If the hair has been permanently bleached or colored, as a rule, it is more porous. Consequently, it will take in perm lotion much quicker. That is why you should choose the appropriate lotion strength particularly for this type of hair. There is hair type that is unevenly porous and, thus, in order to even out the porosity, it will need a pre-perm lotion applied to uneven parts. Remember, pre-perm lotions are not supposed to be rinsed out before perming. They are used on hair tied with a towel and left on. As a matter of fact, pre-perm lotions usually have liquid form. There are four main functions of them:

• Pre-perm lotions keep the hair moist, so there is not need to spray the hair with water.
• They even out the porosity of the hair and make perm lotions penetrate different hair parts evenly at the same rate.
• Some pre-perm lotions protect the scalp from irritation due to certain agents that they contain.
• These lotions maintain the natural moisture level of hair during the whole perming process.

You can als0 make use of perm regulators that usually come in the form of a thick gel. They are developed to be applied if you arrange all kinds of wind where some parts of hair don’t need perming. They are also used on hair that may need pre-perming at the root area only, because there are already waves and curls in the mid-lengths and on the ends of hair. The зукзщыу of these products is to reduce the amount of lotion that penetrates the cortex of the hair in order to prevent breaking any bonds within.

Before you start any perming, make a careful analysis of the scalp and hair. Depending on the type of hair that one has, there are different types of perm lotions to choose from. They have various formulations and, consequently, strength. So, take into consideration the following tips to determine your choice.

The general rule here is this: resistant hair needs a stronger perm lotion, while more porous hair needs a weaker one.

• If the hair has been processed with bleach and highlights, use the bleached type of perm lotion.
• If the hair has been processed with permanent tints, there is a special tinted perm lotion.
• If the hair is in a very dry and porous condition, you should pick up the over-porous lotion type.
• In case of fine hair with the non-porous texture or coarse hair, make use of the resistant lotion type.
• Normal perming lotion is used for natural hair that has not been treated with chemicals.

Whatever lotion type is going to be applied always stick to the manufacturer’s instructions on its use and suitability.

Perms are defined as permanent waves, curls or straight hair that are achieved due to chemical or thermal treatment of hair (perming). It’s true that today people expect more from perming than than just waves or curls. They want texture, more volume, lift, and body of their hair. In other words we are speaking about general and all-inclusive enhancing of hairstyle.

Apart from practical skills, a nice perm depends also on hairdressers ability to make the right decisions about hair before perming and during the process. Therefore, it is essential to accomplish diagnostic tests before you start. It will help to choose and use proper treatments, tools, equipment and techniques. Moreover, it also minimizes occurrence of unpredictable effects, conditions and problems.

Before perming you should also make a careful scalp and hair analysis, because it is necessary to be sure that there are no contra-indications such as infectious and non-infectious disorders or conditions of scalp and hair: scalp abrasions, cuts, psoriasis, hair loss, headlice, etc. Also hair should be strong and healthy enough to carry out perming.

In the majority of cases hair will need cutting. It is important because in order to make new perms you should either to re-style your hair or to remove any previous perms. Cutting can be done either before or even after perming, it’s a matter of your choice. If you use perming for more fanciful results such as increasing hair volume, it is recommended to curl the hair into style prior to winding, because this will allow you to determine precisely where lift, texture and movement are needed within the hairstyle.

The stylist should explain to the client what is needed to achieve the desirable result. In course of consultation the hairdresser should discuss the amount of time that the client will need to spend on the arrangement and upkeep of the new hairstyle. As a matter of fact, large and smooth curls and waves won’t last as long as traditional perms. Also discuss how the client can maintain the new hairstyle at home using common shampoos and hairstyling and hair care products, equipment and tools.