That’s a question our stylists hear often at PERFECT X HAIR. After all, the perm is one of our most popular hair services.
Thanks to the global rise of K-pop and K-beauty, Korean perms are popular today, but a lot of people still don’t understand how they work or what makes them different from other perming options.
Explaining how Korean perms work can be a little complex, as there isn’t just one type of Korean perm.
There are Korean perming options for everything from adding volume to your bangs, to creating super-slick and straight hair. Today, we’re going to give you a behind the scenes look at what’s actually involved in the Korean perming process.
How do Korean Perms Work? The Basics
First, let’s cover the basics. Korean perms, just like regular perms, still involve applying chemicals to your hair. These perm chemicals break down the protein bonds in your hair, turning every strand of hair into something more malleable, so stylists can adjust the shape.
However, with a Korean perm, the solution used and how your hair is shaped into the right curls, waves, or style is customized to your specific needs. Sometimes, stylists will use a modified version of the traditional “cold perm” technique, to create bolder, bouncier ringlets.
Korean hairstylists generally roll the hair in different directions to create a more natural look. That stops you from ending up with the highly uniform and somewhat unusual appearance you’d get from an old-fashioned perm.
In other situations, Korean hairstylists use a heat-based process that involves a digital perm machine. This is the most common option for creating popular styles of the Korean perm – such as the S-Curl and C-Curl perm, which focuses on producing waves in your hair rather than ringlets.
Korean stylists can also use a combination of different methods to create a specific style for your hair, or focus perming on a certain part of your hair, such as your bangs or your roots. For instance, the Korean down perm is a popular option for men who want to make sure their hair falls flat against their head, rather than sticking up at odd angles.
The key difference between Korean perms and traditional perms is they’re all about creating a customized, natural look. If you’re looking for a wild 80s-style hairdo, a Korean perm probably isn’t right for you. However if you want to look like you have naturally beautiful curls, waves, or voluminous tresses, Korean perms are an ideal choice.
Getting a Korean Perm: The Step-by-Step Process
Korean perms take a lot of expertise and skill to get right. Remember, your stylist is going to be customizing this look to suit your specific goals. You’re not going to get the same results if you try to apply a perming solution at home.
While the experience you get with your stylist will depend on which salon you choose, here’s a behind-the-scenes insight into what you can expect from PERFECT X HAIR.
Step 1: The Consultation
Getting a perm is a big decision, and it’s important to choose a salon that will help you to decide which style and process is right for you. As mentioned above, there are various ways to approach a Korean perm. You might choose from a bang perm, a straight perm, a S-Curl digital perm, or something else entirely depending on your hair goals.
The initial consultation you have with your PERFECT X HAIR stylist will give them a chance to assess your style goals, and suggest the right treatment for your needs. Plus, it will ensure they can examine the health of your hair and confirm it’s in the right condition for perming. This helps to reduce the risk of any damage to your hair.
Step 2: Preparation and Wrapping
Once you’ve agreed on the ideal perming service and booked your appointment, you’ll arrive on the day to be welcomed by your stylist. They’ll walk you through what’s going to happen throughout the perming session and prepare your hair for the treatment. This could include shampooing and conditioning your hair with high-quality products to remove any residues.
Salon-grade hair products will help to open the cuticles of your hair, so that the solutions used for perming can penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.
After your hair has been prepped, your stylist will begin dividing your hair into sections, applying the setting solution and wrapping sections of your hair around rollers. The number of rollers your stylist uses, their size, and various other factors will depend on your desired results, and the length or thickness of your hair.
Step 3: Processing and Neutralization
Your hair will be left to process for a specific amount of time, and a perming solution will be applied to break down the disulfide bonds in your hair, so your hair can be reset into its new shape. Generally, this perming solution is only left to process for a short amount of time.
It’s the process of actually reshaping your hair with curlers that usually takes the most time in a perm – so you don’t have to worry about being exposed to chemicals for hours. After the perming solution has worked it’s magic, that’s when the neutralization process begins.
Your stylist will apply a neutralizing solution to your hair that re-sets your new curl pattern in place. This also helps to restore the moisture levels in your hair, and get rid of any chemicals that might cause additional damage or dryness.
Step 4: Rinsing and Styling
Next, your stylist will carefully rinse out the neutralizing solution with cool water, and get your hair ready to be styled. If you book a perm and a cut, they’ll snip away any damaged ends and create the look you’ve asked for. Alternatively, they might just style and blow-dry your hair into the perfect shape, so you’re ready to go out and enjoy your new look.
During this stage, your stylist might also share a few insights and tips on how to care for your hair when you get home. For instance, they should tell you not to wash your hair within the first 2-3 days, as exposure to water can prevent the perm from setting.
Other common tips include using lukewarm water and mild, sulphate-free shampoo to wash your hair. Harsh shampoos and heat can strip away the perming solution, and cause damage to your hair.
Some more quick tips to keep in mind include:
- Avoid tying your hair up into tight styles (at least for the first 2-3 days)
- Condition your hair or apply moisturizing balms to repair dryness
- Don’t use heat-styling tools where possible
How Do Korean Perms Work? What Results Will You Get?
Since there are a lot of different types of Korean perms, the results you get will depend on the style you’re trying to achieve. In virtually all cases, Korean perms are excellent at adding volume, texture and life to hair (unless you’re getting a down perm or straightening perm).
For the most part, they also give you more natural looking results compared to traditional perms. You won’t end up with a lot of uniform, tight curls. Instead, if you’re curling your hair, you’ll end up with looser curls and waves that give you a relaxed, effortless appearance.
If you’re just getting a root perm or a bangs perm, the main result will be bounce and structure. Your hair will look more youthful and well-maintained, even with minimal effort.
The important thing to remember is that Korean perms are celebrated for their versatility. You can end up with everything from soft beach waves to bouncier curls, depending on the approach your stylist takes. That’s the beauty of Korean perms – every outcome is personalized to you.
Some stylists may even use a variety of different methods to create a customized look that’s completely specific to your hair style and structure.
Another piece of good news is that Korean perms are generally very easy to maintain. They don’t require as many touch-ups as traditional perms, as your curls will begin to drop subtly over time. However, you’ll still need to commit to looking after your new hair-do.
Discover Korean Perms at PERFECT X HAIR
Korean perms are a truly unique hair treatment with a range of benefits to offer anyone who wants to transform their look. If you love the idea of having a customized hair style specific to your needs, want more volume, or simply want luscious waves, Korean perms are a great choice.
The key to success is choosing the right stylist. An experienced Korean hairstylist will be able to create the perfect look for your needs while reducing any potential damage to your hair.
At PERFECT X HAIR, we offer a range of perming options to suit any need. Browse through our services menu for more information, or reach out to our team for a personalized consultation.
