Shahnaz Husain
Fashion trends keep changing and so do hair styling procedures. If the trend is for curly or wavy hair, then people with straight hair want to get their hair waved or curled. Similarly, when the fashion is for straight hair, all those with curly hair want to get their hair straightened. Like make-up, hairstyling has become a specialized profession, because there are so many different hairstyling procedures. Perming and straightening are different styling procedures, which became popular according to the latest trends. A perm may mean something very different from what it meant a few decades ago. A perm meant tight curls all over the head. It was done only for short hair. Today, a curl may mean long hair with big curls and waves cascading down. In fact, curls and waves seem to be coming back.
Roller setting is a way of making the hair curly or wavy. This is temporary and the set may last till the next shampoo. In temporary curling with rollers, the hair must be wet. In other words, water is needed. Setting lotions or mousse may also be used with the roller setting. They lend body to the hair. But, in perming, a chemical lotion is used, which changes the very structure of the hair and can lead to hair damage. So it is necessary to know about perms and also how to limit the damage.
The longer lasting method of making the hair curly is Perming or a Permanent Wave. The effect is not really permanent, but it is said to last for about six months. It is better not to try perming the hair at home. In fact, one should go to a good hairstylist. To perm the hair, a chemical lotion and setting rods are used that change the structure of the hair. Afterwards an oxidizing agent is used to harden the hair, setting the curls. Most people do not realize that these procedures cause a lot of hair damage. If you want to get your hair permed, you should go to a good and reputed hairdresser. It is a good idea to also read the instructions on the permanent wave lotions, so that you know what the hairdresser is doing. The duration of time that the rods are left in position determine the final result of the perm. The size of the rod also matters. How tight the curls are depends on two things – the size of the rod and the duration of time that the solution stays on.
Perms have also come a long way. Now one can have a very loose perm, which will only make the hair wavy and add body to the hair. There are different kinds of perms. The usual perm makes the hair curly all over. You can also have a soft perm in which larger rods are used. This makes the hair wavy, or lends larger curls, instead of tight curls. One can also go for partial perming, by perming only the lower half of the hair, or you can have curls on top of the head, while the rest of the hair is straight.
There is no doubt that perming the hair causes hair damage, making the hair rough and dry. Sometimes, it can also trigger off a hair loss problem. Avoid frequent perms. If the hair is in good condition, have perming done once in three months. If the hair has been coloured or dyed, exercise more caution with perms. Coloured hair that has already suffered damage, can become frizzy and dry after a perm. If there is a hair loss problem or dandruff, get the hair treated first and then go for a perm.
After perming, the hair needs regular care to maintain the perm and also to restore health and shine to the hair. To maintain the perm, the hair should be washed with mild herbal shampoos and specialized conditioners. The hair has to be protected with conditioners and hair serums. Take special care of the ends, to avoid dryness and split ends. Apply conditioners and hair serums on the ends too. Use a hair cream with sunscreen to protect the hair from the summer sun. Drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices during summer, to keep your body, skin and hair hydrated.
Hot oil therapy helps. Mix one part of castor oil with two parts coconut oil. Heat and apply. Remember to apply on the ends too. Then do the hot towel wrap. Avoid vigorous massage and rubbing when you apply oil. To dry the hair avoid rubbing and wrap the towel around the head to absorb excess water. Comb out the tangles with a wide toothed comb, starting from the ends and working upwards. Allow the hair to dry naturally.
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