Yes, we know!
Those luscious Korean curls look so darn irresistible and you are thinking of getting a perm. Before you book yourself an appointment, here are a few tips you need to know to get the best results!
We asked the experts from Picasso Hair Studio, Koinonia Hair Salon and Act Point Salon to give us their advice!
1. DO NOT BLEACH YOUR HAIR
Did you know perming bleached or pre-lightened hair will result in frizzy looking curls that will lack bounce and straighten very quickly?
To ensure the best possible results for her customers, Jesly from Picasso Hair Studio insists on not perming customers’ hair until the bleached portion can be entirely cut off.
It is not always easy to tell what your previous stylist has done to your hair so you should always make it a habit to ask!
3C Hair Colour by Picasso Hair Studio
Vibrant colours like these pink and blue colours often require bleaching!
For those intending to perm your hair in the near future, you’ll probably have to avoid these styles and make sure to inform your stylist not to bleach or pre-lighten your hair for at least 6 months before the perm!
2. DO NOT LAYER OR THIN YOUR HAIR TOO MUCH
If you are intending to perm your hair, keep in mind hair that has been thinned too much might lose its curls faster. More often than not, a perm needs to have a certain haircut in order to achieve the final result.
The rebonding perm innovated by Picasso Hair Studio, for example, has only very few layers to create the look of a heavy bottom.
The Korean Wave Perm is a one-length perm so it may not be possible to achieve this style if you have too many layers.
Therefore, try not to layer or thin your hair too much months before your perm as this could restrict the type of perm you can eventually achieve!
Certain parts of the curls may also not look as bouncy!
3. DO NOT REBOND YOUR HAIR FOR A YEAR
Regularly straightened hair will not take curls very well. Before you know it, your perm will lose its bounce or straighten very quickly. It’s a pity to spend all that many and hours sitting in a salon for curls that won’t last long. Thus if you wish to perm your hair in the next year, stop rebonding your hair!
You should stay away even from hybrid rebonding perms like C Curve Rebonding if you want luscious bouncy curls in your hair!
If you really must have straightened hair before your next perm, consider looking for Shua from Koinonia Hair Salon! She has created a special type of perm technique that mimics the look of soft rebonded hair… without the damage that rebonding causes!
4. DO AVOID HENNA COLOUR, HERBAL HAIR TREATMENT OR KERATIN TREATMENT
Henna Colour / Herbal Hair Treatment / Keratin Treatment might leave a coating around the hair that can affect the perm chemical process, which will result in curls that lack bounce and look lifeless.
Always inform your stylist what has been done to your hair previously, even if it was done years ago. You never know what is still left on your hair that can affect the perm!
5. DO MAINTAIN YOUR HAIR TO REDUCE DAMAGE
The healthier the hair, the longer the perm will last.
There is no way for a hair that is already dry / damaged to look healthy after a perm. Perming after all, is still a chemical process. Hence, make sure to always do treatments on a regular basis and use good homecare products to prepare your hair for the perm.
In many instances, you might need to cut off the dry / damaged hair ends for a good perm to be possible.
6. DO NOT PERM AND COLOUR YOUR HAIR THE SAME DAY
Do not make the mistake of scheduling your perm and colour appointment on the same day!
When you colour your hair right after a perm, the cuticles are not closed properly and the chemical bonds do not stabilize as well. This will result in a hair colour that is distorted and will not last long. The curls will also not turn out as bouncy as it was intended to be.
That is why you’ll not find stylists from Act Point Salon doing these two hair services on the same day!
A minimum of 1 to 2 weeks is recommended after perming to get your colour done so keep that in mind!
Perm by Sophie from Act Point Salon
During this break, remember to care for your hair by conditioning it to restore the moisture balance and reseal the cuticle layer so as to ensure your colour stays true and lasts.
7. DO GO FOR A PRE-SERVICE CONSULTATION
Even if you have not chemically treated your hair before, your hair can be damaged from UV rays or simply from having hair that is very long.
Therefore, to ensure your hair is in good condition for the perm, Koinonia Hair Salon recommends that you schedule a quick consultation with your stylist at least ONE WEEK before your actual appointment.
This will allow the stylist to assess your hair condition and recommend a suitable treatment if necessary.
Credits: Picasso Hair Studio
8. DO YOUR RESEARCH AND BRING PHOTOS
Spotted a celebrity or a friend with curls you are lusting over? Bring along a picture of the perm you want instead of vague descriptions like “natural” or “bouncy” curls. Your idea of “loose curls” might not be the same as the other person’s. Always bring along pictures of the perm you want and be as specific and detailed as possible during the consultation with your stylist. This will save you the regret of leaving the salon disappointed.
However, each person’s hair condition and texture is different, and there are always limitations to replicating the same perm exactly. Speak to your stylist and they will let you know if your desired look is possible.
9. DO SET ASIDE 4 – 6 HOURS FOR THE PERM SERVICE
Beauty can be time-consuming at times, well, most of the time!
Set aside some time for the perm service. It usually takes close to four hours or more with treatment and cut.
Bring along a book or an entertainment device to help you kill time.
The wait may be long but the final look is definitely worth the wait.
Transient Layer and Volume Perm by Shua from Koinonia Hair Salon
10. DO MAINTAIN YOUR HAIR AFTER THE PERM
Ensuring your curls look just as gorgeous as the day you stepped out of the salon requires regular maintenance. Be prepared for after perm care like applying products and spending 10 – 20 minutes blow drying your hair daily.
Maintaining your perm won’t be difficult once you get the hang of it as your stylist will teach you how to blow dry the curls in the correct manner.
Be sure to listen carefully to your stylist as different types of curls require different blow drying techniques. Using the wrong technique will change the original intended shape of the curls, and the final result will not be desirable!
When it comes to perming your hair, you want to get the most bang for your buck.
You want stunning curls that last and this often depends on how you have been caring for your hair before and after the perm.
Follow these do’s and don’ts and you are on your way to achieving the perfect perm!