Rolling: The hair is divided into sections, and each section is wrapped around a perm rod. The size of the rod determines the size of the curl or wave.
Processing: The hair, wrapped in perm rods, is exposed to a chemical solution that sets the curl pattern.
Neutralizing: After processing, a neutralizer is applied to restore the hair’s natural structure and lock in the curls.
Types of Perm Rods
Perm rods come in various sizes, each producing different types of curls:
Small Rods: Create tight, defined curls.
Medium Rods: Produce loose waves or soft curls.
Large Rods: Result in voluminous, beachy waves.
Home vs. Salon Use
While professional salons have historically used perm rods, the rise of at-home perm kits in the 1970s and 1980s allowed individuals to achieve similar results on their own. Home kits included perm rods, solutions, and detailed instructions, making the process more accessible.