Tired of the same old hairstyle? Ready to add some flair and volume to your locks? Look no further than getting a perm for guys. Yes, you read that right – perms aren’t just for women anymore! In fact, they’re becoming increasingly popular among men who want to achieve a stylish, low-maintenance look. Whether you’re looking for tight curls, loose waves, or anything in between, a perm can help you achieve the results you desire.
The process of getting a perm for guys is relatively simple. First, your stylist will wash and condition your hair to prepare it for the perm solution. Next, they will apply the perm solution to your hair, which will break down the bonds in your hair and allow it to be reshaped. Once the solution has set, your stylist will rinse it out and apply a neutralizer to stop the perm process. Finally, they will style your hair as desired.
There are many different types of perms available for guys, so you can find one that fits your individual style. If you’re looking for a natural look, you might opt for a loose wave perm. If you want something more dramatic, you could try a tight curl perm. And if you’re somewhere in between, there are plenty of options to choose from. No matter what type of perm you choose, you’re sure to turn heads and get compliments wherever you go.
Choosing the Right Perm Type
Deciding on the ideal perm type for your hair involves considering various factors, including the desired curl size, hair texture, and face shape.
Cold Perm
Also known as an acid perm, a cold perm utilizes a chemical solution that doesn’t produce heat. This method is slower than hot perms but offers more flexibility and control over the curl size. It’s suitable for thicker, coarser hair that tends to retain curl better.
Hot Perm
Hot perms employ chemical solutions and heat to create curls. This method is faster but may be more damaging to hair. It’s ideal for finer, thinner hair that requires stronger curls.
Japanese Perm
The Japanese perm, also called the Yuko system, involves using a different chemical solution that changes the hair structure. This method creates permanent curls that won’t naturally wash out and requires regular touch-ups. It’s suitable for all hair types and textures.
Other Perm Types
* Body Wave Perm: Creates loose, natural-looking waves.
* Spiral Perm: Produces tight, corkscrew curls.
* Stack Perm: Combines cold and hot perming methods for a variety of curls.
* Multi-Texture Perm: Creates curls with varying sizes and directions.
Consider the following table for a quick comparison of perm types:
| Perm Type | Method | Curl Size | Hair Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Perm | Chemical solution, no heat | Flexible, customizable | Thicker, coarser hair |
| Hot Perm | Chemical solution and heat | Faster, stronger curls | Finer, thinner hair |
| Japanese Perm | Chemical solution that alters hair structure | Permanent curls | All hair types |
Preparing Your Hair
Wash and Condition
Before you perm your hair, it’s important to start with clean, healthy hair. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using any styling products. This will help to remove any dirt or oil that could interfere with the perming process.
Trim Your Hair
If your hair is long or damaged, it’s a good idea to trim it before you perm it. This will help to ensure that the perm is evenly distributed and that your hair doesn’t become too damaged.
Apply a Pre-Perm Treatment
A pre-perm treatment can help to protect your hair from damage during the perming process. There are a variety of pre-perm treatments available, so be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for your hair type. To apply a pre-perm treatment, follow the instructions on the package. Typically, you’ll need to apply the treatment to your hair and leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
Test Your Hair
Before you start perming your hair, it’s important to test a small section of hair to make sure that the perm will take. To do this, apply a small amount of perming solution to a small section of hair on the back of your head. Leave the solution on for the amount of time specified in the instructions, and then rinse it out. If the hair curls, then you can proceed with perming the rest of your hair. If the hair doesn’t curl, then you may need to use a stronger perming solution or leave the solution on for a longer period of time.
Protect Your Skin
Perming solution can be irritating to the skin, so it’s important to protect your skin before you start. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to your forehead, ears, and neck. This will help to create a barrier between your skin and the perming solution.
Applying the Perming Solution
This crucial step transforms your hair’s structure, so meticulous attention is paramount. Initially, the perming solution is carefully applied to your rods-wrapped hair. This solution contains chemicals that break down the hair’s disulfide bonds, allowing them to be reshaped into the desired curls.
Duration: The duration of this step varies depending on your hair’s texture and the desired result. In general, thicker or highly resistant hair requires a longer processing time.
Processing Time Guide
| Hair Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Fine Hair | 10-20 minutes |
| Medium Hair | 20-30 minutes |
| Coarse Hair | 30-45 minutes |
Regular Checking: To achieve optimal results, your stylist will periodically unroll a rod to check the progress of the perm. This ensures that your hair is processed sufficiently without over-processing, which could lead to damage.
Styling and Maintaining Your Perm
Once you’ve got your perm, it’s important to know how to style and maintain it properly. Here are some tips:
Using the Right Products
Use products specifically designed for permed hair. These products will help to define and hold your curls without weighing them down. Avoid using products that contain alcohol, as they can dry out your hair and make it frizzy.
Detangling and Brushing
Detangle your hair before brushing it. Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to gently remove knots. Avoid using a regular brush, as it can break your curls.
Drying and Styling
Air-drying is the best way to dry your permed hair. However, if you need to use a blow dryer, use it on a low setting and hold it several inches away from your hair. Avoid using a diffuser, as it can frizz up your curls.
Touch-Ups
The perm will gradually relax over time. To maintain your curls, you can get a touch-up every 6-8 weeks. Touch-ups can help to restore the definition and hold of your curls.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for styling and maintaining your perm:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Get regular trims | Trims will help to remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy. |
| Use a leave-in conditioner | Leave-in conditioners will help to hydrate and detangle your hair. |
| Protect your hair from the sun | The sun’s rays can damage your hair, so be sure to protect it with a hat or sunscreen. |
Troubleshooting Common Perm Problems
Overprocessed Curls
If your curls are looking more like a poodle’s than a surfer’s, you’ve likely overprocessed them. This can happen if the perm solution is left on too long or if your hair is naturally fine or damaged. To fix this, you can try applying a deep conditioning mask to help repair and moisturize your hair. You may also need to get a haircut to remove the damaged ends.
Frizziness
Frizziness can be a common problem with permed hair, especially if your hair is naturally dry or porous. To combat frizz, use a frizz-control shampoo and conditioner. You can also try using a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to help smooth and seal your hair cuticles.
Lack of Volume
If your perm is looking flat and lifeless, you may not have used enough perm solution or you may have left it on for too short a time. To fix this, you can try applying a second round of perm solution to the areas that need more curl. You can also try using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to help give your hair more body and bounce.
Uneven Curls
If your curls are uneven, it may be because your hair was not evenly saturated with the perm solution or because you did not wrap the hair rods consistently. To fix this, you can try applying a second round of perm solution to the areas that need more curl. You can also try using smaller hair rods to create tighter curls.
Dryness and Breakage
Perming can be a harsh process that can leave your hair dry and brittle. To prevent this, make sure to use a deep conditioning mask before and after your perm. You should also avoid using harsh shampoos and styling products on your permed hair.
Scalp Irritation
Perming solution can cause scalp irritation in some people. If you experience any redness, itching, or burning, rinse your scalp thoroughly with water and apply a soothing lotion or cream. If the irritation persists, see a doctor.
| Symptom | Possible Causes | Possible Solutions |
|—|—|—|
| Overprocessed Curls | Perm solution left on too long, fine or damaged hair | Apply a deep conditioning mask, get a haircut to remove damaged ends |
| Frizziness | Dry or porous hair | Use a frizz-control shampoo and conditioner, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum |
| Lack of Volume | Not enough perm solution applied, perm solution left on for too short a time | Apply a second round of perm solution, use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner |
| Uneven Curls | Hair not evenly saturated with perm solution, hair rods not wrapped consistently | Apply a second round of perm solution to areas that need more curl, use smaller hair rods to create tighter curls |
| Dryness and Breakage | Harsh perming process | Use a deep conditioning mask before and after your perm, avoid using harsh shampoos and styling products |
| Scalp Irritation | Perm solution causing irritation | Rinse scalp thoroughly with water, apply a soothing lotion or cream, see a doctor if irritation persists |
Alternative Permanent Styling Techniques
Rod Perms
Rod perms, also known as spiral perms, involve wrapping the hair around rods of varying sizes to create tight, defined curls. The smaller the rod, the tighter the curls will be. Rod perms offer a wide range of curl patterns, from bouncy spirals to loose, beachy waves.
| Rod Size | Curl Pattern |
|---|---|
| Small (1/4 inch or less) | Tight, defined spirals |
| Medium (1/4 to 1/2 inch) | Medium-sized, bouncy curls |
| Large (1/2 inch or more) | Loose, beachy waves |
Thermal Perms
Thermal perms utilize heat to shape the hair into curls. The hair is wound around rods or clamped in a perm machine, and then a chemical solution is applied. The heat from the machine activates the solution, setting the curls in place. Thermal perms offer a natural-looking, loose, and beachy curl pattern.
Texturizing Perms
Texturizing perms are designed to add volume and body to straight or fine hair without creating tight curls. The hair is treated with a chemical solution that breaks down the protein structure, allowing the hair to be more easily shaped. Texturizing perms result in a subtle, wave-like texture that enhances volume and body.
Kinetic Perms
Kinetic perms use a chemical solution and a rotating perm machine to create soft, bouncy curls. The hair is wound around rods inside the machine, which then rotates to distribute the solution evenly. Kinetic perms offer a consistent, uniform curl pattern that lasts up to 6 months.
Flip-Perm
Flip-perms are a variation of the traditional perm that creates a flipped-out effect at the ends of the hair. The hair is wound around rods in a reverse direction, with the ends flipping outward. This technique results in a stylish, trendy look with layers of curls and volume.
Safety Precautions for Perming
Perming involves using chemicals that can be harmful to your hair and scalp if not used properly. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
1. Skin Test
Before perming your hair, perform a skin test to check for any allergic reactions. Apply a small amount of the perm solution to a patch of skin behind your ear. Wait 24 hours, and if there is no redness, itching, or swelling, you should be safe to proceed with the perm.
2. Protect Your Eyes and Skin
Wear gloves during the perming process to protect your hands from the chemicals. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline and ears to prevent the perm solution from causing irritation or burns.
3. Well-Ventilated Area
Perming solution releases strong fumes that can be harmful if inhaled. Perform the perm in a well-ventilated area or wear a respirator to minimize exposure.
4. Follow Instructions Carefully
Read the instructions provided with the perm kit thoroughly and follow them exactly. Do not leave the solution on your hair for longer than the recommended time, as this can cause damage.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
After the perm, rinse your hair thoroughly with water to remove all traces of the chemical solution. This will help prevent dryness and irritation.
In addition to these general precautions, there are specific precautions to take based on the type of perm you are getting:
6. Digital Perm
Digital perms use a heated curling iron to shape the hair, reducing the risk of chemical damage. However, it’s still important to follow the safety precautions listed above.
7. Acid Perms
Acid perms use an acidic solution to weaken the hair’s structure, making it more pliable for curling. They tend to be more damaging than other types of perms, so extra care should be taken to protect your hair and skin.
8. Alkaline Perms
Alkaline perms use an alkaline solution to lift the hair’s cuticle, making it more receptive to the perm solution. They can be less damaging than acid perms, but still require proper safety precautions.
9. Thio Perm
Thio perms use a thioglycolic acid solution to create a permanent bond that alters the hair’s structure. They are the most damaging type of perm, and extra care should be taken to protect your hair and scalp.
10. Consult a Professional
If you have any concerns about perming your hair, or if your hair is damaged or chemically treated, consult a professional hairstylist for advice. They can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the best perm option for you, ensuring a successful outcome with minimal damage.
How to Do a Perm for Guys
A perm, or permanent wave, is a chemical process that can give your hair a permanent curl or wave. It’s a great way to add volume, texture, and style to your hair. If you’re thinking about getting a perm, here’s how to do it.
The first step is to choose the right perm solution. There are a variety of solutions available, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your hair type. If you have fine hair, you’ll need a weaker solution. If you have thick hair, you’ll need a stronger solution.
Once you’ve chosen a solution, you need to prepare your hair. Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove any product buildup or dirt that could prevent the perm from taking. After washing your hair, towel dry it and comb it through.
The next step is to apply the perm solution. Use a brush or comb to apply the solution evenly to your hair. Be sure to saturate your hair completely. Once the solution is applied, cover your hair with a plastic cap and leave it on for the amount of time specified on the package.
After the perm solution has processed, you need to neutralize it. This will stop the chemical process and prevent your hair from becoming damaged. To neutralize the solution, use a neutralizing shampoo and conditioner. Apply the shampoo to your hair and massage it in. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly and then apply the conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes and then rinse it out.
Once your hair is neutralized, you can style it as desired. You can use a blow dryer, curling iron, or flat iron to create the look you want.
People Also Ask
What is a perm?
A perm, or permanent wave, is a chemical process that can give your hair a permanent curl or wave. It’s a great way to add volume, texture, and style to your hair.
How long does a perm last?
A perm can last for up to 6 months, depending on your hair type and how well you care for it.
Can I get a perm if I have short hair?
Yes, you can get a perm if you have short hair. However, the results will be more subtle than if you have longer hair.
Can I get a perm if I have colored hair?
Yes, you can get a perm if you have colored hair. However, it’s important to note that the perm solution can lighten your hair color, so it’s important to talk to your stylist to see if a perm is right for you.
