A spiral perm is ideal for those with long hair. While you can adjust the width of the ring, a coiled perm typically produces tight, very full curls. You can do this type of perm in your home as well, but remember that it takes some time and is difficult for a beginner to do perfectly.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prepare Your Hair
Step 1. Gently wash your hair
Wash them thoroughly right before getting the perm. It is very important to remove any traces of oil and dirt, but remember to always be gentle.
- Don't rub your scalp, as doing it too often can increase oily secretions in your skin.
- It is advisable to use a purifying shampoo, so that it removes all the grease from the hair without irritating the scalp.
- If your hair is already quite dry, avoid using an alcohol-containing shampoo or other solutions that weaken the hair. The perm process tends to dry out the hair a lot and by drying it further you could cause damage, even lasting damage.
Step 2. Blot excess water
Squeeze out any excess liquid or pat it gently with a clean, dry towel.
- Just try to dab the water, without rubbing your head with the towel.
- Do not use the hairdryer.
- Your hair will need to stay moist if you want the spiral perm to work properly.
Step 3. Untangle any knots
Use a wide-toothed comb to remove knots and comb through your damp hair.
A wide-toothed comb works better than a fine-toothed one, as the latter tend to damage and break hair, especially wet hair
Step 4. Protect your clothes
To avoid getting chemicals on your clothes, wrap a towel around your shoulders.
- If you own a hairdressing coat, wear it to further protect your clothing.
- You could also protect your face by applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to your forehead, right along the hairline. But try not to get the petroleum jelly on your hair.
Method 2 of 4: Roll the Curls
Step 1. Take a lock of hair
Pin most of the hair to the top of the head with pliers and use the comb to separate a section about 1 cm wide at the nape of the neck.
- The standard thickness of a strand is 1 cm or a little more, but to be more precise, just separate a part of the hair that can be rolled without problems on a curler.
- Remember that the size of the lock will determine the size of your curls.
- All subsequent strands should be approximately the same size as the first.
Step 2. Cover the tip of the strand with paper
Fold the perm paper in half lengthwise and wrap the tip of the strand.
- Make sure the perm paper completely covers the ends of the strand, completely protecting the tips of the hair. The paper can partially extend beyond the tip of the hair. This will help ensure that the ends wrap properly around the iron, instead of bending incorrectly.
- When the ends of a strand bend incorrectly, you may notice a crinkle texture or a hook-shaped crease at the end of each lock.
Step 3. Tuck the end of the strand into a perm curler
Hold a curler just below the end of the strand and on top of the paper. Then roll your hair completely on the curler, moving towards your head.
- The curler should be almost perpendicular to the strand of hair.
- Start wrapping the strand of hair near one end of the curler.
- Remember that perm rollers are typically long, thin, and flexible. Some of the new models are stiffer, but are often already folded into the final spiral.
Step 4. Roll up the rest of the strand
Wrap the remaining length of the strand around the curler, sliding it upwards progressively.
- It is necessary to wrap the hair around the curler while maintaining a certain angle. The top of the curler must be tilted towards your head, while the bottom, i.e. the starting point, must be tilted outwards.
- Try to gradually curl your hair and curler as you wrap the strand. When it comes to touch your head, the curler should sit on your head in an almost vertical position.
- With each new round, the hair should sit partially on top of the previous round of hair.
Step 5. Secure the curler
Once you've rolled up the entire strand of hair and placed the curler on the back of your head, fold the empty curler part down so that it resembles the shape of a U.
The hair root should be folded into the curvature
Step 6. Repeat the process
Continue dividing your hair into 1cm sections (or the same as the first one). Cover the tips of each strand with perm paper and use a curler to roll it into a ring.
- Work from the nape of the neck to the top of the head. This way you will have the space you need to accommodate the different curlers.
- Wrap one strand at a time.
- The strands do not need to be divided evenly. They can have a square, triangular, free shape, or a blend of two or more shapes. Parting your hair randomly also helps prevent curler marks.
- As you wrap the strands, you should notice that each of them partially overlaps the previous layer.
- If your hair starts to dry as you wrap it, spray it with plenty of water to moisten it.
Step 7. Apply the perm solution to each curler
If the perm solution is not already mixed, prepare it in a bottle with a dispenser, following the instructions on the package. Then spray the solution on the hair wrapped around each curler.
Make sure the hair on each curler is sprinkled liberally with perm solution
Step 8. Treat your hair
Place a shower cap or two over the rolled-up hair. Lay your hair under a weak source of heat for the amount of time indicated on the instructions for the perm solution.
- Generally the shutter speed is about 20 minutes.
- Use all the plastic caps you need to cover your hair without squeezing the curlers. Covering your hair with plastic will help keep the heat inside.
- A hairdresser's helmet is the ideal solution, but if you don't have one you can always heat your hair using a normal blow dryer kept to a minimum. Try to hold the hair dryer about an arm's length away from your head. If your arms get tired, work at 3-5 minute intervals, taking a short break from time to time to rest.
Method 3 of 4: Remove the Curlers
Step 1. Rinse your hair
After treating your hair, rinse it for 5-8 minutes with warm or hot water.
- Do not remove the curlers yet.
- The important thing is to remove most of the solution, even if you won't be able to rinse it completely at this point.
- Rinse the root of each strand and gradually work towards the ends of the curlers.
- If your hair looks very damp, let it dry with a helmet or blow dryer for another 5 minutes before continuing.
Step 2. Apply a neutralizer
Prepare the neutralizing solution, if it is not ready, and pour it into another bottle with a sprayer. Spray it on top of each curler, carefully saturating each strand of hair, from root to tip.
Read the neutralizer factory instructions. Some of these substances, before use, must be placed under a weak heat source for about five minutes
Step 3. Remove the curlers
Carefully remove the curlers from your hair, doing the opposite of what you did before. Remember to remove the rollers slowly and carefully to prevent knots.
- Start at the top of your head and work your way up to the nape of the neck.
- Straighten each curler and gradually unroll the hair, until the holder is no longer stuck.
- Once the curler is removed, remove the perm paper from the tip of each strand.
Step 4. Rinse again
Rinse your hair carefully to remove any excess perming and neutralizing solution.
- Don't use shampoo to rinse your hair.
- If recommended by the instructions, you could also apply a conditioner to leave on for a few minutes. If it's not explicitly recommended, however, it's best avoided.
Step 5. Let the hair dry in the fresh air
Let the hair dry on its own - it may take a few hours, depending on the length of your hair.
- Do not use a hairdryer or other heat sources.
- Do not try to straighten your hair until it is dry.
- If necessary, you could use a wide-toothed comb to remove any knots from the hair, especially when it is practically dry and only a little damp.
Method 4 of 4: Caring for Your Hair After the Spiral Perm
Step 1. Don't wash your hair too soon
It is best to wait at least 48 hours before shampooing or using a conditioner, unless the instructions in the perm kit indicate otherwise.
If you wash your hair too soon, you may loosen the curls and end up flattening or straightening them
Step 2. Choose moisturizing products for delicate hair
Perms tend to dry out your hair, even when you use a very gentle formula. Consequently, it is very important to wash your hair with a mild, moisturizing shampoo, and to apply a conditioner at least once a week.
Avoid using shampoos or other alcohol-containing hair products. Alcohol is one of the most harmful solutions and tends to dry out the hair, especially after a perm
Step 3. Consider letting your hair dry in fresh air after dampening it
After each wash, dry your hair gently to prevent the perm from loosening.
If you don't have time to dry your hair on your own, attach a diffuser to your hair dryer and dry it by setting the heat to low. Doing so will prevent the curls from straightening
Step 4. Enjoy your perm
By now you will have completed your spiral perm - it should last for several months.
Advice
- The spiral perm can be done on hair of any length, but works best on long ones.
- Consider if by chance it is better to have a spiral perm done by a professional hairdresser instead of doing it yourself at home, especially if you are nervous or do not think you can do it on your own.
Warnings
- Always follow the instructions on the package.
- If you have wounds on your scalp, wait for them to heal before using the perm solution or other chemicals.
- If your hair is dyed, brittle or very dry, it is advisable not to perm without first consulting a hairdresser. A professional hairdresser will be able to tell you if it is appropriate to proceed with the perm or if it is better to give up.
