It seems like such a simple question, right? How long do perms last for guys? Like everything else in life, this is another one of those things that fall into it depending on the category.
A typical perm can last anywhere from four months up until a year or so if you really wanted it to.
However, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration in order to get an accurate answer.
For example, when you get a perm the chemicals in them work hard on altering the structure of your hair. This means that they have changed it forever and each time you wash your hair or let someone else use heat styling tools on it, you’re damaging it just a little bit more which shortens the life of your perm.
In reality, you probably need to get a new perm around every 4 months or so in order for it to remain bouncy and smooth which also depends on the brand of perm you get as well as how often you decide to have them done.
In addition, you need to remember that getting a perm is not exactly something that can be considered a “quick fix”.
It usually takes at least a couple of hours depending on the length of your hair and they usually use intense heat which can dry out your hair.
This means that you will probably end up spending more time, in the long run, going back again and again until they finally say no more perms for you which is why we recommend only getting one when absolutely necessary.
If you want to keep your perm for longer than 4 months, you’ll need to get it touched up every two or three months which can be both expensive and time-consuming.
Contents
Perms vs. Hair Straightener
One question that often gets brought up is if getting your hair straightened with a flat iron is the same thing as getting a perm. The answer may surprise you but there are many differences between the two.
For example, when you get a perm they use specific chemicals in order to alter your hair structure so that it stays curled until it naturally grows out again whereas when you get your hair straightened they are basically just smoothing out the outside layer of each strand of hair which means that at any given time you have the ability to curl your hair with a curling iron again if you really wanted to.
The other thing that needs to be considered is that getting your hair straightener can actually make it healthier whereas getting perms don’t always have the same effect.
Different Types of Perms for Guys
When it comes down to it, there are many different types of perms for guys but they all work in about the same way.
If you want to get a perm at home, you will need a specific perm solution and perhaps some sort of neutralizer as well depending on the brand you purchase which usually comes in two separate parts, one for applying and one for neutralizing.
When applied together according to the instructions given with them, they leave your hair stretched out and straight for a few hours or so before you are able to rinse it out again.
Afterward, the solution’s chemical structure is changed and your hair becomes somewhat wavy which means that it can be curled with heat styling tools if needed afterward.
While they all work basically in the same way, there are some differences between them as well.
For example, perm solutions will either have an alkaline pH or acid pH level whereas others may claim to use both types during different stages of their application process which allows them to last longer.
Others may come with additional ingredients such as protein fillers which help keep your hair stronger throughout the day after being applied but also makes it more important that you have someone who knows what they are doing apply them or do it yourself.
In any case, it’s important to remember that getting a perm is not an easy task and you probably shouldn’t be doing it too often without consulting a professional to make sure you don’t end up damaging your hair.
If you do decide to get a perm, try going for the cheaper options first as they usually work just as well as the more expensive ones if not better.
Once you have found one that works well with your hair type and keeps it healthy, then you can begin experimenting with using heat styling tools on them or purchasing another perm solution in order to use at home whenever needed.
What are some of the benefits of getting a perm?
As far as the good things that come from getting a perm, there are some aspects of it that can be very beneficial.
For example, many men who have long hair may find that it’s quite difficult to keep it styled and manageable throughout the day which is why we recommend trying out a perm on your hair first.
When you get a perm solution applied, your hair becomes stronger and straighter than before so that you can easily manage and style it whenever needed.
This means that if you’re one of those guys with long hair who always seems to end up looking like you just got out of bed after doing everything in their power to avoid this look then perms are definitely something worth considering for yourself or someone else.
What are the cons of getting a perm?
Now for the bad things surrounding getting a perm.
While perms can be very beneficial for those who want to straighten their hair whenever needed, it’s important to remember that they aren’t as simple as simply waiting for your hair to dry and styling it again.
At least not if you want it to stay looking nice throughout the day.
Once you have gotten a perm solution applied to your hair, there is only so much you can do until you will need another set through which then means that your options become far more limited than before which isn’t something most people want in the long run.
Now when we’re talking about what’s bad about getting a perm solution applied, we’re referring to everything that comes afterward.
First of all, you can no longer go into the sun or swim for at least twelve hours afterward which means that you either need to take a day off work if possible or schedule your next perm treatment around this time instead.
Even worse, it may be harder to manage your hair afterward as well due to its new shape which is why many women choose not to get perms done on their own hair.
Furthermore, you will also need to purchase another solution in order to apply it yourself whenever needed and test out different heats styling tools before using them again.
Without proper care, your hair could become dry and damaged due then meaning that you will need to buy other products for improving its health once again.
Conclusion
I hope this blog post has helped you to understand how perms work and whether or not they’re right for your hair.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out!