Whether you have long luscious waves or bouncy ringlets, curls can be beautiful. But it often takes a lot of work to keep curly hair looking perfect. That’s why some people blessed with curves choose to transform their look with a straightening perm.
As a form of permanent straightening treatment, these perms can give you effortless chic, sleek hair, that requires minimal styling. Whether you want to replicate the polished look of a celebrity superstar, or simply make your hair a little easier to manage, a straightening perm could be the perfect choice.
But, how do you know if a straightening perm is the right pick for you, and what can you expect from a treatment with an experienced stylist? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is a Straightening Perm?
A straightening perm (or straight perm) is a chemical treatment applied by salon experts to straighten natural curls by restructuring the bonds in your hair. The most common type is the Japanese straightening perm, made popular by Asian idols.
While straightening perms have begun to earn attention worldwide in recent years, there’s still a lot of confusion surrounding them. After all, most of us associate the word “perm” with the traditional cold perming technique used to create bouncy ringlets and curls.
However, a perm is actually just a way to reshape your hair. After a chemical solution alters the chemical bonds in your hair, your stylist can apply straighteners, curlers, and other products to create just about any kind of long-lasting hairstyle.
How Does a Straightening Perm Work?
Different stylists use different techniques to create the straight perm look. However, the overall goal of a straightening perm is to give you a permanently pin-straight style. That’s the big difference between a perm and another straightening treatment – perms are long lasting.
Just like with any kind of perm, stylists apply a special solution to your hair, which breaks down the bonds that give your locks their natural shape. They then allow that solution to process, and straighten your hair using a flat iron, before applying a “neutralizer” to set the new look.
Once your hair is washed and dried, your stylist can then cut and style it any way you like. Depending on the length of your hair (and how curly it is naturally), straightening perms can take a while. Some treatments take up to 5 hours. That’s one of the reasons why straightening perms are sometimes a little more expensive than a traditional cold perm.
The good news is that the results are often extremely long-lasting. Some clients maintain the same ultra-sleek look for up to 6 months, or until their hair fully grows out again.
Who Should Consider a Straightening Perm?
So, who’s a good candidate for a straightening perm? People with naturally wavy and curly hair are often drawn to this treatment if they’re looking for a more polished look.
There aren’t any hard and fast rules about which types of hair (such as Asian or African-American) will work best with straightening perms. However, since a perm is quite a significant treatment, it’s usually not recommended for people with already damaged, dry, or heavily treated hair.
Most professional stylists also won’t recommend a straightening perm, or most perms for that matter, to people who have colored or bleached hair. That’s because color-treated hair can sometimes be too weak to handle the chemicals in a perming solution, leading to breakage.
Another thing to keep in mind is that straightening perms are all about making your locks ultra-straight. If you still want waves, but just want to reduce the “volume” in your hair slightly, a Korean down perm might be a better option.
Additionally, not all straightening perms will be a good choice if you want to eliminate frizz. At PERFECT X HAIR, our perms do help to smooth out frizz.
Is a Straightening Perm Bad for Your Hair?
Perms are chemical hair treatments that break down the protein bonds in your hair. So there’s always a risk of hair damage. However, the best stylists will know how to reduce that risk. They’ll be able to assess your hair health before applying a treatment, so they can advise you on whether you’re not an ideal candidate for perming in advance.
Plus, stylists can adjust the process of perming your hair slightly based on your specific needs, reducing the risk of unnecessary damage.
That’s why, although you can sometimes find “home straightening” kits that promise the same results as a salon straightening perm, it’s usually best to avoid them. Remember, you’re adjusting the entire molecular structure of your hair. If you make the slightest mistake, there’s a good chance you won’t end up with the results you want.
The Pros and Cons of a Straightening Perm
If you’re tired of your curly locks and you’re ready to commit to a new, pin-straight look, a straightening perm could be the perfect option. However, this treatment won’t be the right option for everyone. Here are the key pros and cons to consider before making your choice.
Pros
- Straightening perms last a long time – for up to 6 months.
- They can help to repair your hair by reducing your reliance on straightening tools.
- You’ll end up with smoother, silkier, and more manageable hair.
- Straightening perms can be combined with various treatments and styling options.
- The right treatment can help to eliminate frizz too.
Cons
- They’re not suitable for color-treated or damaged hair
- You need to find a trained stylist to reduce the risk of harming your hair
- The texture of your hair will be altered for a very long time
- Straightening perms do require a lot of aftercare
What to Expect from a Straightening Perm Treatment
If you decide a straightening perm is the right choice for you, the most important thing you can do is choose the right stylist. Remember, not all stylists can achieve the same results, and some won’t be able to reduce frizz for you, if that’s a concern.
Here’s what you can expect from a straightening perm with PERFECT X HAIR.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
A perm is a significant treatment that has a long-term impact on your hair. If your stylist doesn’t offer a consultation before you book an appointment, you should probably avoid using them. A consultation gives your stylist a chance to review the health of your hair, identify your goals, and guide you on whether a straightening perm is right for you.
If our experts don’t think your hair is suitable for a straight perm, they’ll be able to give you insights into other treatment options that you might prefer, such as a bangs perm, root perm, or down perm.
Step 2: The Straightening Process
When you arrive for your appointment with a stylist, they’ll talk you through what will happen throughout the treatment process, and double check your hair goals with you. When you’re ready, they’ll apply a special perming solution to your hair, then straighten your locks with a flat iron.
After that, your stylist will assess your hair condition, then apply a neutralizer to lock the style in place. Usually, your stylist will then rinse your hair, blow dry it, and straighten it once again with a flat iron. It’s a pretty lengthy process, so expect to be in the salon for a few hours.
Step 3: Aftercare
After your new look is ready, you’ll need to be really careful to ensure you keep it in excellent condition. For instance, you can’t wash your hair, or pull it into a tight ponytail for at least three days while everything is setting.
After that, your stylist will usually recommend special products to use, such as a sulphate-free shampoo, and conditioning treatments to give your hair follicles extra moisture. Typically, it’s a good idea to stay away from hot styling tools which can cause additional damage to your hair too.
Keep in mind, if you look after your hair correctly, your newly processed locks should stay permanently smooth. However, the new hair that grows in at the roots will usually be a different texture. You might need to book a follow-up appointment for your roots after a couple of months.
Ready for Ultra-Straight, Smooth Hair?
A straightening perm is a wonderful way to get the silky-smooth hair of your dreams, particularly if you work with the right salon and stylist. However, it’s not right for everyone. Before you consider any type of perm, you should always speak to a trained stylist.
Your PERFECT X HAIR stylist will be able to discuss your hair goals with you, and help you make the right treatment choice, based on your hair health, and specific needs.
If you think a straightening perm might be the right choice for you, contact our team today to arrange your initial consultation and appointment.
FAQs
How long does a straightening perm last?
Straightening perms can last up to 6 months. They generally offer long-lasting results, but the results of your perm will vary depending on your hair growth speed and various other factors. You might need to consider touch-ups to keep your look for as long as possible.
What shouldn’t you do after a straightening perm?
Just like with most perms, after a straightening perm you shouldn’t wash or wet your hair. Some experts recommend avoiding exercise for up to 72 hours too, to reduce the risk of exposing your locks to sweat. You shouldn’t put your hair in a ponytail, use pins, or clips either, as this can leave a kink in your hair.
Will your hair go back to normal after a straightening perm?
Technically, your hair will eventually return to normal in most cases after a straightening perm. However, that’s just because new, untreated hair will grow. The hair that has been processed won’t naturally regain it’s curls or waves. It will remain permanently straight.
