When most people picture a perm they envision gigantic 80's hair, and when you tell them they should get one, alarms go off in their minds. But these days you don't have to go big or go home; perms have many benefits. If you are considering sporting a few locked in locks here are some things you should know:

Perms are fantastic for volume

If you struggle with keeping your hair voluminous and beautiful you should consider getting a perm. The rollers are set in such a way that the hair has maximum volume. If you don't want the curls, simply blow dry them out. You will be left with fantastic bouncy hair.

Permanent Beach Waves

Perms don't have to be old fashioned and super curly. Nowadays many stylists will perm your hair into beautiful beach waves. How great will it be to wake up with an already styled look?

Curl Envy

If you are like me chances are you've wished you could have some beautiful locks to call your own. Straight hair is, well, boring. The light doesn't reflect well off straight hair, but on curly hair it looks alive and lustrous. Why not save yourself the energy of styling your hair with the curling iron all the time?

Curls don't have to be just for women

Recently many men have been spotted with perms. The rise of the man-bun era has opened all sorts of doors for men's styling, including the perm. Actors like Kit Harington have made many guys wish they too had a few curls to show off to the ladies.

Ok well, now you probably want to run off to your nearest salon and demand a perm?

Oh, you said, "not really." This is a little awkward...

Well anyway, as I was saying... Here are a few things you must remember before you get your hair permed.

It is permanent

The perm is PERManent (see what I did there?). This doesn't magically wash out after a few shampoos. The chemicals used to break the permanent bonds will stay in your hair. The only way to get it out is to cut it out. So if you are blessed with very long hair, and you'd hate to part with it, please think it through.

It will damage your hair

As with all chemical services, the perm will damage your hair. No I'm not saying it will melt off your hair in .2 seconds, but if your hair is easily damaged you may have lasting problems.

It is definitely not for over processed hair

Highlights, regularly colored, and heat damaged hair.... this is not the service for you. As I said in the previous paragraph, perms damage your hair. If your hair is already over processed you risk turning it all into cotton candy (to put it nicely). I don't think I have to ask you if you'd rather have yucky looking hair (or worse, no hair at all) over boring, flat, straight hair.

It smells

Perms smell, very, VERY bad. If your nose is easily offended by odors you will not be able to sit through the process. But don't worry the smell will be washed out. Maybe just prepare yourself for the offence it will give to your nose.

Okay, now that you know all these things about the perm, go forth and book your appointments!