The Cost Can Add Up
Perms can be an investment between the initial cost of the perm, additional salon appointments and your arsenal of hydrating products. The prices can vary greatly by area and from salon to salon.
Rizzo estimates that perms can range from $200 to $500 with touch-up prices varying from $150 to $300, depending on the original cost of service. Plus, the price will increase depending on the thickness and length of hair. It's helpful to think of the price of a perm being similar to specialty color.
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Curls Will Relax
All good things don't last forever, especially perms. Over time, the texture will soften and loosen. Lecher says that there will be some variances based on the type of perm. Waves may slowly disappear from hair or the remainder might grow out.
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Using Styling Tools Isn't a Wise Move
Permed hair can be treated like regular hair, but with caution. "I recommend anyone who has recently permed their hair, don't style it, unless it’s [just] washed and combed with a wide tooth comb or your fingers," Rizzo says. If people must use a hair tool, the experts suggest a diffuser. Straightening tools are best avoided because they cause more heat damage. Plus, Rizzo warns using them can make hair frizzier when it's worn curly again.
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Watch Out for Shampoos With Silicone and Sulfates
Silicone is a popular ingredient thanks to its smoothing effects, but it can disrupt the curl pattern in permed hair because of the film it leaves behind. Sulfates make hair dry and frizzy. Rizzo suggests the Milbon defrizzing line for keeping permed hair on point.
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It Can Be Tricky If You Hate the Look
Don't like your spirals? If you hate the perm as soon as it's complete, Rizzo says to wash it. Perms take 28 hours to neutralize so you can counteract some of the process with a quick shampoo. Gentle chemical smoothing treatments could be an option, Lecher says. A positive, less damaging thing to do is embrace the curls and try to make them work.
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