If you have fine hair, you may have wondered if perms are a suitable option to add some texture and volume to your locks. The good news is that there are indeed specific types of perms designed to cater to fine hair. From body-enhancing perms to root-lifting techniques, the world of perms offers an array of possibilities for transforming your hair’s look and feel.
In this post, we’ll delve into the various types of perms ideal for fine hair, exploring their unique techniques, benefits, and maintenance requirements. Get ready to discover the perfect perm that will breathe new life into your hair, giving you the voluminous and textured tresses you desire. Say farewell to flatness and hello to gorgeous, full-bodied locks that will turn heads wherever you go.
Types of Perms for Fine Hair: Spiral Perm or Beach Waves
Since you have fine and thin hair, you would want to get a perm that gives you long-lasting wavy curls without causing unnecessary damage. Listed below are some great options for thin hair:
1. Spiral Perm
Spiral perms are a popular choice for those seeking stunning, cascading curls that radiate a sense of elegance and glamour. This type of perm creates tight, uniform curls that spiral from the roots to the ends, resulting in a captivating and eye-catching hairstyle.
The process begins by sectioning the hair into small, long sections and wrapping them around thin perm rods from top to bottom. The hair is then treated with a perm solution to reshape the hair’s structure, allowing the curls to form. After the desired processing time, the hair is rinsed, neutralized, and styled to reveal beautiful spiral curls.
One of the standout features of spiral perms is their versatility. They can be tailored to suit different hair lengths, whether you have long, medium, or even shorter hair. Spiral perms work wonders on fine hair, as they create the illusion of added thickness and volume. For those with already thick hair, spiral perms enhance the natural texture and movement, taking your locks to the next level.
Maintenance for spiral perms requires some extra care to keep the curls looking their best. Regular conditioning treatments and the use of curl-enhancing products are essential to maintain moisture, reduce frizz, and define the curls. It’s also important to avoid excessive heat styling and use heat protectants when necessary to prevent damage.
If you think that spiral perms are a thing of the past, think again. There are several modern spiral perm hairstyles that you can get even if you have fine hair. Let’s take a look:
1. Perm on Short Bob
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2. Shaggy Spiral Perm
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3. Curly Spiral Perm On Long, Thin Hair
2. Beach Waves
Beach waves have long been a coveted hairstyle, evoking a sense of effortless beauty and a carefree beachside vibe. And guess what? Even if you have fine hair, you can achieve those coveted tousled waves that mimic a day spent by the ocean. Beach waves are a fantastic way to add texture, movement, and a touch of bohemian chic to your locks.
To create beach waves for fine hair, there are several techniques you can try. One popular method is using a curling wand or a flat iron to create loose, relaxed waves. Start by applying a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage. Then, take small sections of your hair and wrap them around the wand or clamp them in the flat iron, leaving the ends out for a more undone look. Hold for a few seconds and release, repeating throughout your hair.
Another approach is the braiding technique. Simply divide your damp hair into two sections and create two loose braids. Leave them in for a few hours or overnight to let your hair dry and set. Once you unravel the braids, you’ll be left with beautiful beachy waves.
To enhance the texture and longevity of your beach waves, consider using sea salt spray or texturizing spray. These products add grit and hold to your hair, giving it that signature beachy feel. Scrunch the spray into your hair and use your fingers to tousle and separate the waves for a more effortless look.
The best part about beach waves is their versatility. They work well for various hair lengths, including short, medium, and long hair. For fine hair, beach waves can provide an illusion of added fullness and volume, making your locks look more voluminous and textured.
To maintain your beachy waves, it’s crucial to keep your hair hydrated and nourished. Use a lightweight moisturizing conditioner and consider incorporating a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to prevent dryness and frizz. Remember to protect your hair from excessive heat styling and consider embracing air-drying or diffusing techniques whenever possible.
So, if you’re longing for that effortlessly chic beach wave look, don’t fret if you have fine hair. With the right techniques and products, you can achieve those gorgeous, tousled waves that exude natural beauty and radiate a relaxed, carefree spirit.
A beach wave perm can cost anywhere between $50 to $350+ depending on the length of your hair and the salon. The results typically last around 4 months which I think is great.
Types of Beach Waves:
Let’s explore some popular types of beach waves:
- Classic Beach Waves: This timeless style features loose, tousled waves that mimic the natural texture of saltwater-kissed hair. To achieve this look, you can use a curling wand or a flat iron, creating relaxed curls throughout your hair. Once curled, gently tousle and separate the waves for a more effortless appearance.
- Mermaid Waves: Mermaid waves take beachy waves to the next level with more defined and voluminous curls. This style often features tighter, bouncier waves that resemble the waves found in a mermaid’s flowing locks. To create mermaid waves, you can use a smaller barrel curling iron or opt for heatless methods like braiding damp hair and letting it air dry.
- Boho Waves: Boho waves embody a free-spirited and romantic vibe. These waves are often looser, with a more undone and natural appearance. To achieve boho waves, you can use a larger barrel curling iron or try a no-heat method like twisting sections of damp hair and pinning them up until dry.
- Textured Waves: Textured waves add dimension and movement to your hair. This style combines beachy waves with a touch of tousled texture for an effortlessly chic look. To achieve textured waves, you can use a combination of curling techniques, like alternating curl directions or adding twists to the hair before curling.
- S-Curl Waves: S-curl waves create a soft and flowing wave pattern that resembles the shape of an “S.” This style is achieved by twisting small sections of hair before wrapping them around a curling iron. The result is a more defined and structured wave that adds elegance to your beachy hairstyle.
Things to Know Before Getting a Perm
It’s great that you want to get a perm. However, there are a few things that you should know before you decide to commit.
1. Your Hair Should Be Healthy
When it comes to perming, having healthy hair is a prerequisite. If your hair isn’t healthy, your curls won’t come out pretty. It’s also important to remember that fine hair is more prone to damage and breakage. And while you can perm thin hair, it’s crucial that your tresses are perfectly healthy.
If your hair is dry and damaged, it’s probably best to wait a few weeks until your hair regains full strength. Make sure to deep condition your hair to repair the damage.
2. Processing Time Varies
Processing time varies from person to person because your hair reacts differently to products. It depends on the texture of your hair. And it also depends on how porous your hair is. Generally speaking, porous hair absorbs products much faster than non-porous hair.
3. It May Damage Your Hair
Perming is going to damage your hair to some extent. If your hair is extremely dry and damaged, things can be even worse for you.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from getting a perm. Because if you can take care of your hair properly and follow all the instructions provided by your stylist, you should be fine.
4. You’ll Need Special Hair Care Products
To keep your perm looking its best, you’re going to need special hair care products formulated for permed hair. For example, you should use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
If you use your regular hair care products, you may end up ruining your perm. Also, you’ll have to wait 48 hours to wash your hair after getting a perm.
5. Perms Require Intense Upkeep
Maintenance is key. Be prepared to visit your stylist every 8 to 12 weeks for touch-ups. This depends on several factors, including the length of your hair and how well you take care of your perms.
6. No Chemical Treatments for a Month
You’ll have to wait at least a month before you can consider doing a chemical treatment on your hair. That’s because your hair needs some time to recover after the treatment. If you do chemical treatments too soon, you’ll end up damaging your tresses.
You should also avoid treating your hair before the treatment itself. For example, if you lightened or colored your hair, wait at least a month before getting a perm.
Conclusion
Even if you have fine hair, there are several types of perms that you can get. The important thing to keep in mind is that your hair should be healthy before you begin the treatment. Also, you’ll have to take care of your hair after getting a perm.
You can either go for a hot perm or a cold perm depending on your needs. It’s always best to consult your stylist, weigh the pros and cons of the style you’re going for, and then decide what’s best for you.
Which perm style is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
Sheryll is a lifestyle editor with over 7 years of experience in beauty. She is obsessed with Korean skincare, and she mostly covers the Beauty and Skincare space at Skin Seas.