Perming, or permanent waving is a chemical process that permanently alters the structure of the hair to change its shape from straight to curly or wavy.
Perming solution is an alkaline chemical which reacts with the hair to break some of the protein bonds that give the hair its shape and strength. The hair is reshaped using rollers, and a neutralising solution is applied to stop the process and allow the bonds to reform to hold the new shape of the hair. However this process will inevitably result in the destruction of some of the bonds, and leave the hair more vulnerable.
Perming previously permed hair can do a great deal of damage. Care taken during processing and ongoing conditioning is the key to a good result with minimal damage, and in expert hands excellent results can be achieved. Avoid perming if the skin on your scalp is inflamed or broken.
It is essential to have consistent and regular intensive conditioning treatments to restore moisture to the hair and prevent breakage. Use a deep conditioning treatment three to four days before and after each process, and always use conditioner after shampooing. For fine, limp hair that has been permed to add body, carry on using body building shampoo and conditioner.
