Perms are a hairstyle so classic that some people might call them “old-fashioned” or “outdated.” Technology that makes hair pop with waves and curls has been around since the 19th century, but perms truly hit their peak form in the 80’s, where iconic figures such as Madonna, Dolly Parton, and Cher brought the perm, in all of its bushy, frazzled glory, to soaring heights.

Once the glitz and glam of the 80’s faded, so did the perm – until recently, that is. Though it shares a name with the flashy hairstyle of yesteryear, the modern perm has a handful of differences. We’ll give you the basics on the techniques and looks of the modern perm, and by the end of this blog, you may be itching to get permanent waves yourself!

See the Difference

First, let’s get one thing out of the way: a modern perm is similar to its older cousin in name only. Forget any preconceptions you may have about bushy, loud, aggressive curls – the modern perm is all about enhancing your natural look. Yes, the perm’s true value lies in its versatility! While dramatically curled locks may still be an option for you, so are gentler, beachy waves that make for a more lived-in look. The goal of the modern perm is to add character and movement to your natural hairstyle, as opposed to completely transforming your ‘do.

All in the Technique

Conventional perms used plastic perm rods that wound up the hair and gave it its dramatic curl. Unfortunately, this technique was prone to improper hair setting on the part of the stylist, which could lead to the infamous “perm-disaster:” sharply-bent “fish-hook” ends in your hair. That’s not what anyone wants when they walk into a hair salon! Thankfully, modern perms all but erase this problem by utilizing a variety of materials. Your stylist may use foam rollers, infrared heat, or Curlformers, trademarked heatless hair rollers, to curl your hair. New techniques open the door for new types of curls, ranging from coiled curls to gently waved hair.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to give your hair a dramatic curly flair or a blown-out, wavy look, the modern perm may be your pathway to better hair! You’ll want professional hair stylists who understand the intricacies of your hair to handle your perm, which is why you can rely on Beauty Studio Inc. Mobile Hair and Makeup for the best possible perm! Visit our website to learn about more of the quality hair and makeup services we offer!