Perming your hair has been a mainstay for generations, but many people are unaware of how many different types and styles of perms there are. A perm is a hairstyle that uses chemicals to set curls or waves in your hair permanently. They are very versatile and can be flirty, formal, functional, and fun. You can get a professional perm if you wish that fits your personality and hair type.
Selecting the right perm means getting the right look with the style you want to achieve. You could choose to use pictures when giving a complete description to your stylist of the type of look you want. The idea is to be as detailed as possible to ensure you get the best perm. There are various types of perms out there. It's time to explore them!
Types of Perms
While the choices are numerous, you should know your hair texture and thickness determine how your perm might look or come out. The types of perms and different styles are achieved using two main methods: hot perm or cold perm. Here are the types you can choose from:
Classic Curls
These curls are tight and very easy to shape, style, and care for. This type of perm tends to last longer and look better on long hair. It works well with most face shapes once the length can balance the shape of your face.
Spiral Perms
If you consider this perm, it is best to have your hair cut in layers to decrease the pull it may have on the curls. Having layers can also help the perm soak in evenly and help it stay in longer. This perm choice compliments heart and diamond-shaped faces due to the overall softness and volume it creates.
Waves
This style is typically done with large rods to create a loose wave curl pattern, and it has a soft look. It is best worn in medium-length hair. Going this route complements square and rectangular face shapes.
Partial
This is a partial spiral perm that curls and flairs the ends of medium or long hair while straightening the hair from the scalp. It can be done on basically any hair, but you must be extra careful with thin hair. Additionally, it can help balance a diamond or heart-shaped face.
Root Perms
The idea of this cold perm style is to add a long-lasting body and curl just about the first three inches from the root without curling the rest of the hair. It is best done on short hair, gives a fuller appearance, and compliments triangular and round faces.
Spot Perms
This focuses on specific areas of the hair by adding some flip curls at the ends around the face. The style is versatile, complements various face shapes, and is best done on short-medium length hair.
Stack Style
The stack style uses a variety of rollers and perm rod sizes to create a staggered look. It is best done on medium to thick hair that falls to the shoulders and fits many face shapes.
Inverse
This type of perm straightens and diffuses natural curls. It is done by constantly combing the perm solution through the hair or using high heat flat irons. The inverse perm can be done on any natural curl type, whether thin, thick, coarse, long, or short. It also fits most faces.
