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Have your results with a perm differed dramatically from the picture on the box? If so, what went wrong? Donna shares answers to the problems many people have experienced when using perm kits. These tips will provide a better understanding of these products, and how to make a more informed choice.

Ask Donna
Hair Styling Secrets

Each month, we will be adding material, tips, and techniques to this section of the website. Topics that will be addressed in the coming months include:

• Home Hair Color Secrets
  
  
• All About Professional Hair Colors
  
  
• Ask About Perms
  
  
• The Perfect Style for Your Facial Shape
  
  
• Styling Tips
  
  
• Ask About Hair Color
  
  
• Ask About Hair Problems
  
  
• Why Use Salon Products
  
  
• Back to the Main List
  
  
• Back to the Home Page
  
  

If you have questions you would like to see included in the list, please e-mail us at AskDonna!

Perm Questions

When should I perm - When your hair needs styling support. For example, if you have straight hair, a perm can either add texture and body, or can give you an entirely different look!

Are there reasons I shouldn't consider a perm - Yes (please call the Salon for instructions on the simple at-home "float test").

I'm looking for volume - The texture and length of your hair will affect the results of a volume-only service.

I'm looking for style support - Your stylist will choose the right size rod, processing time, and products to give you the optimal result.

I'm looking for curl - Your stylist will again choose the right product, etc.

My hair has been colored - Hair must be preconditioned one week before a perm and again after your perm. Your stylist will recommend the correct conditioning products.

I have highlights - Perming your hair will depend upon how much highlighting has been performed in the past. Your stylist will help you to make the appropriate decision.

I've had corrective color - Corrective color can stress hair. As a result, you should not consider a perm until the condition of your hair has a chance to recover from the coloring process.

I am allergic to ammonia - All products that are used in perming contain ammonia (or a derivative of ammonia) and therefore, you will not be able to have perm without having an allegic reaction to the process.

I am allergic to peroxide - Again, you will not be able to perm your hair.

After my perm, I've noticed my hair is dry - Your hair needs to be conditioned with a vegetable protein and moisturizing products.

Why is my perm curly when wet, but straight when dry - Changes in hair structure can appear after a perm. In this case, your hair was probably damaged before the perm (e.g. by coloring) and/or the perm was over-processed.

My perm didn't hold - In most cases, this problem results when the rod used during the perm was too large for the weight of the hair; it is also possible that the processing time was incorrect.

My perm falls out - This is the same problem as above. Additionally, the problem may have been caused by a poor choice of "use at home" perm products. Again, talk with your stylist about the appropriate products to get and maintain your perm.

My color has faded since my perm - The neutralizer used in the perming process contains peroxide, which can lighten hair if it is not properly rinsed during the perm.

Is there a simple test to see if it is safe to perm my hair? - Yes! Please call us for details of a quick home test.