Achieve Gorgeous DIY Waves with Home Wave Perm Kits

An Introduction to Wave Perm Kits

Wave perm kits allow you to add beautiful, voluminous waves to your hair right from the comfort of your own home. If you're looking to switch up your look without spending a fortune at the salon, using a wave perm kit could be perfect for you.

In this article, we'll provide a complete overview of wave perm kits including how they work, their pros and cons, and tips for choosing and using them properly to achieve gorgeous, long-lasting waves.

What is a Wave Perm Kit?

A wave perm kit is a hair product that allows you to permanently add waves or curls to your hair. The kits contain all the materials you need to do a perm yourself.

The main components of a wave perm kit are:

Perm solution - This chemical solution works to rearrange the structure of the hair permanently so it takes on a curly or wavy shape.
Neutralizer - Stops the action of the perm solution so curls set in place.
Rods - Plastic curlers to wrap sections of hair around to create waves.
End papers - Placed around the rods to protect the hair.
Conditioner - Used after perming to nourish the hair.
Applicator bottle - For applying perm solution directly to rods.
Gloves, capes, etc. - Other accessories for easy application.

How Does a Home Wave Perm Kit Work?

The Perming Process Step-By-Step

Using a wave perm kit involves just 5 simple steps:

Section and wrap the hair - Separate hair into manageable sections. Wrap hair neatly around perm rods in the desired wave or curl pattern.
Apply perm solution - Use included applicator bottle to saturate wrapped hair sections thoroughly with perm solution. Leave on for prescribed processing time.
Neutralize - Rinse perm solution out then apply neutralizer. This stops the chemical action and sets the curls in place.
Rinse - Rinse neutralizer out thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Nourish - Remove rods then apply included conditioner and let sit before rinsing out. Style wavy hair as desired.

How the Chemical Process Works

The active ingredient in perm solution is ammonium thioglycolate. This chemical acts to break the disulfide bonds that naturally exist between cysteine amino acids within each hair strand.

Breaking these bonds allows the hair's structure to be reshaped. When neutralizer is applied, new disulfide bonds form to set the hair in its new curly formation.

With proper application, this chemical process allows the wave pattern to take permanent hold in the hair's internal structure for a long-lasting effect.

What Are the Benefits of Wave Perm Kits?

Here are some of the top advantages wave perm kits offer:

Affordable DIY Styling

Professional perms at salons can cost $100 or more. Home wave perm kits provide the same results at a fraction of the price, typically $20-60.

Customizable Effects

Choosing your own rod size and wrapping technique allows you to personalize the curl size and style. Tighter curls, loose waves, volume - you control the outcome.

Long-Lasting Results

When properly done, a wave perm can last 4-6 months on average. Some kits even claim up to 12 months of waves. Less upkeep than temporary styling methods.

Low Commitment

Don't like the results? Not to worry! Perms grow out gradually and you can always change your style back to straight hair over time if desired.

New Styling Options

Perms open up new styling possibilities that work best on wavy hair, like beachy textures, mermaid waves, and bombshell curls.

What Are the Drawbacks of Home Perm Kits?

Wave perm kits do come with some potential downsides to consider:

Can Cause Hair Damage

Perms involve potent chemicals that can damage hair over time, causing dryness, breakage, and other issues if not done properly. Always follow directions carefully.

Results Vary

DIY perms require skill. Results depend heavily on your hair type and application technique. May take some trial and error to perfect the process.

Regular Touch-Ups Needed

As your hair grows out, regular root touch-ups every 4-6 weeks are required to maintain perm from roots to ends.

Extensive Process

Perms take several hours from start to finish. You must be patient and willing to spend a good part of the day on the process.

Not for All Hair Types

Perms work best on hair that holds curls well. Coarse, resistant hair may not take well to perms and could require excessive damage.

Tips for Choosing the Best Wave Perm Kit

Picking the right wave perm kit for your hair is key to achieving great results. Here are a few buying tips:

Consult Your Hair Stylist

Have your regular stylist assess your hair's condition and texture to determine if it's suitable for perming. They can advise on rod size and solutions.

Choose Reputable Brands

Stick to well-known professional perm kit brands used in salons like Wella, Clairol, Schwarzkopf, Revlon, etc. for quality and safety.

Assess Reviews

Check perm kit reviews on sites like Amazon for real customer feedback. Look for kits with consistently high ratings and reviews for best results.

Match Hair Length and Texture

Select a perm kit formulated for your hair length and thickness. Fine hair does best with smaller perm rods and low-volume solutions.

Confirm Included Accessories

Kits should contain everything needed - rods, end papers, cap, gloves, applicator bottle, detailed instructions. Added conditioners and serums are a plus.

Top Tips for Flawless DIY Waving

Follow these tips when using your wave perm kit for gorgeous, long-lasting waves:

Fully Prep Hair

Hair should be freshly washed, thoroughly detangled, and completely dry before perming for easiest application.

Section Meticulously

Work in 1-2 inch sections to keep hair neat and organized throughout the perm. Clean parts ensure even results.

Wrap Rods Tightly

Wind hair very firmly and smoothly around perm rods, using end papers, to prevent crimped ends or sloppy curls.

Saturate Thoroughly

Apply perm solution slowly and thoroughly from roots to ends. Don't risk underprocessing certain areas.

Time Precisely

Use a timer and follow solution processing times exactly. Leaving on too long risks damage while too little time gives poor curl take.

Rinse Completely

Rinse out perm solution gradually and rinse neutralizer very thoroughly. Remaining chemicals lead to increased dryness and breakage.

Following these best practices helps produce beautiful, natural-looking waves using your home wave perm kit. With a little practice, you can get salon-worthy curls at

FAQs

How long do results from a wave perm kit last?

On average, waves from a properly done home perm can last 4-6 months. Some perm kit brands claim even longer-lasting results up to 12 months.

What are the active ingredients in perm solutions?

The active chemical ingredient in most perm solutions is ammonium thioglycolate. This breaks down the hair's protein structure so it can be reformed into waves or curls.

What hair types does a wave perm work best on?

Wave perms produce the best results on hair that holds curls well. Fine, thick, or resistant hair that doesn't take to curls easily may not perm correctly.

How often do I need touch-ups for a wave perm?

As your hair grows out from the perm, root touch-ups are needed every 4-6 weeks to maintain the wavy style from roots to ends.

Can I reverse a wave perm if I don't like the results?

You cannot completely reverse a perm, but the waves will gradually grow out over time as your untreated natural hair grows in. Cutting your hair can help speed the transition back to straight hair.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.