The Spiral Perm: A Classic Comeback in Modern Hair Fashion
"Born with curly hair, Born to stand out"
Guess what… PERMS ARE BACK! Innovated, modernized and here to stay. Perms have had a fascinating journey through the annals of fashion history, often reflecting the zeitgeist of their times.
Among the various styles, the spiral perm stands out as a classic, versatile choice that has made a significant comeback. Let's dive into the world of spiral perms, exploring their history, the process, and how they fit into today's beauty.
A Brief History of Perms
The concept of perming hair dates back to the early 20th century, but it wasn't until the 1980s that perms truly became a cultural phenomenon. The spiral perm, characterized by tight, corkscrew-like curls, became a defining look of the decade. Celebrities and everyday people alike embraced the voluminous, textured hairstyle, making it a symbol of boldness and individuality.
What is a Spiral Perm?
A spiral perm involves creating tight, spiral-shaped curls that fall uniformly around the head. The technique uses longer perm rods compared to regular perms, allowing the curls to form in a corkscrew pattern. This creates a cascade of curls that can range from loose waves to tight spirals, depending on the size of the rods used and the natural texture of the hair.
The result is a head full of lively, bouncy curls that offer a striking contrast to naturally straight or wavy hair. Unlike traditional perms that often produce uniform curls, spiral perms provide a more dynamic and varied curl pattern, giving the hair more movement and dimension.
The Perming Process
Getting a spiral perm involves several steps, and it's essential to consult with a professional hairstylist to achieve the best results. Here's a brief overview of the process:
1. Consultation: The stylist assesses the hair's health, length, and texture to determine the appropriate rod size and perm solution. They also discuss the desired curl tightness and overall look with the client.
2. Preparation: The hair is washed and sectioned into smaller parts. Our stylist then wraps each section around the chosen perm rods, working from the ends of the hair towards the scalp.
3. Application of Perm Solution: Once the hair is wrapped, a perm solution is applied. This chemical breaks down the hair's natural structure, allowing it to take the shape of the rods. Be warned: the solution does still smell funky.. we haven’t been able to modernise this quite yet.
4. Processing Time: The solution is left on for a specific period, depending on the hair's condition and the desired curl intensity.
5. Neutralization: After the processing time, a neutralizing solution is applied to set the curls in place. The rods are then carefully removed, and the hair is rinsed and conditioned.
6. Styling and Aftercare: The stylist may trim the hair to shape the curls and provide advice on maintaining the perm. It's crucial to use sulfate-free shampoos, moisturizing conditioners, and avoid heat styling tools to keep the curls healthy and defined.
Here’s a breakdown of who is typically eligible for a perm and what factors might affect the decision:
1. Hair Type and Texture
• Straight or Wavy Hair: These types of hair are often suitable for perms as they can hold the curl well.
• Curly Hair: People with naturally curly hair may opt for a perm to reset their curl pattern or enhance their natural curls. Particularly if the curl is slightly damaged from long-term straightening, you might want to perm your hair to bring out the curl pattern.
• Fine Hair: Perms can add volume and texture to fine hair, making it appear fuller.
• Thick Hair: While thick hair can be permed, it may require stronger chemicals or longer processing times.
2. Hair Condition
• Healthy Hair: Hair that is healthy and strong is the best candidate for a perm, as it can handle the chemical process without excessive damage.
• Damaged Hair: Hair that is excessively dry, brittle, or damaged from previous chemical treatments (such as coloring, bleaching, or relaxers) may not be suitable for a perm. Ritzys may assess the hair’s condition and may recommend a restorative treatment first.
3. Length of Hair
• Short Hair: Perms can work on short hair, but the resulting curls will be tighter and closer to the scalp.
• Medium to Long Hair: Longer hair allows for more versatility in the type and size of curls that can be achieved with a perm.
4. Scalp and Skin Health
• Individuals with sensitive skin, scalp conditions, or allergies to perm solutions should consult with a dermatologist or hairstylist before getting a perm. A patch test is often recommended to check for allergic reactions.
5. Previous Chemical Treatments
• Hair that has undergone recent chemical treatments, like coloring or relaxing, may need time to recover before being permed. Combining multiple chemical processes can increase the risk of damage.
6. Maintenance Commitment
• Permed hair requires specific aftercare to maintain the curl pattern and hair health. People considering a perm should be willing to follow the recommended maintenance routine, including using appropriate hair care products and minimizing heat styling.
7. Age and Lifestyle Considerations
• Children and Teens: Perms are generally safe for teenagers, but it’s essential to consider the hair’s maturity and health. For younger children, a gentler approach is recommended, if at all.
• Active Lifestyle: An active lifestyle that involves swimming (especially in chlorinated pools), frequent washing, or high humidity environments may affect the longevity of the perm.
8. Consultation with a Professional Stylist
• A consultation with a professional stylist is crucial to determine if a perm is suitable. The stylist will assess hair health, discuss desired results, and advise on the best type of perm for the individual’s hair type and lifestyle.
In summary, while perms are widely accessible, the decision to get one should be based on a thorough assessment of hair health, type, and lifestyle factors. Consulting with a knowledgeable stylist ensures that the chosen perm will be safe and effective, leading to beautiful, lasting curls.
Modern Takes on the Spiral Perm
Today's spiral perms are more versatile and customizable than ever before. Advances in hair care products and techniques allow for more natural-looking curls and reduced damage. Whether you're aiming for a subtle, beachy wave or tight, defined spirals, there's a spiral perm style that can suit your taste.
Moreover, the modern spiral perm isn't limited to a single look. Many people opt for a mix of curl sizes and patterns to create a more natural and relaxed appearance. Ombre and balayage color techniques can also complement spiral perms, adding depth and dimension to the curls.
Why Choose a Spiral Perm?
The resurgence of the spiral perm can be attributed to several factors:
1. Versatility: The variety of curl sizes and patterns allows for a highly personalized look.
2. Low Maintenance: While perms require specific care, they reduce the need for daily styling, making them a practical choice for busy lifestyles.
3. Volume and Texture: Spiral perms add significant volume and texture, ideal for those with fine or limp hair.
4. Long-lasting: Unlike temporary curling methods, a spiral perm can last for several months with proper care, providing a semi-permanent solution for curly hair enthusiasts.
Getting a perm can be an exciting way to change up your hairstyle, but it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks before making the decision. Ritzy’s like to always make you aware of some of the common risks associated with perms:
1. Hair Damage
• Chemical Exposure: Perms involve chemicals that break down and reform the hair’s natural structure. This process can weaken the hair, making it more prone to dryness, brittleness, and breakage.
• Split Ends and Frizz: The chemical process can lead to increased split ends and frizz, especially if the hair was already damaged or dry before the perm.
2. Maintenance
• High Maintenance: While perms provide a long-lasting curl, they require specific care to maintain the curl pattern and keep the hair healthy. This includes using sulfate-free shampoos, deep conditioning treatments, and avoiding heat styling tools.
• Frequent Trims: To keep the hair looking fresh and prevent split ends, regular trims are necessary, which can add to the maintenance routine.
3. Unpredictable Results
• Difficulty Reversing: If the perm doesn’t turn out as desired, it can be difficult to reverse without causing significant damage to the hair. The only real solution may be to wait for the hair to grow out.
4. Long-Term Commitment
• Semi-Permanent: A perm typically lasts for several months, meaning you’re committed to the look for a while. If you decide you don’t like it, you’re stuck with the curls until they grow out or you cut them off.
• Difficulty in Styling: Once your hair is permed, styling options may be more limited. It can be challenging to straighten permed hair without causing additional damage, and reverting to your natural texture can be difficult.
5. Cost
• The cost can vary based on hair length, thickness, and the type of perm.
• Ongoing Expenses: Maintaining a perm can also be costly, as you may need special hair care products and regular salon visits to keep the curls in good condition.
6. Scalp Sensitivity
• Chemical Sensitivity: The chemicals used in perms can sometimes irritate the scalp, leading to itching, redness, or even chemical burns if not applied correctly.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the perm solution, making it important to do a patch test before proceeding with the full treatment.
7. Hair Texture Changes
• Altered Hair Texture: Even after the perm has grown out or been cut off, the hair’s texture may not return completely to its original state. The chemicals can alter the hair’s natural curl pattern or straightness permanently in some cases.
8. Time-Consuming Process
• Lengthy Salon Visit: Getting a perm can take several hours, depending on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the type of perm you choose.
• Frequent Touch-Ups: As your hair grows, the new growth will be your natural texture, requiring potential touch-ups or additional styling to blend with the permed hair.
9. Potential for Overprocessing
• Damage from Repeat Treatments: If you decide to perm your hair again too soon, the cumulative effect of the chemicals can lead to severe damage, including breakage and hair loss.
Conclusion
While perms can offer a fun and lasting way to change your hairstyle, they come with several potential drawbacks. It’s important to weigh these against the benefits and consider your hair’s health, your willingness to maintain the style, and your expectations for the final result. Consulting with a professional stylist can help you make an informed decision and ensure that if you do go forward with a perm, the process is as safe and satisfying as possible.
Final Thoughts
The spiral perm has evolved from a retro trend to a modern style staple, thanks to its versatility and the natural beauty it imparts. Whether you're looking to make a bold statement or simply enhance your natural texture, a spiral perm offers endless possibilities. As with any chemical hair treatment, it's important to consult with a skilled stylist and invest in quality hair care products to keep your curls looking fabulous.
So, if you're ready to embrace a world of curls, consider a spiral perm—a timeless, yet contemporary choice for those who want to add a touch of glamour and fun to their hair.
Comments