Here’s everything it’s possible for you to expect when trying a root perm treatment.
What Is a Root Perm?
As it dries, it dries in a curl pattern that provides a more lifted appearance.
Photo:Xuanyu Han/Getty Images
What Are the Different Types of Root Perms?
There are various techniques used for root perms.
The best-suited for your hair will depend on your natural texture and the desired change.
How Long Does a Root Perm Last?
The longevity of a root perm varies from person to person and largely depends on your hair jot down.
If you have fine or thin strands, a root perm should last two to three months.
A root perm can last up to six months for other coarser or thicker hair types.
How long your root perm lasts will also depend onhow fast your hair grows.
If you have fast-growing locks, you’re more likely to need touchups sooner than someone with slower-growing hair.
Are Root Perms for Certain Hair Types?
Most perms, including root perms, work best on virgin, healthy hair.
With short hairstyles, a root perm can be a good option to add volume and movement.
Anyone with medical conditions affecting their hair or skin should consult their doctor or dermatologist before getting one.
After washing, your stylist may apply a prepping solution and rollers to the roots.
While some solutions may process with heat, some don’t.
Once processed, your stylist will rinse out your hair thoroughly to remove all traces of the prepping solution.
Then, the stylist may add a setting solution to set your hair in the desired new shape.
Root perms can last anywhere from three to six months before needing a retouch.
Can You Do a Root Perm Yourself?
Heres the thing: Permanent root perm solutions can be harmful and smelly.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding if you could tackle this on your own.
Hair Length
The longer the hair, the more time it takes to process.
Stylists recommend root perms for short- to medium-length hair.
The longer the hair, the more risk that the solution will accidentally touch parts beyond the root.
Chemical pop in
There are two types of chemical root perms solutions: acidic and alkaline perms.
It produces more natural-looking curls.
An alkaline one, known as a cold perm, is ideal for coarse and textured hair.
Time Commitment
Root perms can take anywhere from two to six hours to complete.
If not administered correctly, both alkaline and acidic perms can create chemical burns and adverse reactions.
Maintaining a Root Perm
Root perms require much less maintenance than regular perms.
However, for the first couple of days, post-perm rules still apply.
Avoid water and moisture for 48 hoursthis includes sweating, so postpone your workout for a couple of days!
Tight updos are also a no-no during the first week or so.
Once you get past the first week or so, root perms require little to no maintenance.
The bonus is that your hair may actually be lower maintenance after getting a root perm.
