Is chemical hair perm harmful and what else do you need to know about it: the mechanism of action and photos before and after

An increasingly popular method for getting waves or curls that last is chemical hair perming. Even though it can give hair a fresh look, a lot of people are concerned about potential hair damage. Making an informed decision can be aided by having a thorough understanding of the procedure.

Chemicals are used in the perm process to disintegrate and restructure your hair’s structure. Hair can retain its curl for several months thanks to this modification. Even though the outcomes can be breathtaking, it’s crucial to understand any possible consequences for hair health.

This post will explain the operation of a permanent hairstyle, discuss possible side effects, and provide some before and after pictures. This will help you determine whether this is the best option for you and what to anticipate.

Topic	Details
Is chemical hair perm harmful?	Chemical perms can weaken the hair structure, making it prone to dryness and breakage. Proper care is needed to minimize damage.
How does it work?	A chemical solution breaks the hair’s natural bonds, allowing it to be reshaped. The hair is then set into curls using rods and a neutralizing solution.
What should you know before getting a perm?	Your hair type and health matter. Dry or damaged hair may not handle the process well, and regular care post-perm is essential.
Photos: Before and After	Before: Natural, straight hair. After: Defined curls or waves, depending on the rod size used.

What is it?

A chemical perm, also known as "chemistry" or permanent, is an easy and reasonably priced method to achieve long-lasting, lush curls.

The mechanism of changing the shape of the hair shaft

The distinctive water-insoluble protein known as keratin makes up the human hair shaft. Furthermore, cysteine is one of the numerous amino acids found in keratin. The primary component of the hair shaft is this amino acid. The connecting link breaks down when exposed to chemicals, leaving the hair shaft vulnerable to outside forces.

It can be "sculpted" into any shape at this point.This is the method a specialist uses to curl hair with curlers. The hair shaft must then be given a second chemical preparation to oxidize it in order for it to regain its elasticity and integrity.

Stages of execution

Three steps make up the chemical curling mechanism:

1. First – softening of keratin using a chemical solution (it penetrates deep into the hair shaft and produces changes at the cellular level).
2. Second – physical action (to give the desired shape using curlers).
3. Third – neutralization of the chemical substance and hardening of keratin (produced using an oxidizer).

Crucial! Irreversible processes are triggered by interventions in the cellular processes of the hair shaft, leading to a decrease in the mass of the hair. In other words, the hair shaft gets thinner and less voluminous.

Is “chemistry” harmful and how it differs from other long -term styles?

Standards

Traditional perm

Extended hairstyles

How much time does it last?

Depending on the chemical makeup and structural characteristics of the hair, the curls’ shape can last anywhere from six to eight months.

The curls hold their shape for one to four months.

Outcome

The process is carried out in order to:

• Getting clear, elastic curls.
• Speeding up the styling process.

You can achieve the ideal hairstyle by using specific fixing agents after washing your hair and using a diffuser on your hairdryer.

• Giving your hair splendor, volume and slight waviness.
• Getting soft curls.
• Creating root volume.
• Highlighting bangs, hair ends or individual strands.
• Making hair manageable for any styling.

How it impacts the health of hair

When the right preparations and holding time are used, modern permanent perm techniques don’t significantly damage hair.

This procedure is thought to be reasonably safe because of the gentle product composition, which has a very gentle effect on the hair. Girls with weak and brittle hair, as well as expectant and nursing mothers, can use it.

Types of solution

Using the right chemical solution will determine how long the effect and curl last. There are two categories of solutions:

1. Acidic. Active substance – glyceryl monothioglycolate, with a pH level of 6.9 – 7.2. Maintains the curl effect from 6 to 8 months. Not suitable for damaged and weak hair. Categorically not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
2. Alkaline. Active substance – ammonium thioglycolate, with a pH level of 8 – 9.5. Maintains the curl effect from 2 to 3 months. Suitable for hard, unruly strands.

Crucial! In addition to being faster and requiring no further heat treatment, alkaline "chemistry" is thought to be more gentle than acidic "chemistry."

What curlers are used?

Types of curlers that can be used to curl hair:

• Large. The diameter of the curlers for large curls is taken from 3 cm and above. The result is soft, natural waves, without clearly defined curls. This type of curl is suitable for long hair of moderate thickness, not recommended for thin strands.
• Small. The diameter of the curlers for small "chemistry" is from 4 to 9 mm. Great for thin hair of medium length, looks creative and unexpected on short haircuts. The result of this procedure will be super volume, having the shape of a ball, very reminiscent of the Afro style.
• Medium. The diameter of the curlers for a classic medium curl is taken from 10 to 25 mm. The result is defined curls. A universal option for any length. The curling technology can be horizontal or vertical.

Photos before and after

Take a look at the image to see how hair can be styled in different ways, with varying sizes of curls, both before and after "chemistry."

In addition, pictures showing the permanent on a bob before and after are included.

And a picture of a perm like that for bangs hairstyles.

Proper preparation

Because getting a permanent makeup is such an intricate procedure, you should only trust a skilled professional to perform it. It is best to visit a beauty salon or hairdresser to obtain lovely, uniform, and tidy curls. The specialist must evaluate the overall health of the hair before beginning the actual perm. To do this, he must:

Visual analysis of the strands. The master evaluates: hair type, density, elasticity and strength. According to individual indicators, the concentration and active substances for the chemical composition are selected. For example: for thick hair, strong fixation is needed so that the drug penetrates into the hair shaft and has the expected effect.

Crucial! A moderate concentration is recommended for weak and thin hair, as an aggressive effect could result in irreversible consequences.

What are the features?

Can it be done after dyeing or bleaching?

You could theoretically get a perm after coloring or bleaching your hair. However, in reality, the master still has the last say. After a thorough examination, only a specialist can determine whether or not to perform such a procedure.

It’s advised to get a perm as soon as possible after coloring, but no earlier than 14–21 days, if the hair is in good overall condition. If not, a perm can unevenly and dramatically alter the color of the hair.

It is imperative that you perform a "strength" test following hair bleaching but prior to perm. Curls should be postponed until better times if the hair is weak and breaks easily. If the hair is strong and elastic, you can experiment with perming it further.

How soon is a correction required?

As the hair grows in the root zone, which occurs about 5-7 months after the initial procedure, repeated classic perms are applied. It’s time to make a correction when the hairstyle starts to lose its elegance and neatness. With careful "chemistry" techniques, correction will be required more frequently—roughly once every 1.5 to 2 months. The curls will sag in this situation and lose their majesty and volume.

Will it be possible to straighten the curls?

Stylists of today have made this option possible. It is entirely possible for a girl who has used chemistry to achieve her long-desired curls to go back to having straight hair by using specific tools like a hairdryer, specialty irons, or bio-straightening at a salon.

Curls can be straightened for a few days with a hairdryer or irons, and then they will return when the hair is dried with a diffuser. However, biostraightening eliminates curls permanently, or at least until the next "chemistry."

When there is no effect?

This hair type—known as "horse" hair—is incredibly thick, heavy, and hard. Because the hair shaft’s scales are so closely spaced apart, the chemical solution cannot enter the shaft in the necessary volume, and even a tiny amount does not produce the desired result. However, by using a diffuser and specific styling fixatives, you can amp up the effect.

Long-lasting curls can be achieved with chemical hair perms, but there are some risks involved, including the possibility of dryness and damage to the hair from the strong chemicals used. Before making a choice, it’s critical to comprehend how a perm works—namely, how it breaks and reshapes the hair’s structure—and to take your hair’s health into account. Viewing before-and-after pictures can help you set reasonable goals and visualize the possible outcomes.

Contraindications

It is not advised to pursue "chemistry" if

• There is a tendency to allergic reactions.
• During menstruation (as well as 2 days before the start of the cycle and 3 days after), during pregnancy and lactation.
• During intensive treatment with potent drugs (hormones, antibiotics, chemotherapy).
• There is abundant hair loss.
• The presence of dermatological diseases of the scalp, as well as abrasions, wounds, injuries and purulent formations.
• Poor general health (weakness, fever, malaise, high or low blood pressure).
• 24 hours before the procedure, the person experienced severe stress.
• After repeated dyeing of strands with henna and basma.
• Very weak, thin and brittle strands.

Long-lasting curls or waves can be achieved with chemical hair perms, but it’s important to know the procedure and any possible side effects for your hair. Even though contemporary perms are usually safer, chemicals are still used, which can weaken or damage hair if not applied correctly or taken care of afterwards.

Before choosing to get a perm, you must evaluate the condition of your hair by consulting with a qualified stylist. Following a treatment, proper aftercare can help maintain the health and appearance of your hair, such as applying nourishing and moisturizing products.

For those looking for more volume or texture, a perm can be a good option overall. However, it’s important to consider the risks and keep up a regular hair care regimen to minimize any potential damage.

Video on the topic

perm after 2.5 months.

What not to do after bio-perm?

Who should not do a perm?