How to Style Permed Hair

The perm is about as iconic of a hairstyle as it gets. But today’s permed hair is a much more natural version than yesterday’s. These curls and waves are loose and vary in size like naturally curly hair — think beachy haphazard waves versus tight, uniform curls. And if you’re wondering how to give you hair volume, a perm is a great way to add texture to flat or limp strands. But like coloring your hair, getting a perm is a chemical process and requires a different set of hair care rules. If you’re thinking about getting a perm, consider this your guide to everything you need to know: we’re breaking down styling tricks and product picks for permed hair.What exactly is a perm?The term perm is short for "permanent" because it permanently changes the structure of the hair. It’s a chemical treatment that breaks down the protein bonds of the hair, giving it a new texture. The perm process has undergone a major transformation since the ’80s; the techniques being used today limit damage both f...