Talk to me about perms...

[InMemoryOfSleep]

Inspired by another thread where the OP had a perm and looked bloody amazing, I'm seriously considering getting one (after years of wanting one but being too chicken). However I am terrified it will go horribly wrong; does anyone have any experience (maybe more recently than the 80's) of getting a perm, and if so -
Where did you get it done? Is it one size fits all, or are there different types of perm?
Does it knacker your hair?
How long does it last?
Aftercare - how do you manage it? Can you wash and go, or does it need serious styling?
My hair is long and thick, and a bit wavy/curly and a bit straight, and also a bit wild since having DS - would it take a perm?

I had one about 3 months ago, I have long dark very thick hair and I love it. It has not dried my hair out at all. It's still very curly and still looks good. I don't wash it every day, I was it every other day and all I do is clip it or tie it up and I'm good to go, no blow drying, no styling, no nothing!!! It's ace!!!

wash it not was it!

Ohhhh it's so tempting! That's exactly what I'm hoping for, and my hair is similar to yours I think. I just feel like my luck would mean I'd end up looking like I'd stuck my finger in a socket...