Getting a perm?!

[Doggity]

I hate my hair. It used to be gently curly and wavy and lovely. It's now slightly wavy and flat. My hair has a mind of its own. Every hairdresser is surprised when they style it and an hour later, it's back in its natural 'blah' shape. Honestly, I've tried everything. The other day, someone suggested a perm. I didn't know people did that anymore. Any thoughts? I'd just like a bit of lift and life in my hair, the waves are there, they just go flat.

Thanks. :)

[phoenix1973]

Great idea. I would like one but do they even train hairdressers on perming any more? Who can do perms?

[phoolani]

My hairdresser certainly does a 'body perm' - I wanted one but she said I had to choose between that or highlights... No reason why you couldn't or shouldn't get one a bit curlier!

[blue2014]

Yes but they're really expensive for the new kind. You could do it yourself or try a hair dresser for older ladies maybe?

[melibu84]

i'm not sure I would recommend a perm straight away, without trying something else first. If your curl pattern has changed, it could be a sign that your hair is missing moisture. Try incorporating more conditioning into your hair regimen first, and see if that works. Also, if you regularly use heat, this could be damaging, so try going heat-free for a while :)

[Doggity]

I never blow dry my hair, far too lazy. I towel dry and go. I have increased my conditioning anyway and using argan oil but I think my hair has just changed. I was very ill about a year ago and I wonder if that had any impact on my hair health.

Expensive, you say? Oh man. :(

[Doggity]

I've been doing some research and reckon a perm would be a good experiment. Do I just go into a regular hairdresser and ask? Are the modern perms any different from the old fashioned, older lady ones?

Ta!

[Wenchelda]

No idea but watching with interest as I am considering one too. My hair is terrible - I can't do anything with it and even when I straighten it, it looks rubbish again within a couple of hours. I can remember at school a friend having a "permanent wave" done, rather than a curly perm... This is the idea I am drawn too but no clue if such a thing even exists now!

[Doggity]

I took the bull by the horns. Apparently, my usual salon do offer perms but I'm not convinced that they're experts. They're fine; nice and cheap but I felt I needed another opinion also. I used to go to a fancier salon (when I had more money) so have booked a consult with them too.

I shall report back after I've been to both and decided. :)