Perms and Body Waves in Raleigh, NC
Sweet T Salon in Raleigh, NC customizes perms and body waves, from tight low-maintenance curls to long, loose romantic waves. Every perm starts with a $25 consultation, where your stylist sets your price.
Perms
What is a perm or body wave?
A perm changes your hair's structure to give it curl or body, and at Sweet T we customize every perm and body wave to the look you want. Our stylists have 20+ years of perm experience.
Want more body and texture? Your required consultation is scheduled ahead of time. That's where we work out whether you want tight, low-maintenance curls or long, loose waves.
Pricing
How much does a perm cost?
Your stylist sets your perm price at a $25 consultation, based on your hair and the style you want.
- New Client Perm Consultation30 min$25
- PermSet by your stylist at the consultation
- Perm booking retainer (goes toward your perm)$100, non-refundable
Specialty perms for today's modern waves include piggyback, e-wrap, candle wrap and root perms. Come in for your perm consultation first. Plan on buying professional aftercare products too, so your curls stay healthy.
Booking
How do I book a perm?
Every perm starts with a consultation. We never do the perm the same day as the consultation. We don't take new perm clients whose hair has color or highlights done outside Sweet T, or box color. A perm gives you S-shaped curls, so plan on a new care routine.
Amy takes hair that has no color or chemical treatment, and she perms men's hair too. Suzi takes hair that hasn't been bleached.
Timing
How long does a perm take?
A perm at Sweet T takes 2 to 4 hours on short hair and 3 to 6 hours on long hair.
Come in with patience. A perm has a few uncomfortable stages: lots of tight, heavy rods and some unpleasant-smelling chemicals. It's worth it.
Process
How a perm works
Wash and wrap
Your hair is washed and then wrapped on perm rods.
Pick your curl
The thickness of the rods decides whether you get loose curls or tight ones.
Apply the waving solution
A waving solution goes on. It breaks bonds in the hair's protein chains and softens the inner structure of each strand.
Rinse
Once the solution has absorbed, your hair is rinsed again to remove every trace of it.
Aftercare
Perm aftercare
Wait 48 hours before you shampoo your perm, then use products made for chemically treated hair.
- Shampoo only after 48 hours. Your hair is fragile and needs time to adjust. Use a gentle shampoo meant for chemically treated hair.
- Condition every time you shampoo. Conditioner won't relax your perm. The right one, made for chemically treated hair, keeps curls softer and helps them last longer.
- Skip the blow-dryer. Air dry or diffuse on cool. For the first 48 hours, comb with your fingers, then switch to a wide-tooth comb.
- Leave your hair down for a day or two. Ponytails and buns can bend your curls out of shape.
- Trim every 4 to 5 weeks to keep hair healthy and curls springy.
- Cover your hair in the sun, and wear a swim cap in chlorine.
If you work out or sweat during the waiting period, put a light conditioner in your hair in the shower or use dry shampoo. Above all, follow your stylist's advice for your hair. Aftercare tips adapted from welikehair.
Good fit
Is a perm right for me?
A perm is not for you if you don't want "tight" curls for about two weeks while they relax, if you want a wash-and-go look or perfect curls when you wake up, or if you don't have time to learn to style a perm with the right tools and products.
Like any chemical service, a perm comes with maintenance, a learning curve and new products. Your stylist will show you how to style it. Think of a perm as a primer for the style you want.
Stylists
Who does perms at Sweet T?
Amy is our Perm and Color Specialist, and she loves designing perms. Suzi and Rosa do perms at Sweet T too.
FAQ
Perm questions
Will getting a perm damage my hair?
Today's perms are less damaging than the ones your mom and grandma got. They still use harsh chemicals to change your hair's structure and create the curl. Sweet T can only guarantee a healthy perm that won't go straight if you follow the at-home care routine your stylist gives you, which means investing in professional shampoo and conditioner.
How long does a perm last?
A perm generally lasts about 2 to 6 months. Tighter perms usually last longer because they relax over time. Even when you can't see the curl anymore, tell your stylist you have a previous perm, because the chemicals are still in your hair.
How long do I have to wait to shampoo after a perm?
Wait 48 hours so the perm can fully neutralize and relax. If you work out or sweat, rinse in a light conditioner or use dry shampoo.
Is there anything I need to do before a perm?
Avoid scratching your head or brushing hard, because scalp stimulation can make the perm chemicals burn. Avoid hot water too. You don't need to shampoo the day of. Your stylist will shampoo your hair for you.
How will a perm affect my hair color?
A perm can pull out a little of your color. Get the perm, wait a week, then use a semi-permanent color, which uses less hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide in permanent color can weaken your perm. If your hair is over-processed from bleach or highlights, skip perms until it's healthier.
What type of perm is right for me?
It depends on the look you want. A spiral perm gives a tighter, ringlet-like curl. A medium-sized rod gives a more natural look, and you can also get a perm just for body. There are a lot of options, so a consultation with our team is the best place to start.
How much is a perm and how long does it take?
Your stylist sets your perm price at the $25 consultation, based on your hair's length, texture and density and the style you want. A $100 non-refundable retainer books the perm and goes toward it. A perm takes 2 to 4 hours on short hair and 3 to 6 hours on long hair.
Anything else I should know?
Be honest with your stylist. Your shampoo, conditioner, the type of color you use and even medications you take can all matter.
More answers on our perm and body wave FAQs page.
Book
Book a perm consultation
Book online through our booking page or call (919) 831-1100.
Since 2000
Ready to get started?
Sweet T Salon’s stylists are ready to customize your cut and color.