Let me just start out by saying... perms are a thing of the past. I understand that at one time they were a necessary want and need. But over the years styling tools and services have gotten so good that perms are really becoming a thing of the past.
Are perms my favorite service to do, of course not. They are tedious, messy, and the smell alone is enough to put you off. But have I done my fair share, of course. I used to get them myself back in middle school before I learned that I had enough natural curl in my hair that I didn't need one. And that's the truth... you can literally train your hair to be more or less curly with out the use of harmful chemicals.
With all the ways the beauty industry has found over the years to make products safer and less harmful to the hair... perms have pretty much stayed the same. Why do you think you can't get a perm and your hair colored in the same day? You run the risk of your hair actually breaking off. And for those of you that have gotten perms... does your hair feel soft and healthy after a perm? Didn't think so.
I understand especially for some that are old school that perms will always be a necessity to them but to everyone else... learn, evolve, and keep your hair in good condition by not getting perms. There are tutorials online with styling tips, you can even watch things on youtube. Your stylist should offer you styling lessons... ask your stylist to let you bring in your own tools so they can see what you use at home. Have them show you the correct way to use them as incorrect use is usually one of the problems with re-creating your own style at home. And ask for suggestions on what products/tools to use. If your stylist is not willing to take the time to do this with you then move on. What's the point of only having that "salon" look the day you leave the salon and then never being able to do it on your own?
