caring for hair, skin and nails as we age

Have you ever considered getting your hair permed? Perms go in and out of fashion, and they can be a great way to get the curly or wavy hair you have always desired. However, there are some myths floating around about perms that sometimes turn people off. It's a good idea to learn the truth behind these myths if you're considering getting a perm yourself.

Myth: Perms make your hair dry and frizzy

This may have been true in the past. Chemicals used to perm hair a few decades ago could be pretty harsh and likely did leave some people with dry and frizzy hair. But these days, the chemicals used to perm hair are much gentler. Your stylist will only use as much as they need to curl your hair, and not enough to cause serious damage to your hair. They'll also choose their formula based on the nature of your hair. For instance, they'll use a gentler formula for thin and frizz-prone hair. These steps help keep your hair sleek and shiny even after it is permed.

Myth: A perm will give you too-tight curls

You can certainly get a really tight, curly perm if that is what you want. But you can also get looser curls if that's what you prefer. Your stylist can use any size of curlers that you choose. They can show you examples of what your hair will look like with a variety of curlers, and you can pick the one you like best. A perm can certainly give you loose curls or waves if your stylist uses the right curlers to generate that look.

Myth: You can't wear your hair straight once you have a perm

Once you have a perm, your hair will, by default, be curly. However, you can still blow your hair out or use a straightening iron to temporarily straighten it if you want a straight look on certain days. You will need to use heat-protective sprays to protect your hair from damage when you straighten it. A stylist can recommend a spray or serum for this purpose, and also one that will prevent your hair from curling up if it gets moist or humid out. For the most part, you can straighten your permed hair in the same way a person with naturally curly hair would straighten theirs.

With these myths cleared up, you should now be better prepared to have a perm. Make an appointment at a hair salon, such as Hairstyling By Tina, to learn more.