Achieve Salon-Worthy Curls at Home with DIY Perm Kits

Achieving Beautifully Permed Hair with a Perm Kit

Perms create beautiful, voluminous curls and waves that can transform your hair. While going to a professional salon is an option for perming hair, using a perm kit at home can save time and money. Perm kits contain all the materials needed for perming in the comfort of your own home. With some preparation and care, a perm kit can help you achieve salon-quality results.

Understanding Perms

A perm or permanent wave works by altering the structure of the hair to create curls or waves. The active ingredient ammonium thioglycolate applied during perming breaks down the hair's disulfide bonds. Once the bonds are disrupted, the hair is reshaped around perm rods. A neutralizer then rebuilds the disulfide bonds to set the new curly shape.

There are three main types of perms:

• Traditional or alkaline perms - Uses ammonium thioglycolate and is the strongest type of perm.
• Acid perms - Uses glyceryl monothioglycolate for a gentler effect on fine or damaged hair.
• Exothermic perms - Uses a self-heating neutralizer solution to intensify curls.

The perm rods come in different sizes from small to extra-large to create loose waves or tight ringlets. The solution processing time and rod size impact the final perm tightness.

Benefits of Perm Kits for Home Use

Using a perm kit at home offers several advantages:

• Cost savings - Professional perms can be expensive, while kits only cost around $20-60.
• Convenience - Perm at home whenever it fits your schedule.
• Customization - Choose the rod size and solution timing you prefer.
• DIY experience - Fun to perm your own hair.
• Touch-ups - Re-perm new growth whenever needed.

While home perms used to have a reputation for being damaging, today's kits are much gentler and easier to use. Many kits even contain conditioning or bond-strengthening ingredients to protect hair.

Tips for Perming Hair at Home

Follow these tips to safely achieve beautiful, salon-worthy curls with a home perm kit:

• Choose the right kit for your hair - Consider hair type, condition, desired curl, and sensitivities.
• Prep your hair - Wash, detangle, and remove any buildup the day before perming.
• Protect your scalp - Apply petroleum jelly around hairline to prevent irritation.
• Section your hair - Divide hair into four easy-to-manage sections.
• Saturate each section - Use applicator bottle to thoroughly saturate each section with perm solution.
• Wrap hair on rods - Carefully wrap hair smoothly around rods according to kit directions.
• Process for the full time - Leave solution on for the recommended time based on hair type.
• Rinse thoroughly - Rinse perm solution out completely before neutralizing.
• Neutralize - Saturate each section with neutralizer to rebuild bonds.
• Remove rods carefully - Unwrap hair slowly off each rod to maintain curl shape.
• Rinse and condition - Rinse then apply hydrating conditioner.
• Air dry - Let curls air dry to avoid damaging frizz.

It's crucial to carefully follow all instructions in the perm kit. Taking your time ensures optimal results.

Choosing the Right Perm Kit

With so many perm kit options on the market, it can be tricky to select the right one for your hair type and desired outcome. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a home perm kit:

• Hair type - Does your hair tend to be fine, medium, or coarse? Choose a kit formulated for your hair type.
• Hair condition - Is your hair healthy or damaged? Look for nourishing kits for dry or fragile hair.
• Sensitivities - Opt for gentle, low-odor kits if you have scent sensitivities.
• Curl size - Determine whether you want tight ringlets or loose waves.
• Active ingredients - Ammonium thioglycolate or glyceryl monothioglycolate?
• Rod material - Plastic, ceramic, or metal rods? Plastic is gentler.
• Number of rods - Will you need 20, 30, or 40+ rods to perm all of your hair?

Trust reputable brands like Sally Beauty, Revlon, Toni&Guy, SoftSheen-Carson, and L'anza for quality home perm kits.

Aftercare Tips for Permed Hair

Caring for your permed hair properly ensures your curls last longer and stay healthy. Be sure to:

• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
• Shampoo less frequently, like 1-2 times per week.
• Use a wide tooth comb when wet to detangle.
• Let hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment.
• Avoid brushing dry permed hair.
• Apply a curl reviving spray or serum.
• Protect hair from sun damage with a hat.
• Use a silk pillowcase.
• Get regular trims to maintain perm.
• Use a clarifying shampoo once a month.

Going the extra mile to care for your permed locks will help the curls look fabulous.

How Long Does a Perm Last?

On average, a perm can last anywhere from 3-6 months. However, there are several factors that influence perm longevity:

• Hair growth - Faster growing hair means roots will be straight again sooner.
• Aftercare - Proper maintenance extends the life of your perm.
• Hair type - More porous hair typically holds a perm longer.
• Process - Overprocessing can shorten the length of the perm.

Regular touch-up perms help keep new growth looking curly. Perms tend to loosen over time but will gradually fall out rather than revert instantly back to straight hair.

Common Perm Kit FAQs

Can I perm color-treated hair at home?

It's best to wait 4-6 weeks after coloring hair before perming at home. The combined chemical processing can damage strands. Consult your stylist first.

How soon can I wash my hair after perming?

Wait at least 48 hours before washing permed hair to allow curls to set properly. Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo on first wash.

Should I avoid heat styling after a perm?

Yes, avoid hot tools like blowdryers, flat irons, and curling wands for 2 weeks after perming to prevent damaging fragile curls.

How do I sleep on freshly permed hair?

Tie hair in a loose scrunchie or silk scarf on top of your head. Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz.

Can men use at-home perm kits?

Yes, perm kits work great on short to medium length men's styles. Just adjust rod sizes and processing time based on the thickness and length of hair.

Achieve Fabulous, Frizz-Free Curls

Perm kits allow you to achieve salon-worthy curls and waves from the comfort of home. With the right prep and aftercare, perms done properly at home with a quality kit can look beautiful, healthy, and last 3-6 months. Take your time sections and saturate hair thoroughly during perming. Then be diligent about deep conditioning and protecting your locks. Follow kit directions closely and your fabulously permed hair will turn heads!

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.