Let’s face it: We all want what we don’t have – especially when it comes to hair. Clients with curly hair wish they could make it straight. Clients with straight hair want curls or waves. We hear the requests all the time.
But while keratin treatments are a great option for transforming curls into straighter, smoother locks, perms are not a good solution for doing the opposite. We’ll tell you why there are much better alternatives to a perm, and how we can help you make the most of your natural beautiful hair.
The Dangers of a Perm
If you’ve ever had a perm before, you’ve experienced the recognizable smell of it as soon as you walk into a salon. That smell is caused by chemicals. According to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, exposure to those chemicals – including alcohol, ammonium thioglycolate, boric acid, bromates, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium peroxide – can cause:
- Eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation
- Skin and eye burns
- Nausea
- Central nervous system effects
One main reason we don’t offer perms at Vakkar is that we care about our stylists’ and clients’ health. Breathing in toxic chemicals on a day-to-day basis is simply not worth it when there are safer alternatives to a perm.
Perms are also bad for the health of your hair. The first perm you ever get might not be so bad, but any perm after that will result in breakage and can eventually lead to hair loss. And if your hair is color-treated, perms are extra damaging. Placing more chemicals on top of bleached hair will cause cuticle breakage, split ends, and frizzy hair – not to mention that it will lighten your color. It’s just not worth ruining your hair to get curls that last a few months.
How to Get Wavy Hair and Volume Naturally
At Vakkar, we are big advocates of working with what you have. If you were born with thin, straight hair, you’re not meant to have thick, lasting curls. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create a look you love. Here are some great ways to add volume and waves to your locks.
Get a Shorter Cut. If your long, straight hair feels limp and boring, talk to your stylist about a cut that can give it more shape. The shorter your hair, the more volume it will have. A stacked cut above the shoulders will add fullness, while shaggy layers will accentuate even the slightest waves. Just be sure to stay away from a blunt cut, as it can weigh hair down.
Use the Right Products. We can’t stress this enough. Many of our clients actually have some natural waves, but they don’t know what to do with them so they brush them out or blow dry their hair straight. By allowing your hair to air dry and using curl-enhancing mousse, texturizing gel, and frizz-defying spray, you’ll end up with a beautiful head of controlled chaos – which is exactly how natural wavy or curly hair is supposed to look.
Braid Your Hair. If your hair is long and straight, a heat-free way to get wavy hair is to braid it when it’s damp (not wet!) and sleep in it overnight. A tighter braid will deliver smaller waves, while a loose braid will result in bigger curls. A silk wrap will prevent your braid from frizzing while sleeping. In the morning, take out the braid and spray it with hairspray or scrunch it with mousse for waves that last all day.
Add Dimensional Color. Dull, straight hair doesn’t necessarily need curls to make it attractive. Dimensional hair color creates an optical illusion that is more voluminous and vibrant. We alternate contrasting dark and light lowlights or highlights throughout the hair, which adds desirable depth for both blondes and brunettes.
Ask for Extensions. If you want fullness and waves that last up to a year without damaging your hair, we offer Harper Ellis extensions. They can be customized to match your color and blend seamlessly into your hair for a beautiful, natural look.
You Don’t Need a Perm to Look Your Best. You Just Need the Right Stylist!
Getting curly hair with a bunch of chemicals isn’t necessary to look great. We can help you achieve a gorgeous look with your hair’s natural texture, whether that means teaching you about the best products, giving you a new cut, or coloring your hair. Schedule a consultation today. We can’t wait to make you feel beautiful.
