You want to change your look, so you’ve decided to get a perm. Excellent choice! A perm is one of the hottest hair trends right now. It makes your hair look better, adds volume, and reduces the need to style your hair.
However, it’s important to note that perming hair is a damaging process. And fine hair is more susceptible to this damage.
So, you may be asking yourself: can I get a perm if I have fine hair? The answer is yes. You can get a perm even if you have fine hair. But it’s important to choose the right kind of perm and also make sure that your hair is healthy.
In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of perms for fine and thin hair. We’ll also answer a few important questions that you might have about perming your hair. Read on to learn more.
Types of Perms for Fine Hair: Spiral Perm or Beach Waves
Since you have fine and thin hair, you would want to get a perm that gives you long-lasting wavy curls without causing unnecessary damage. Listed below are some great options for thin hair:
1. Spiral Perm
A spiral perm is a permanent wave where your shoulder-length or longer hair is permed into well-defined corkscrew-type curls. It’s a great choice for fine hair because it adds volume and enhances texture.
This style is created by rolling your hair vertically onto a hot perm rod. The end result is corkscrew curls that turn heads. If done properly, a spiral perm doesn’t cause a lot of damage.
On average, a spiral perm costs anywhere between $60 to $200+ depending on the length of your hair and the results you’re looking for. The cost also varies from salon to salon. And the result will last you 4 to 6 months depending on how well you take care of your perms.
If you think that spiral perms are a thing of the past, think again. There are several modern spiral perm hairstyles that you can get even if you have fine hair. Let’s take a look:
1. Perm on Short Bob
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2. Shaggy Spiral Perm
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3. Curly Spiral Perm On Long, Thin Hair
Related: Layered Vs Non-Layered Hair: Differences, Pros & Cons, And More
4. Natural Looking Curls
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2. Beach Waves
A beach wave perm is somewhat different from a traditional perm. This style is created using soft, foam rollers as opposed to using hard perm rods. And your hair is wrapped around loosely to produce a more natural and loose curl pattern. The end result is a beautiful “straight from the beach” look that will make your heart swell with joy.
It’s a great choice for women who do not like tight and uniform curls. Beach waves make your hair appear more voluminous and dense. Also, a lower temperature is used with beach waves, so it is comparatively less damaging to your hair.
This technique was developed in Korea and brought to the US by Jean Oh, a Digital Waves stylist. Now, it’s being used almost everywhere in the world.
A beach wave perm can cost anywhere between $50 to $350+ depending on the length of your hair and the salon. The results typically last around 4 months which I think is great.
Things to Know Before Getting a Perm
It’s great that you want to get a perm. However, there are a few things that you should know before you decide to commit.
1. Your Hair Should Be Healthy
When it comes to perming, having healthy hair is a prerequisite. If your hair isn’t healthy, your curls won’t come out pretty. It’s also important to remember that fine hair is more prone to damage and breakage. And while you can perm thin hair, it’s crucial that your tresses are perfectly healthy.
If your hair is dry and damaged, it’s probably best to wait a few weeks until your hair regains full strength. Make sure to deep condition your hair to repair the damage.
2. Processing Time Varies
Processing time varies from person to person because your hair reacts differently to products. It depends on the texture of your hair. And it also depends on how porous your hair is. Generally speaking, porous hair absorbs products much faster than non-porous hair.
3. It May Damage Your Hair
Perming is going to damage your hair to some extent. If your hair is extremely dry and damaged, things can be even worse for you.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from getting a perm. Because if you can take care of your hair properly and follow all the instructions provided by your stylist, you should be fine.
4. You’ll Need Special Hair Care Products
To keep your perm looking its best, you’re going to need special hair care products formulated for permed hair. For example, you should use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
If you use your regular hair care products, you may end up ruining your perm. Also, you’ll have to wait 48 hours to wash your hair after getting a perm.
5. Perms Require Intense Upkeep
Maintenance is key. Be prepared to visit your stylist every 8 to 12 weeks for touch-ups. This depends on several factors, including the length of your hair and how well you take care of your perms.
6. No Chemical Treatments for a Month
You’ll have to wait at least a month before you can consider doing a chemical treatment on your hair. That’s because your hair needs some time to recover after the treatment. If you do chemical treatments too soon, you’ll end up damaging your tresses.
You should also avoid treating your hair before the treatment itself. For example, if you lightened or colored your hair, wait at least a month before getting a perm.
Conclusion
Even if you have fine hair, there are several types of perms that you can get. The important thing to keep in mind is that your hair should be healthy before you begin the treatment. Also, you’ll have to take care of your hair after getting a perm.
You can either go for a hot perm or a cold perm depending on your needs. It’s always best to consult your stylist, weigh the pros and cons of the style you’re going for, and then decide what’s best for you.
Which perm style is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
