How many times have you wondered what it would be like to be carefree and have low maintenance hair? You comb the pages of the latest black hair care magazines for African American hairstyles and you see others going the curly perm route. If you’re stressed out and would rather focus on living life to the fullest instead of going to your hair salon every week, a curly perm may be the option for you.
If you decide to go for a curly perm, you should be prepared for the following:
Hair Condition: The act of putting chemicals in your hair to achieve the long-lasting curls of a curly perm involves the use of chemicals that some black hair experts say are harsh on hair (but not as harsh as chemical relaxers). Let’s face it, you’re dealing with harsh chemicals anyway, and if you don’t have someone who has experience putting these chemicals in, you’re headed for disaster.
Maintenance: Hair that has a curly perm (ie New Wave) is great because it is low maintenance. When the perm is done and the chemical is applied, the hair shaft is broken down (straightened) and re-curled into rods. The new curl pattern that is established is so strong that your hair remembers this pattern for 2-3 months, which means you don’t have to curl your hair. Then you buy the moisturizing products, apply them twice a day, and you can go about your business. As for washing, I wash my curly perm once a week with a good moisturizing shampoo that retains color. With a curly perm, there’s no need to sit around twisting or braiding your hair every night, as the perm makes your hair remember its curl pattern.
Products and Procedures: The application of the products is quite easy. All you have to do is apply the moisturizers twice a day and you are good to go. Do not comb the hair too much or this will pull your hair out.
Availability: Finding someone to put your Wave Nouveau in can be challenging, but there are reputable salons that offer this perm.
cost: The perm itself ranges from $90 to $120; however, the daily maintenance products for the New Wave perm are very reasonable. If you go to Sally’s beauty supply store, you should be able to stock up on everything you need to maintain your perm, from moisturizing lotion to daily moisturizer and spray.
convenience: If you find yourself in a very humid situation, get caught in the rain or go swimming, all you have to do is apply an extra dose of the moisturizing product, and the slight frizz you have will turn into the soft and lush curls you used to have . before. You’ll also spend less time in the salon and more time with family and friends.
Whichever way you choose, be sure to consider all the pros and cons. As I said before, I proudly wear a curly perm which is low maintenance and works perfectly for me as I am at a busy time in my life. Maybe when my kids get older and move out of the house, I’ll go natural since I’ll have more free time to keep my hair long and chemical free.