Remember in the ‘80s the popular trend of getting a spiral perm? It seemed like everyone was getting a perm in those days. Where did the perm or permanent waving get its start? In 1905 Charles Nessler invented a wired machine to curl hair permanently. The way his invention worked was after the hair was wound onto the rods that were wired to an electric current. The heat generated from the electric current helped in forming a permanent curl. There were other variations of this idea throughout the years. In 1941 the modern-day perm was created. It was called the cold wave. Instead of heat to set the hair chemicals were used.
Most chemical perm solutions breaks the chemical bonds that hold the hair’s protein molecules together. Once the inherent bond and cellular consistency of a hair shaft has been chemically torn apart, we can then mold and reshape the hair by means of rod and rollers. There are three types of perm spiral, alkaline, and acid-balance perms.
The spiral perm deals with how the hair is wound onto the rod. The hair is wound on the rod in a corkscrew fashion. Then the wavy lotion is applied, which is either an alkaline solution or and acid-balance solution. After the hair is set the Neutralizer solution is applied. The Neutralizer solution is very important because it permanently establishes the new curl shape.
The Alkaline perms have a higher pH, which usually falls in the 8.2 to 9.6 range. Alkaline perms process the hair faster and are good when perming resistant hair. The acid–balance perms have a lower pH with the range of 4.5 to 6.5. The perm penetrates the hair more slowly. It is not as harsh on the hair, but this perm needs heat, like that from a hooded dryer, to activate it. The result is a softer curl pattern and a gentler treatment for delicate hair types. Acid–balance perms are great for supporting a hair style whereas the alkaline perms have a stronger curl pattern that can be the hair style.
For further information, please call Adamo Lentini at 888-982-3266. You may also visit him at Adamo Lentini Hair Studio at Quixotic, 25269 N. The Old Road, Unit K, Stevenson Ranch or www.adamolentini.com .
