The New Perms

Perm Advances

Once, the word "perm" conjured up thoughts of tight, poodle curls, acrid hair solutions, and scary metal rods and rollers. The old-fashioned permanent's bad reputation was well deserved -- it was damaging to hair's condition, not to mention its style.

Today, there's a new perm in town, creating big, loose, soft curls. Perm technology has been updated and perfected. Now it can be a long-term solution for giving hair the curl and volume that works perfectly with the current trend toward lush, sexy hair. Stylists now often use perms by working with your cut, adding welcome texture and style to any hair.

Here's all you need to know about the new twist on a retro hairstyle option.

Advances in chemical technology have made the perm process much easier on hair. Better solutions and built-in conditioners have done away with the frizz and tight curls of the perms of the past. Modern perms are ideal for giving straight, limp hair a great wave or curl.

Today's perms are more versatile. By varying the size of the rod used in the process, the strength of the solution, and the time the solution has contact with hair, a stylist can give the client a variety of look options -- big, loose curls or tighter waves. For example, wrapping hair around large round rods and leaving the ends out gives a more natural and longer look.