When you have to create wavy curls frequently, it takes a lot of time. I want to make curls for a long time and forget about endless styling. An alternative can be chemical treatment for medium hair, which allows you to get spectacular long-term curls of different diameters. But how to do chemistry without sad consequences, because there are so many stories about its destructive effects! Most of them are a myth, because the modern beauty industry offers a huge selection of compositions, taking into account the type of hair, which not only fix curls, but also have a caring effect.
Types of perm
Types of hair perm differ in the active components in the compositions.
Acidic
A product based on glyceryl monothioglycolate penetrates into the hair without opening the scales. The curls turn out beautiful and strong, and remain that way for up to six months. The method is quite aggressive and is suitable for thick and coarse hair. Those with thin, soft curls, as well as those whose hair is damaged, should not use such chemicals.
Advice. A more gentle version of the acid method is hair perm based on thioglycolic acid. True, the effect is not so long-lasting - about a month.
Alkaline
Long-term curling is created under the influence of the active component ammonium thioglycolate. Compared to the previous method, the alkaline method is more gentle. Perfect for those whose curls are difficult to style. The effect of chemistry lasts up to 3 months.
Neutral
The compositions work to create a balance between two zones of the hair: hydrophobic (water-repellent) and moisture-absorbing. Thanks to this, the hair is subject to less stress during the procedure, the hair itself does not swell very much, and the curl turns out strong, elastic, and natural.
This perm can be done even on thin and soft curls. The effect will be noticeable within 4–12 weeks.
Amino acid
It has a caring and healing effect due to the presence of amino acids and proteins. These same components reduce the harm from active reagents in the product. This type of chemical works well on medium hair with a fine and soft structure, but it is better not to use it on hard, heavy strands, as the curls will quickly straighten out.
Perms are short-lived and last 1–2 months.
Japanese (lipid-protein)
The complex based on lipids and proteins has a healing and restorative effect on the hair. The result is beautiful, durable curls, the effect of which lasts from 2 months to six months.
Details of Japanese hair perm can be found on our website.
Silk
The composition contains silk proteins that have a caring effect. Suitable even for damaged strands. The effect lasts 2–3 months.
We recommend reading: what is Chi Ionic silk hair perm, reviews.
Bioperm
It is one of the most popular and relatively harmless. Contains no acid, ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. The active component is cysteamine, a substance similar to the natural protein in hair. Thanks to this, your hair looks healthy and well-groomed, and your curls look natural.
The effect lasts from 2 to 6 months. You will find more information about biowave hair on our website.
Carving
A lightweight alternative to standard chemistry. The components do not penetrate into the hair (this is different from a real perm), and the curls gradually straighten over 1-2 months.
Suitable for those who are looking for the most gentle way to create long-lasting curls. What is carving, popular types of installation, read on the website.
Pros and cons of perms for medium hair
Any cosmetic procedure has its advantages, but is not without its disadvantages.
Pros of the procedure:
- Resistance to adverse weather conditions. The hairstyle does not lose its beauty and volume even in humid climates.
- Even the weakest and thinnest hair becomes voluminous and springy.
- Thanks to the drying effect, excessive oiliness of the hair is eliminated.
- The curl lasts on the hair for up to 6 months, which means there is no need to style it every day.
- The hairstyle is compatible with any face type and suits almost all girls.
Curls after perm look impressive. However , before you decide to undergo the procedure, you need to pay attention to the disadvantages.
Disadvantages of the procedure:
- Some compounds have a destructive effect on strands.
- After the procedure, the hair structure is greatly weakened, so the curls need intensive restoration.
- Hair condition may worsen in hot climates.
- Curls may lose their natural color and will have to be dyed.
- The procedure has a large list of contraindications.
Reference! Today, gentle perms using less aggressive compounds are very popular.
However, they can provide insufficient hair stability, which is a disadvantage of the procedure.
Cheating methods
Which perms for medium hair will look most advantageous? It depends on the cheating methods.
American method
The curl is created using Olivia Garden curlers. The curls are large and rigid. As it grows out, the transition from curls to natural strands remains unnoticeable. It looks especially advantageous on medium hair if the owner has large, expressive facial features.
Horizontal
The bobbins are located perpendicular to the strand. The wrapping is done from the tips to the roots.
Curling curls
Soft papillots are used in this work. The curl is fixed by bending the stylers and connecting the ends. The method consists of curling, when each strand is separated in a zigzag pattern, and the curlers themselves are wound in tiers. The first tier is created from the neck towards the back of the head. In front, a twist is also made towards the crown. All other stylers are positioned so as to gradually approach the occipital area.
Prikornevoy
Only the area at the roots is processed. The method is used to add volume or correct overgrown curls.
We recommend reading: what is root chemistry, the features of its implementation.
Curling the ends
Curling the ends of your hair is suitable for owners of any type of hair who want to preserve their natural curls, but want to save time on daily styling. Such light chemicals look natural on medium hair, and transitions are eliminated as it grows. In addition, curled hair ends go well with bangs.
Twin
The essence of the method lies in different windings: some stylers are wound horizontally, others vertically.
Tail curl
The chemical on the tail will not give the curls root volume, but it will allow you to get spectacular curls at the ends. This procedure is good because the product does not come into contact with the scalp and only acts on regrown areas of hair.
Trapezoidal
Suitable for those who seek volume in the facial area, excluding the parietal and root zones. The wrapping begins in the direction from the back of the head up. From the first tier, a frame is attached to the bobbin, which forms the future trapezoid from all subsequent bobbins.
Bubble (French)
The founder of the method is the L'Oreal brand. The method is based on turning the composition into foam with a special compressor before application. This allows you to saturate your hair with oxygen and provide a special temperature regime: the composition heats up and then gradually cools down on the curled strands.
Please note that this type of chemical on medium hair produces a natural effect and will be a godsend for those with oily scalps. Because it dries out the roots.
On a stiletto heel
The strands are wound onto a non-metallic pin and treated with a compound. The curl turns out to be small, the curls “bounce” quite high, so it is better to do it for those with shoulder-length hair and below.
"Children's"
The method is suitable for those with sensitive scalp. To avoid contact of the composition with the epidermis, a protective cap with holes is put on the head. This way you can create both small curls and larger curls.
Who is it suitable for?
Light chemistry in terms of appearance can be considered universal, since a huge selection of bobbins allows you to make curls of any shape and diameter. But light chemistry is especially recommended in the following cases:
- If your hair is naturally thin and lacks natural volume.
- If your hair is oily and requires light drying.
- If the hair is not strong enough and deeper chemical effects are contraindicated. But if the hair is initially dry, then light chemicals cannot be applied.
- If a lady styles her hair using thermal methods every day, spending a huge amount of time and effort on it.
Price
When trying to understand how much a perm costs, it is worth considering that the price will vary depending on the composition and method of curling. In a salon, the procedure will cost you, on average, from 2,200 to 6,000 rubles.
If you decide to perm at home, then you will need to spend money on the composition and buy:
- papillottes;
- two foam sponges (for composition and neutralizer);
- gloves;
- plastic containers for fixative and reagent.
The cost of chemical products is from 350 rubles and above. But when deciding to perm yourself, remember that it is better to give preference to well-known brands that monitor the quality of their products. Such funds will not be the cheapest, and will cost you 1,500 rubles or more.
Important to remember! Regardless of whether it is a light perm on medium hair or large, spectacular curls, this procedure can damage the hair. And only an experienced hairdresser will take into account all the nuances of the structure and condition of your curls, examine your scalp and recommend the best hairstyle option with chemicals.
Bobbin size
Bobbins are special devices in the form of a hollow stick with holes for creating a permanent or bioperm. They differ in material of manufacture, length, diameter and shape.
Bobbins can be of several types, each of which allows you to create a special hairstyle:
- Classic. Can be of different sizes to create large, medium or small curls. The shape can be cylindrical, wavy or expanding towards the edge.
- American . Long sticks for creating tight curls on long and thin hair.
- Japanese. Long sticks with an elastic band are suitable for creating a soft natural curl on a short or medium length. More often used for bio-curling.
- Vagers. The largest in size. Used to create maximum volume on medium and short hair, or large curls on long hair.
- Regular. Small wooden sticks for classic perm allow you to create small curls.
- Spiral. A spiral is applied along the contour of the stick to create an elastic vertical curl. Also used for African curls.
Contraindications
Contraindications for the procedure include:
- allergy to the components of the composition or a tendency to allergic reactions. In the latter case, a sensitivity test must be performed;
- any illness and severe hair loss;
- taking medications: hormonal or antibiotics;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- immediately after coloring the curls. Chemotherapy can be done only after 2 weeks.
When there may be an unpredictable result
Be extremely careful in the following cases:
- when the hair was previously dyed with henna or basma;
- during “critical days”;
- during stressful situations or after them.
There is also a type of curls that are difficult to curl or straighten quickly. In this case, the master will advise you to try different compositions on several strands. To select the most effective reagent.
How to make chemistry at home
For curling you will need:
- two containers for the composition (fixative and reagent). It is better to choose plastic ones;
- brush;
- gloves;
- towels;
- polyethylene cap;
- quality composition;
- stylers (bobbins, plastic curlers, curlers);
- non-metallic combs - for separating strands and with rare teeth;
- two foam sponges;
- peignoir;
- vinegar;
- water;
- shampoo;
- balm or restorative after chemotherapy;
- cream (baby, cosmetic, Vaseline);
- a tourniquet of cotton wool long enough to tie on your head.
How to do
Technique:
- Wash your hair. Do not massage the skin, as it is important that natural fat remains on it. This will protect the epidermis from the influence of the composition and drying out;
- Pat with a towel until damp and comb with a wide-tooth comb;
- Curl your hair using stylers. Using the example of the most popular, horizontal method, roll the curlers in zones: in the direction from the forehead to the back of the head and on the sides. Start curling with a bobbin from the ends and fix the styler closer to the roots. Try to take strands of the same width (about 5 mm) so that the curls are the same.
- Lubricate all areas of the skin near the hair well with cream and cover with a cotton band.
- Protect your clothing by wearing a negligee. Put gloves on your hands;
- Measure the required amount of composition into the prepared container (indicated in the instructions depending on the length of the hair).
- Using a sponge, quickly apply to curled hair. First treat the occipital area, then the parietal area. At the very end, go over the sides and forehead area.
- Put plastic on your head and cover it with a towel;
- Maintain the composition according to the instructions.
- Afterwards, rinse off the reagent with plain water without removing the stylers.
- Blot excess moisture with a towel;
- Apply the fixative with a sponge.
- Leave on the strands for the time specified in the instructions (about 7 minutes) and remove the curlers.
- Apply the remaining fixer to already untwisted curls and leave for up to 5 minutes.
- Rinse with water and then with rinse aid (1 part vinegar and 6 parts water). The vinegar solution neutralizes the alkali.
- Dry with a towel and apply balm or restorative to your hair.
- Make a curl using curlers. Do not use a hairdryer!
We recommend reading: how to properly perm at home.
What you should pay attention to
Subtleties of performing chemistry:
- do not pull the strands too tightly when winding, otherwise the curls may become brittle;
- Don't apply too much compound. Otherwise, the excess mass will begin to flow down the hair to the skin and irritation will occur;
- rinse the strands well between treatments, otherwise their color may change;
- Avoid contact with metal during operation.
Important! Choose a quality product that has not expired.
Be sure to run tests:
Before cheating you need to:
- perform an allergy test. To do this, apply a small amount of the composition to the bend of your elbow and wait a quarter of an hour. If there is no redness, you can use it. If a reaction occurs, wipe the affected area with hydrogen peroxide and rinse with water. Avoid chemicals;
- Inspect the scalp for damage. For abrasions, irritations, moles, etc., the procedure cannot be performed.
What is better, go to a beauty salon or do chemicals at home?
- It is quite difficult to do chemicals on medium-length hair on your own so that the final result is truly impressive and lasts on your head for a long time. In addition, in case of the slightest carelessness when using a chemical solution or failure to comply with all precautions, the appearance and health of your curls will immediately suffer . To completely restore the damaged structure of the strands, you will have to try very hard, it will take weeks, and maybe months. Therefore, for ladies who doubt their abilities and are not ready to take such a risk, I recommend that you contact a specialist in a beauty salon, who will not only advise the type of chemistry that suits you, but will also carry out the procedure safely and correctly.
- If you have extensive experience and skills in working with chemical solutions, as well as those who know first-hand about all the warnings and ways to avoid troubles that may arise during chemical treatment, you can safely and confidently begin to perform your own perm. You will save precious free time and decent material resources , which will be useful to you in any case.
Consequences and care after chemotherapy
To make your curled hair look neat and retain its shape for a long time, you need to follow some simple rules after the procedure:
- For 4–5 days after curling, the curls should not be washed or combed;
- It is forbidden to go to bed with a wet head;
- Do not use hot rollers or thermal devices. Phenom including;
- do not wrap wet hair in a towel and do not comb it until it is dry;
- limit the use of metal combs and hairpins;
- You can dye your curls only two weeks after the procedure;
- be sure to use products for damaged hair: masks, shampoos, balms;
- for styling, use styling products for curly hair;
- protect strands from direct sunlight and ultraviolet radiation;
- Trim the ends in time so that your hairstyle is always neat.
Advantages and disadvantages of chemistry
Pros of perm:
- curls suit everyone;
- styling should be done less frequently than usual;
- oily hair will not get dirty so quickly and can be washed less often;
- volume;
- strands become more manageable.
Minuses:
- negative impact on the hair structure - it can become brittle;
- If you're tired of curls, you can't get rid of them without a haircut.
Whatever long-term perm you choose, remember that to achieve a pleasant result it is important to take into account the following points: choice of composition, selection of stylers and strict adherence to technology. Therefore, if you are not sure that you can achieve mastery in the art of home chemistry, do not experiment. Trust a professional about whom you have only heard good things. He will tell you which curl is best for you, depending on whether your curls are thick or thin, colored or not.
A qualified hairdresser will protect your hair from possible damage and select the optimal care after the procedure. Only then can you be sure that your perm will not become a sad experiment. And you will get beautiful, spectacular and, most importantly, healthy-looking curls.
Popular types of long-term hair perm:
- wet chemistry, how long does the “wet” effect last on the hair;
- who is suitable for vertical chemistry, reviews and price;
- features of spiral chemistry, execution order;
- perm Angel Curls, its pros and cons;
- what is the secret of the popularity of Mossa Green Light biowave;
- biowave ISO: composition and advantages of styling.
How long does the effect last after the procedure?
You can't make your hair curly forever with a perm. But on average, the effect of the procedure lasts on the hair from 2 to 9 months.
The duration of the result is affected by:
- selected composition (alkaline, acidic, natural);
- hair type (thick, thin, dense);
- length;
- curl size;
Reference! The border between regrown hair and curls will be more noticeable with acid or alkaline perm. For this reason, correction will be required in a few weeks.