What Can You Expect at Your Perm Appointment?
The amount of time you spend in the salon chair depends on a number of things, but you can expect to be there at least a few hours. "It can be a long process depending on the texture of your hair, the style of perm you want, and the type of hair you have," says Depeyrot.
During the treatment, your stylist will apply either the hot or cold perm solution to break the bonds of your hair, followed by a neutraliser to "re-bond" it. Then they will use a specially selected-size rod to mold the curl shape. Just be forewarned: "The process can be smelly, the chemicals used in the perm can emit odours or in some cases burn the scalp," he says, which is all the more reason to book an appointment with a seasoned pro.
How Much Does a Perm Cost?
While "the cost depends on where you go to get it and the skill of the person administering it," says Depeyrot, you can expect a high-quality perm to cost up to £150 — if not more. As a good rule of thumb, salon prices tend to be (but are not always) higher in bigger cities, and if you're going to a highly skilled hairstylist, that often bumps up the cost, too.