How to Tell If Someone Has Perm Easy Signs

How to Tell if Someone Has Perm

Have you ever seen a curly haired person and wondered, are you a natural or have you been permed? You’re not alone. Perms can look sickly natural with the current techniques and superior chemistry of hair. Nevertheless, there are certain nuances, to tell the difference, you need to know them. Is it just curiosity or do you want to know whether you should get a perm or not, this guide is a simplified version in simple and human terms.

What Is a Perm, Exactly?

A perm, also known as permanent wave, is a hair product that is used to modify the structure of your hair to become curly or wavy. It is accomplished in two steps, first to loosen the bonds within the hair with a solution, and then to rebuild them into curls with a neutralizer.

There are numerous reasons that people get perms. There are those who desire long lasting curls without the use of heat every day. There are those who desire volume or texture. And to some, it is simply having something new.

The look of the 1980s, tight and frizzy perms are a distant memory now. The solutions are gentler and larger rods are used to produce softer and more natural curls, used in today versions, such as the digital perm or body wave perm.

The Quick Answer How to Tell if a person has a Perm or not

• In case you desire the quick version, the first thing that stylists can see is:
• The curl pattern appears to be smooth and evenly applied throughout the root to the tip.
• The texture of the hair is slightly drier than that of natural curls.
• The straight line of regrowth of roots can be observed in several weeks.

Stated briefly, natural curls are unpredictable – there is no part that appears the same. Curled hair is rather too manicured. But to see it with a good deal of certainty, we must still penetrate.

Also Read: Does Cold Make Leg Hair Grow Faster Truth

Clues of Hair Texture that will tell you that you are sporting perm

The largest give away is texture. Two touches on permed hair, and it is a little stiffer or rougher. That is due to the fact that the chemical reaction breaks and re-forms inner bonds of the hair that may make it porous.

Natural curls on the contrary are springy and soft particularly when moisturized. They possess a combination of looser and stricter strands which are free moving.

There is also a difference in behavior of permed hair when wet. Natural curls tend to soften/stretch a bit when wet whereas permed curls are stiffer like memory foam.

Look Closely at the Roots

Roots are the secret code. Natural curls begin just at the head, and they are twisted and coiled in random ways.

Although, permed hair appears to have a small area of straight hair around the roots after a couple of weeks of growth. A sudden change of the curls is observed towards the bottom of the strand where the chemical solution began to act.

When you notice about half an inch straight, then the curls are coming as you probably have a growing out perm.

The Shine and Finish Test

Natural curls do not reflect light evenly which creates a soft multi-dimensional glow/dimension. Hair that is permed tends to be flatter and more matte. This is due to the fact that the chemicals make the cuticle layer rougher slightly so that it scatters the light rather than reflects it.

However, this isn’t foolproof. Other individuals apply oils or shine serums that conceal this dissimilarity. Nevertheless, when the shine appears uneven and shiny at the roots and dry on the ends, it can be chemically treated hair.

Also Read: What Does Purple Shampoo Do to Red Hair Truth

Touch Test – The Feel of a Perm

Touch says a lot. As you are running your fingers between natural curls, they are bouncy, moist and resilient. Using a perm, hair can become rough or a bit straw-like and on the tips.

This is because the sulfur bonds of the hair are modified. Although the stylist might have employed a soft formula, the structure is not the same after that. A professional is able to feel this immediately- he or she says it is less pliable hair.

Another little hint is that, when you pull one of the strands and it does not stretch in the same way natural hair stretches, then that is also an indirect indicator.

Smell Test -Real Smell When Chemical Left Behind

This is a funny thing to say, but it is true. New perms usually have a weak smell of chemicals, which lasts one or two weeks despite frequent washing. It is not powerful or disagreeable, it is merely a bit salonish.

That smell is because of the primary chemical employed in numerous perms ammonium thioglycolate. Traces are left in the hair shaft even after taking a significant amount of rinsing until the subsequent several washes.

Naturally you need not snort into the heads of people but when in close proximity you may get some scent of it.

How Styling Gives It Away

A perm can be revealed by the styling habits. Individuals who have natural curls tend to apply less heat or dry their hair. Perms wearers are more likely to use styling tools to hold curls or bring down frizz.

Permed curls tend to stay in their position too well even after they have been brushed or slept on. A natural curl is a style that loses its definition throughout the night and requires a re-do.

Another thing that you may find is that permed hair is more or less resistant to humidity than natural curls, depending on the formula. Natural curls tend to be fatter when they are moist and permed tend to be lumpy or frizzed at the ends.

Also Read: Is Hair Color Remover Bad for Hair Find Out Here

Compare Old Photos -The Secret Weapon

Photos never lie. Elderly photos, see whether you can. Were their heads suddenly turned straight to curly–and have they remained so all the months? That’s a strong hint of a perm.

Natural curls are also seasonal, humid or even stressful. But perms look consistent. Their curls appear to be the same in other weather conditions or lighting, it is probably chemicals that made them, rather than genes.

As a perm grows, you will find curls appearing lower down the hair shaft with time though the top being straight. That’s another dead giveaway.

The Comparison of a Perm and Curly Hair which is natural

A perm creates uniform curls. All the sections appear nearly equal in size and direction. Natural curls are wildly different, some curls are tight, others are loose.

Another difference? Movement. Natural curls will push and pull along with movement whereas permed curls will remain at the same spot as they have a more specific feel.

There is another story based on humidity. Natural curls puff out or frizz when it is rainy and permed curls remain stiff or develop frizzy ends.

What Hair Experts Say

Perm is nearly obvious to the hair professionals. They seek standard curl direction, dry ends and standard curls tightness.

Dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez (YouTube of Dr. Dray) postulates that chemical treatments such as perms do change the disulfide bonds in the hair which permanently alters the light reflections off the hair. This is the reason why stylists usually recommend deep-conditioning treatments to rejuvenate shine.

Hair experts, known as trichologists, declare that they can even identify under the magnifying glass. In permed hair, the cuticle layer becomes irregular unlike in natural hair.

Also Read: Why Hair Feels Waxy and How to Fix It Fast

Popular Hairdressing Myths of Permed Hair

Myth 1: It is impossible to wash your hair days after a perm.

False. Stylists do not encourage waiting several days but 24-48 hours. That will be time enough to have the curls set.

This is a myth that has been explained and proved wrong: Perms will not ruin your hair.

Myth2:New methods and approaches are far milder. Harm occurs primarily in case of weak hair or in case of excessively processed hair.

Myth 3: Hair can’t be naturally styled with a permed hair.

Wrong again. High numbers of users who have perms apply diffusers and curl creams to give a more natural appearance of waves. It is the trick of maintaining hydration of hair.

Caring (How to) Take Care of a Perm (Assuming You Have One)

When you have a perm or you are planning to have one, it is essential to take good care. Apply sulfate free shampoos, as the harsh cleansers are depriving of moisture. Find the ones that have soft ingredients such as aloe vera or glycerin.

A deep conditioner or hair mask should always be used once a week. This makes the curls tender and prevents breakages.

Do not use heavy oils immediately after your perm, it will drag you down. Rather, apply light spraying leave-in sprays or serums that would not flatten your curls, but provide moisture.

And most of all reduce heat styling. Curls are weakerened by the use of flat irons and curling wands.

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When to Ask Instead of Guess

In case of doubt, then you can always simply ask. Praise the individual as well, at the start, “Your curls are gorgeous! Are they naturally obtained or with a perm?

The majority of population is glad to share, provided that you are really interested or even considering owning one. Simply do not make assumptions–some folks feel about their hair trip.

It is better to glorify their style and not attempt to figure out a riddle in your mind.

Conclusions – Why It Is Relevant

It does not matter whether the curls are genetically inherited or the result of a chair at the salon, they should be valued. These two curls are time consuming, loving, and confidence consuming.

Being able to see a perm is not a judgmental thing, it is more so about knowing more about the hair texture. The more you read, the more you find it easy to make your own hair, care about it and appreciate the looks of other people without necessarily judging them.

Curls are curls, natural or permed, at the end of the day they are all beautiful.

Also Read: How to Dye Blonde Hair Black Without Green Tips

FAQ

1. What is the appropriate time of a perm?

The average time of most perms is three to six months. It is determined by the type of hair, aftercare and the rate at which your hair grows. The curls become loosened with time.

2. Is it possible that a perm can be considered totally natural?

Yes. Contemporary perms such as digital or body wave perms give soft and natural curls and they are not hard.

3. Which is better, a cold perm or digital perm?

Cold perms involve the use of traditional chemical solutions and rods. Digital perms are heat based and are commonly used in Asia to create big and soft natural looking waves.

4. Is it permanent that perms destroy hair?

Not necessarily. Damage occurs when hair is of a weak or overprocessed nature. Hair also remains healthy with the right type of care such as hydrating masks as well as avoiding heat.

5. What do I do to know whether my friend has natural waves or permed hair?

Search between uniform curls, straight roots or regular shape. Natural curls tend to be more random and tend to be less stiff.

6. Is it possible to color permed hair and not mess it up?

You can, but be cautious. Both dyeing and perming involve chemicals, therefore, do it a few weeks apart and apply deep treatments between them.

7. Why is it that certain perms appear to be frizzy and others appear to be soft?

It is determined by the health of hair prior to the perm, the chemical employed and the maintenance of this chemical after the perm. Hair becomes drier or dried, hence frizzes.

8. So how should permed hair be taken care of?

Wet using moisturizing conditioners, hydrating conditioners and use drying heat. Frizz is also minimized by regular trims and silk pillow cases.

9. Can men get perms too?

Absolutely. Gentlemen hair is in fashion, whether it is loose surfer hairstyles, or tight curls. The treatment regimen remains the same one – soft and hydrating.

10. Does there exist a way to reverse a perm?

Not entirely, but it is possible to loosen curls through deep conditioning, protein treatments, or heat to do it through occasional applications.

Do you want me to include citations (such as dermatologists, trichologists, or researches) and in-text mention and references at the bottom to satisfy the full requirements of Google E-E-A-T criteria concerning blogging? I will be able to use 4-5 reliable sources.