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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 looking for African American hairstyles and see others going the curly perm route. If you’re stressed out and prefer to focus on living life to the fullest instead of going to your 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 Status: The act of putting chemicals into the 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 the hair (but not as harsh as chemical straighteners). Let’s face it, you’re dealing with harsh chemicals either way, and if you don’t have someone who has experience putting these chemicals on, you’re headed for disaster.
Maintenance: Hair that has been curly permed (ie New Wave) is great because it requires little 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 get on with your business. As for washing, I wash my curly perm once a week with a good moisturizing shampoo that retains the color. With a curly perm, there’s no need to sit around twisting or braiding your hair every night, as the perm reminds your hair of 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’re good to go. Don’t comb your hair too much or this will pull your hair out.
Availability: Finding someone to put your Wave Nouveau on can be a challenge, 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 to spray.
convenience: If you find yourself in a very humid situation, getting caught in the rain or going for a swim, all you have to do is apply an extra dose of moisturizer, and the slight frizz you have will turn into the soft and lush curls you had . prior to. 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. Like I said before, I proudly wear a curly perm that is low maintenance and works perfectly for me as I am at a busy time in my life. Maybe when my kids grow up and move out of the house I will go natural as I have more free time to keep my hair long and chemical free.