Published on August 29th, 2024
“It used to be a daily struggle to style my hair,” recounts 12-year-old Jamie Rivera. “My hair was super straight, and I’d spend ages trying to get it right. I’d keep asking myself, Is this how it should look? No, still not quite there. And every time I looked in the mirror, it seemed like I was getting nowhere.”
Frustrated with his look, Jamie often hid under a cap. “I’d try to flip my hair back before putting it on, but it just made things worse—when I took off the hat, I looked like an old-timey statesman,” he chuckles. “So, my buddies suggested I just go for a buzz cut.”
Instead of following their advice, Jamie saved up his allowance from babysitting and spent $150 on his first perm this year. For his second perm, he opted for a DIY approach, buying a kit online and enlisting his aunt to help.
“Now I just spritz on some sea salt spray and let it air-dry, and it looks fantastic,” Jamie says proudly.
Seventeen-year-old Max Collins had a similar transformation last year. After his mom spent $70 on his first perm at a local salon, Max decided it was time for a change.
“I’d always had short, straight hair and wanted something different,” he explains.
“As my hair grew, it remained poker-straight, so I opted for natural curls. I didn’t want that overly rigid, classic perm look—just something that felt casual and effortless.”
The curly perm is making a big splash on social media right now. While this trend is gender-neutral, it’s especially catching on among teenage boys..
This resurgence isn’t just a passing trend; it’s also a nod to its roots in diverse cultures. For many communities of color, the curly perm represents more than just a hairstyle.
It’s a meaningful choice, especially for Black individuals who have long faced bias and discrimination for their natural hair.
Interestingly, the curly perm is not a modern invention. In Ancient Greece, women used mixtures of olive oil and vinegar to achieve curls.
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Today’s perms use sophisticated chemical formulas to ensure that curls hold their shape longer, but the essence of the style remains rooted in a rich history of hair care.
For instance, Mia Chen, a 15-year-old, recently transformed her look with a curly perm after seeing it make waves on social media. Her parents, who once dismissed the style as outdated, were impressed by the fresh take on a classic look.
Meanwhile, in places like Seoul, South Korea, the perm has become a popular choice among K-pop idols, reflecting a blend of tradition and modern flair.
So, whether it’s Jamie’s new look or Max’s updated style, the curly perm is proving to be more than just a flash in the pan. It’s a timeless style that’s found new relevance in today’s fashion landscape.
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What Exactly Are Curly Perms?
A curly perm is a semi-permanent hair treatment designed to introduce curls to the natural texture of the hair, lasting from three to six months.
This technique employs a blend of chemicals, including alcohol, boric acid, and ammonium thioglycolate, to alter the hair’s structure.
Whether the hair is straight or naturally textured, a perm provides a lasting curling effect, adding volume and bounce.
The Cost Of Achieving Perfect Curls
The expense of a professional perm can vary widely based on factors such as location, salon type, and stylist expertise.
Experienced stylists may charge higher fees and have longer wait times. Additionally, the length of the hair also affects the overall cost.
Generally, the price for a perm ranges between $100 and $300. In major metropolitan areas like New York or Los Angeles, the cost is typically on the higher end due to increased living expenses and salon rates.
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Modern Perms: A New Twist On A Classic Style?
Hairstyles often come full circle, with old trends gaining new popularity, and the curly perm is a prime example.
The fundamental technique of perms hasn’t changed much since their revival in the 70s and 80s, but modern technology has enhanced the process significantly.
Advancements have led to healthier perm treatments that incorporate natural ingredients for better results.
The current trend includes using larger rods to achieve wavy perms, which create more body and softer waves compared to the tight curls of previous decades.
This updated method minimizes chemical usage, resulting in a more natural and less damaging outcome.
