How to Perm Hair at Home with a Sally's Perm Kit for Bouncy Curls

Considerations Before Using a Sally's Perm Kit at Home

Perms can help add body, bounce, and waves to otherwise straight hair. However, achieving salon-quality curls at home with a perm kit requires proper preparation and technique. When not done correctly, home perms can lead to damaged, fried hair. To help avoid this, consider the following before using a Sally's perm kit yourself:

Your Hair Type and Condition

The texture and condition of your hair plays a big role in how it will react to chemicals in a perm kit. Fine, fragile, or color-treated hair is more prone to damage from Perm Solutions No Mix Perm for Normal Hair processing. Coarse, thick, or resistant hair may require a stronger chemical solution. Determine your hair's texture and whether it's in optimal health before perming at home.

Desired Perm Result

Different perm rod sizes create different curl sizes. The smaller the rods, the tighter the curls. Larger rods produce loose, wavy looks. Decide if you want tight ringlets or soft waves before choosing a perm kit and rods. The Perm Solutions No Mix Perm for Normal Hair kit comes with everything needed for medium to tight corkscrew curls.

Following Directions

To avoid hair disasters, it's crucial to read and follow all directions when using an at-home perm kit. From pre-treating and sectioning your hair properly to applying solutions correctly, each step matters. Don't skip any parts of the process. Thoroughly saturating hair with solutions for the full recommended processing times is vital for achieving lasting curls.

Preparing Hair Before a Sally's Perm

Getting hair ready before a perm is an important first step. Any product buildup or oils on the hair shaft can create a barrier, preventing perm solutions from penetrating and working effectively. Follow these tips prior to perming for best results:

Clarify and Deep Clean

Use a clarifying shampoo like Ion Hard Water Shampoo or Sally Beauty Clarifying Shampoo before perming. These remove mineral deposits, oils, and product residue that can interfere with perm processing. Follow with a deep conditioning mask to hydrate strands.

Avoid Conditioner Beforehand

Conditioner and oils make hair slippery and can prevent perm solutions from absorbing fully. Avoid using any conditioner or oils for 1-2 weeks before applying a perm kit at home. This allows solutions to really permeate the hair for maximum curl formation.

Trim Split Ends

Split, damaged ends have a harder time taking to perms. Trimming your ends right before perming allows chemicals to process healthier parts of hair more effectively. This can help achieve more uniform, consistent curls from roots to ends.

How to Apply a Sally's Perm Kit at Home

Once hair is prepped, it's time to apply a Sally's perm kit. Follow all instructions closely, working in sections. Here is an overview of thePerm Solutions No Mix Perm for Normal Hair application process:

Section Hair and Apply Protective Base

Start by sectioning clean, dry hair into four parts. Use Perm Solutions No Mix Protective Pre-Perm Base Cream around the hairline, ears, and nape of the neck. This protects skin from perm chemicals.

Saturate with Waving Lotion

Apply Perm Solutions No Mix Waving Lotion throughout the first section of hair, using an applicator bottle. Fully saturate each strand from roots to ends. Repeat with remaining sections until all hair is completely covered in lotion.

Wrap Rods and Process

Wind hair around perm rods, starting at ends and working up to roots. Leave rods in for the full processing time listed on the kit's directions based on your hair type. Check for curls periodically by removing a rod from the middle section.

Rinse, Neutralize, and Condition

When time is up, rinse hair thoroughly before applying the neutralizing solution. This stops the waving action and reforms bonds. Rinse again, then apply a deep conditioning mask to rehydrate. Rinse once more and gently unravel rods starting from the ends to reveal curls.

Caring for Permed Hair

Once you've achieved beautiful curls with a Sally's perm kit, maintaining them requires some adjustments to your regular hair care routine. Here are some tips for keeping permed hair looking fabulous:

Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner

Sulfates can cause perms to fade faster. Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners helps preserve curls longer. Look for options specifically for permed or curly hair.

Air Dry When Possible

Limit use of hot styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons, as heat can relax perm curls over time. Let hair air dry as often as you can to maintain bounce.

Sleep on a Satin Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases can cause frizz and friction, loosening perm curls overnight. Satin or silk pillowcases minimize disruption to curls.

Use Perm-Safe Styling Products

Gels, mousses, and sprays designed for curly perms won't weigh down curls or encourage them to drop. Look for lightweight, non-greasy formulas that provide hold without stiffness.

Get Regular Trim

Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to snip away split ends before they travel up the hair shaft. This helps perms last longer and cuts down on frizz.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do perms from a Sally's kit last?

With proper at-home care between appointments, a perm from Sally's can last around 3-5 months on average. Fine hair may lose its curl sooner. Following tips to prolong curls can help perms last up to 5 months.

Does Sally Beauty offer perm services in-store?

No, Sally Beauty stores do not offer in-store salon services. They offer professional perm kits for at-home use only. For in-salon perms, visit local hair salons in your area that provide perm services.

What's the active ingredient in Sally's perm kits?

The main active ingredient in most Sally's perm solutions is ammonium thioglycolate. This chemical breaks and reforms the hair's cystine bonds to perm and curl the hair. An activator is added to the neutralizer to stop this process.

Can I perm colored or highlighted hair with a Sally's kit?

Yes, you can use Sally's perm kits on color-treated hair but extra care and precautions need to be taken. Avoid perms if hair was lightened with bleach. Do a strand test and follow all directions to prevent chemical damage.

What size perm rods should I get for my hair type?

Smaller rods around 3/8" diameter are best for short to medium length hair wanting tight curls. Larger rods around 1"diameter work better for longer hair wanting loose waves. The kit provides a variety of rod sizes to achieve different curl types.

Achieve Salon-Worthy Curls at Home

When used properly on healthy hair, Sally's perm kits can provide beautiful, lasting curls at home. Just be sure to thoroughly prep hair, carefully follow all processing steps, and maintain curls afterward. Take the time to section hair and saturate evenly with solutions. With some patience and TLC, you can enjoy gorgeous perms done affordably DIY!

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.