8Mar 2019
Hair Problems and Sweet T Solutions
Brassy, dry, breaking or frizzy hair? Sweet T Salon matches each common hair problem to the salon treatment or product that fixes it.
Custom perms and body waves
If you are looking for more body and texture, try one of our sweet perms or body waves. During a full consultation we find out whether you want tight, low-maintenance curls or long, loose, romantic waves. Colored or not, we can customize your waves to get the look you want.
How long does a perm last?
A perm usually lasts 2 to 6 months, and tighter perms last longer because they relax over time. Your hair growth and home care make the biggest difference.
Even after you can't see the curl anymore, tell your stylist you have a previous perm. The chemicals are still in your hair.
Perm questions and answers
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, because that is what changes the structure of your hair to make the curl. Our team can only guarantee a healthy perm that won't go straight if you follow our at-home care routine with the special shampoo and conditioner we recommend. Expect to spend less than $50 on professional products to save those curls.
How often do I need to get a perm?
A perm generally lasts around 2 to 6 months, so plan on a new one in that window. The tighter the perm, the longer it usually lasts. Some perms hold anywhere from 6 weeks to 8 months, mostly depending on your hair growth, and a root touch-up keeps the perm going.
How long do I have to wait to shampoo after a perm?
Wait a full 48 hours so the perm can fully neutralize and relax. If you work out or sweat, put a light conditioner in your hair in the shower or use dry shampoo.
Is there anything I need to do before a perm?
Do a deep conditioning treatment the day before. We offer Scruples Recovery treatments and a Sweet Vanilla Bean Treatment. Avoid scratching your head or brushing hard, because any scalp stimulation can cause burning from the perm chemicals. Avoid hot water. Your stylist will shampoo your hair the day of, so you don't need to.
What should I do after my perm?
Wait 48 hours before shampooing, then use the products your stylist recommends. Get a good trim to keep the curls healthy and bouncy, since layers help curls. Plan on root touch-ups to maintain your perm as your hair grows.
Will a perm affect my hair color?
A perm can sometimes pull out a little of your color. Wait a week after your perm, then use a semi-permanent color. Permanent color uses more hydrogen peroxide, which causes more damage, can keep color from taking as well, and can weaken your perm. If your hair is over-processed from bleach or highlights, skip perms until your hair is healthier.
What type of perm is right for me?
It depends on the look you want. For tight, ringlet-like curls (think the singer in the band Little Big Town), a spiral perm is right for you. For a more natural look, choose a medium-sized rod. You can also get a perm strictly for body. There are so many options that a consultation with our team is the best way to decide, and your stylist will show you how to style your perm.
What should I expect during a perm?
Come in with patience. Perms take time, and some stages are uncomfortable: lots of tight, heavy rods and some unpleasant-smelling chemicals. It will all be worth it. Most important, be honest with your stylist, even about things that seem minor: your shampoo, your conditioner, the type of color you use and any medications you take.
How much does a perm cost and how long does it take?
Your stylist sets your perm price at a $25 consultation, and a $100 non-refundable retainer books the perm and goes toward it. See our service menu. Specialty perms for modern waves include piggyback, e-wrap, candle wrap and root perms. A perm takes 2 to 4 hours for short hair and 3 to 6 hours for long hair. Price and time depend on your hair's length, texture and density and the style you want.
How does a perm work?
We wrap your hair on perm rods and apply a waving solution that softens its inner structure. The rod size decides how loose or tight your curl will be.
Six sweet steps for permed hair:
- Your hair is washed and wrapped on a perm rod.
- You choose loose or tight curls by changing the thickness of the rod.
- A waving solution is applied to the hair with a base.
- The solution breaks the bonds of the protein chains in your hair, softening its inner structure.
- Once the solution is absorbed, your hair is washed again to remove any trace of it.
- The hair stretches and softens, making it easier to perm.
How do you take care of permed hair?
After a perm, wait 48 hours to shampoo, then use products made for chemically treated hair. Let it air dry and leave it loose for a day or two.
Six home sweet home tips for permed hair:
- Shampoo only after 48 hours. Your hair is fragile and needs time to adjust to the chemicals. Use a shampoo made for chemically treated hair. Its ingredients are gentle, and other shampoos may be too harsh.
- Always condition. The idea that conditioner will relax and ruin your perm is a myth. The right conditioner, one made for chemically treated hair, keeps your perm softer and makes it last longer. It closes the cuticle and works as a detangler.
- Don't blow dry. Air dry, or use a diffuser on a cool setting. Skip the comb for the first 48 hours. Use your fingers, then a wide-toothed comb.
- Don't tie it up. Leave your hair loose for a day or two. Ponytails and buns can deform your curls.
- Trim every 4 to 5 weeks. It keeps your hair healthy and springs up your curls.
- Protect it outside. Cover your hair in the sun, since UV rays can damage permed hair. Wear a swim cap to keep chlorine out.
Keeping your hair healthy after a perm is easier than you think. Follow your stylist's advice for your hair.
Tips adapted from welikehair, written by xojessmonster.
Book a perm or body wave in Raleigh
Sweet T Salon does traditional perms, body waves and specialty modern perms in Raleigh, NC. See the details and book on our Perms and Body Waves page.
