Getting a perm isn’t a casual decision, it’s a long-term hairstyle commitment that can completely change the look and feel of your hair. From loose waves to defined curls, many in Singapore are opting for permanent texture to add volume, ease daily styling, or simply try something different. But before you jump into getting a perm hair in Singapore, it helps to get a clearer picture of what you’re signing up for. Here are the essential things to consider before you sit in that stylist’s chair.
1. Understand the Type of Perm You’re After
Perms aren’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Are you hoping for soft waves, tight spirals or a bit more lift near the roots? The style you’re aiming for will determine which method your stylist uses. Perm hair typically ranges from digital perms that give you a smooth wave to cold perms, which are more traditional and structured. Knowing what outcome you want will guide your choice and help your stylist make it happen.
2. Your Hair Type Matters More Than You Think
The texture, thickness, and condition of your hair will play a major role in how your perm turns out. Fine hair might need a gentler solution, while thicker strands can handle stronger chemicals. If your hair has already been bleached or coloured, be upfront with your stylist as this affects the chemical process. Those going for a root perm in Singapore should be especially mindful, as damaged roots could lead to uneven results or breakage if not treated carefully.
3. Maintenance Starts Before the Appointment
Prepping your hair in the days before the treatment can make a difference. Avoid excessive heat styling, deep condition your strands, and don’t arrive with a head full of product. Healthy, clean hair absorbs perm solutions more evenly and results in a more consistent curl or wave. If you’re unsure about your hair’s condition, consider booking a consultation ahead of time. Most salons offering perm hair in Singapore are happy to advise on the best steps.
4. The First 48 Hours Are Crucial
Once the perm is complete, resist the temptation to wash your hair immediately. Your stylist will remind you not to wet it for at least 48 hours, this allows the curls to set properly. Washing too soon could loosen the curl pattern or affect its longevity. If you’re going for a root perm, this becomes even more essential, as early disruption can lead to patchy results or flattened roots.
5. Not All Root Perms Are the Same
A root perm sounds straightforward, but even this treatment comes in different forms. Some are designed purely for volume, others for lifting flat roots in specific sections like the crown. Speak with your stylist about your current hairstyle and what your volume goals are. A skilled technician doing a root perm in Singapore will customise the approach based on how your hair naturally grows and falls.
6. You’ll Need New Products and Habits
That perm isn’t going to maintain itself. Swapping out your shampoo and conditioner for sulphate-free alternatives helps retain curl definition and keeps hair from drying out. Deep conditioning becomes your weekly ritual. And you’ll probably want to minimise brushing unless you’re using a wide-toothed comb. These are small adjustments, but over time, they protect the structure of your perm hair in Singapore’s humid climate.
7. Expect Regular Touch-Ups
Perms fade, and roots grow out. It’s the nature of the treatment. You may need touch-ups every 3 to 6 months, depending on how fast your hair grows and how defined you want the curls or waves to remain. Perm hair in Singapore, when exposed to humidity and regular washing, may also relax sooner than expected. Something to plan for when budgeting your time and money.
8. Heat Styling Could Undo Your Efforts
While it’s not strictly off-limits, frequent use of straighteners or curling irons can interfere with your perm. Over time, high heat breaks down the hair’s structure and may flatten the curls. Those with a root perm should be especially cautious, as excessive heat can lead to frizz at the crown while leaving the rest of the hair limp. If you must use heat, always apply a protective product beforehand.
9. Not Every Salon Experience is Equal
It pays to choose your salon wisely. While many offer permanent hair in Singapore, the results vary depending on your stylist’s experience and the quality of products used. If you’re unsure, ask to see previous results or read client feedback. A professional should explain the risks, benefits, and aftercare clearly, especially for treatments like a root perm, where precision really does matter.
Getting a perm can bring new life to your hair, but it’s not something to dive into blindly. Whether you’re considering a full perm or a root perm in Singapore, preparation, clear communication with your stylist, and realistic expectations all matter. Long-lasting results depend just as much on how you care for your hair after the salon visit as on the treatment itself.
Contact Ivan The Hair People to book your consultation and explore tailored solutions for perm hair or a root perm in Singapore.