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Enter: the straight perm.
We asked three top hairstylists exactly how to achieve a salon-quality, DIY straight permhere’s what they said.
@alessandragl | Design by Zackary Angeline.
Read on to learn exactly how to give yourself a straight perm.
Meet the Experts
What Is a Straight Perm?
“Heat is usually applied with a flat iron to lock in the treatment.”
Straight perms differ from other types of straightening treatmentslikekeratin treatmentsandchemical relaxersin important ways.
“A keratin treatment smooths the hair but doesnt straighten it,” Hampton explains.
“Its more of a semi-permanent option to help reduce frizz and even loosen or smooth curls.”
So who’s a candidate for straight perming?
People with curly or wavy hair can try straight perming if they want a sleeker look, Kimble says.
But if your goal is to tame frizzy texture, a straight perm isn’t the service for you.
“It’s not like a smoothing treatment, its a straightening treatment,” Hogan says.
“If your hair is frizzy, youre just going to have straight, frizzy hair.”
Also, straight perming is a no-go if your hair is colored or bleached.
“If you do, consult a stylist to ensure youre a candidate and even ask for recommendations.
Once you’ve read up on the directions and prepared your hair accordingly, gather your supplies.
“I would highly recommend getting this done in a salon,” Kimble insists.
“There are so many variables for error and not enough for success,” he adds.
If your perm kit comes with specific aftercare instructions or products, use them, she urges.
“Use moisturizing, hydrating, and hair-rebuilding conditioners,” Kimble suggests.
Bond-repairing hair products can help strengthen damaged hair and restore its elasticity.
“The new, untreated hair will be a different texture,” Hampton explains.
Just be careful to concentrate your utility on the regrowth to avoid further damage to the treated hair.
A systematic review on the lipid composition of human hair.International Journal of Dermatology,62(3), 404-415.
He, Y., Cao, Y., Nie, B., & Wang, J.
2023; 15(3):608. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030608
