Should I get a perm? Advice please.

[Frenchy56]

I don't know! I did a pincurl set and waited until they were completely dry. With hot rollers I didn't have them in any longer than maybe 30 minutes- just until they were cool. I honestly at this point didn't notice too great a difference in wet set vs hot roller set- they both stayed in equally as long

Thanks for replying- I guess that was kind of a stupid question anyway, the only way I'll find out is through trying! Blame my perm-induced excitement for my asking strangers questions about my hair that they can't possibly answer!

kristy-jane

I've been considering a perm for years too, so thanks to all for this very informative thread! I've decided to go ahead and do it at an old-timey salon that I occasionally visit.
I'd love to see some photos of the perms.

Glad that my questions - and everyone's very helpful replies - are actively helping other people! as you can see the consensus on perms seems to be a largely positive one- hope it goes well for you when you have it done!

There are a few photos on this thread and a couple of other perm threads, personally I'm always reluctant to post any photos of myself for a number of reasons, but we'll see I'm not actually sure whether it'll make my sets *look* much different- I'm guessing the difference will be in how the curl takes and stays in, that's what I wanted it for anyway.

[Lauren]

No, not a stupid question at all! I am still getting used to mine so haven't figured it out yet But I do know that one of my hot rollers fell out before they were cool and it still was very curly

[Frenchy56]

Will do my first ever perm wash and set tonight, I'm so excited to see how it turns out Will report back!

[Frenchy56]

Having washed and set it twice now, re-set once, slept flat on it, exposed it to windy weather and fussed with it plenty, I can safely say that getting a perm was a very good thing indeed. I could elaborate if anyone's really that interested, but based on my own initial experience, I'd definitely recommend a perm to anyone who's serious about setting their hair and wants more resilient, quicker-taking curls.

[virgi]

I pincurl my hair, and it stays for about a day or two, am looking for a perm but am unsure to which stylist to go to. Anyone would recommend anyone in the los angeles area?

[BinkieBaumont]

Up until the 1960's when Vidal Sassoon introduced the world to precision cutting techniques, most Women had a Shampoo and set once a week and a "Permanent wave" every few months to give the set a long lasting hold, it wasn't until the late 1960's with the success of the musical hair, that people were requesting 'Afro' Perms which were wash and wear, and permed on tiny rollers, yo give a Frizz! I think perming is a lost art, it hasn't been popular for about 20 years. Hairdressers now make all their money on foiling the hair with two or three shades of permanent tint. perming is a long process and not very cost affective for hairdressers of today



http://www.stylelist.com/2010/04/27/...-caucasian-af/

[Puzzicato]

My mother in law still has a shampoo and set once a week!

[Frenchy56]

Hopefully I don't get told off for bumping my old thread, but it was so useful to me that I just wanted to add: I had my second perm yesterday, after a few months of having completely natural hair, and I've been reminded of how much I love it! Anyone who has fine/flat/greasy hair and is committed to setting/styling, I would recommend a perm almost without hesitation, based on my experience. So great to be able to put rollers in for a few hours and have curls! Or to go out in wind and rain and not have my sets completely destroyed! To only have to wash and set once or twice a week, and to finally have hair that feels thick! It's almost worth putting up with that foul smell.

[ginfizz]

How wonderful! I love perms. Can we see a picture of yours? Do you know what size rod you use?

[Frenchy56]

How wonderful! I love perms. Can we see a picture of yours? Do you know what size rod you use?

Sorry I only just saw this! On day 5 of my perm now and I'll probably wash it today or tomorrow, but it looks pretty similar to when my hairdresser set it 4 days ago! Compare that to having to wash/set every other day!

I don't normally post pics of myself, and I would love to help you out, but honestly, just seeing it might not do much... it's not so much how the perm makes your hair look (apart from thicker), it's what it does for your sets. If I post a pic of it unset that might turn you off one for ever, I look like a poodle! Hence the advice throughout this thread: don't expect a perm to give you a 'set' look on its own. You *have* to set it if you want the look. If you just leave it to dry you *will* get that poodle-y, frizzy classic perm look. You can blow dry straight if you really want to, but really, I wouldn#'t reccomend a perm unless you are setting your hair most of the time.

Re: rod size, that will depend on your hair length and the size of curl needed. I have short hair (not quite Audrey's crop, a few inches longer), so I needed small rods. I think they were red but I can check if needs be. When I had my shoulder length hair the rods were bigger. I think they were blue/grey. If in doubt go for the biggest rods possible! Honestly I think it's less about the specifics of the perm and more the fact of having the perm that matters, if you're having one for the same purpose as me (and, I think, other ladies here).

Sorry, such a long reply!