During the infancy of permanent hair waves, the products to perm hair were not as good as those that are being used now. And getting a perm was like playing the lotto—getting the result you wanted was a very huge gamble.
But now, getting a perm is no longer based on chance and has become a lot safer since technology no longer limit hair styling by using a converted toaster with several cords hanging on it, then suspended on a pole.
To produce the curl you want, there are certain products that you need to apply. The first and probably the most important is the perm solution. They work by reducing and rupturing the disulfide cross-links to enable the hair strands to be reshaped using the perming rods. Depending on the type of hair you have, you can either go for the basic or acidic solution.
Basic or alkaline-based perm solutions are the more popular ones. This specific type of solution makes the hair cuticles swell, penetrates the hair, and finally breaks the chemical bonds. In addition, it processes quickly and also works at room temperature. Alkaline solutions do well with style-resistant hair types. They also make strong and tight curls.On the other hand, having fragile hair necessitates using gentler solutions.
For people with this hair type, the acid-based perm solution is the best hair treatment option. Acid-based solutions work well for those who just want to add body or get a gentle curl for their thin and limp hair. Compared to alkaline-based solutions, the curls created by acid-based solutions do not last as long.
After rinsing the perm solution thoroughly, a neutralizer, also one of the products to perm hair, is applied. The neutralizer is left to stay on the hair for a couple of minutes, depending on the instructions of the manufacturer. This product is used to help set the curl by neutralizing the previously applied product and reforming the broken disulfide cross-links among each hair strands. A typical neutralizer is made up of a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide.
When using harsher chemicals, there are always risks of reactions to the skin. To prevent this during a perming procedure, bases are usually applied to the scalp and skin surrounding the hair. They are inert emollients, mostly petroleum. Bases are not always applied when doing a perm. Only with the use of certain types of chemicals and brands are these compounds necessary.
Several products to perm hair are available in different brand names. Examples of specific manufacturers include but are not limited to: Wella, Revlon, Acclaim, Omni, Piidea, Zotos, Roux, Lamaur, Insite, Aura, and J. Redding. Each of these brands has its own instructions for application. It is imperative that the user follows these instructions accordingly to prevent adverse results from the perming procedure. The chemicals involved in these products are potentially harmful when used the improper way. Furthermore, it is also vital to check the ingredients of the products to prevent allergic reactions that can ruin the hair and skin.
