Question: I’m looking for hair with more volume and soft waves. How do I get that?

Anymore those looking for more volume or body are pleasantly surprised by what the modern perm offers. You got it. The latest formulations make it easy to say this isn’t grandma’s perm any more. They are actually quite easy on your hair. Assuming you’re sold on the idea here’s a few good to know perming tips.

Better Hair Through Chemistry: New ammonia-free formulations are gentler on your hair.

Shielded From Heat: It’s critical you don’t subject permed locks to heat. Or at least no more than you have to. That’s because heat and the chemicals can react badly making damage to your hair likely.

Nightmare Perms: A perm can be fouled up for any number of reasons. Doing things like washing your hair too soon, leaving the solution in too long or not long enough, and perming color treated hair can all cause problems. First thing to try when smoothing out a frizzy perm is hydration and protein. Next trim the ends for relief. The most desperate measure is to lop of as much as you can take to give you hair a chance to grow out healthy.

Catch the Wave: Shirley Temple curls aren’t the only possible outcome. Think added body, more fullness, and great waves. What you end up with comes down to the tools and chemical potions used. For added fullness you want to see bigger rollers in your hair.

Little Known Perm Fact: How often you need to perm depends in part on how much length you’re dealing with. But typically those who perm do so perhaps three, maybe four times a year.

Don’t Try This At Home: If your tresses are distressed to begin with you should forget any thought of perming. You also don’t want to perm if your scalp isn’t in the pink either.

If Braving This At Home: Don’t ignore the shampoo that comes with your kit. It’s made with a neutralizing formula to help finish off the perming process and leave you with healthy hair.

What’s That Smell?: Yeah the most common complaint remains how your hair smells after that initial shampooing. Usually this problem goes away fairly quickly however.

The perm is back and better than ever using new and improved technology. Just take care if doing it yourself and maintain your hair with the right styling products afterward. If your hair is begging for a new look you may have found how to get it with a new perm.

Other similar hair care topics like this one about perms are covered at FullerHeadofHair.com. Whether it’s an in depth review of Aveda hair care products or something in the hair styles fine hair category, you’ll find articles sharing useful tips, advice and information that can help you with other hair problems too.