locked into a new curly hair texture. The perming process also makes hair more vulnerable to dryness, and hair oil and treatments can be applied to protect the ends.
Your stylist will recommend the best products to use according to your child’s hair texture, as well as the best way to maintain their new style.
How to style the perm
Styling perms for your child is actually quite simple. Simply apply curling lotion or cream to slightly damp hair, scrunch the lotion into the bottom ends of the strands in an upward motion, and let air-dry.
If necessary, you can diffuse with a blow dryer using a low heat setting. Our expert stylist’s pro-tip: begin with a low heat setting on the scalp first, then use a cold setting for the rest of the hair until you can see the curls.
This is an easy morning hair routine that will keep your child’s hair looking fresh and styled.
What to avoid
It’s recommended to avoid using heat styling tools, as they may cause further damage to your child’s hair, which can become more fragile after a perm. You’ll also want to be more gentle with your child’s hair in general.
Book your kid’s perm at PERFECT X HAIR
Perms are a great way to add natural texture, volume, and movement to your child’s hair, and they can also boost your child’s confidence. You can perm a kid’s hair safely, as long as their hair is in good condition and you work with the right stylist.
Because perms are a chemical process, it’s important to make sure your child’s hair is strong enough and the service is done with care. Visiting an experienced salon that understands how to work with kids’ hair helps ensure that the process is done safely and correctly.
At PERFECT X HAIR, our stylists are experienced in working with a variety of different hair types, and can determine whether a perm is the right fit for your child. Book an appointment at one of our locations in Toronto to give your child their dream perm!
