QuoteReplyTopic: Body wave question Posted: August 29 2003 at 12:37am
Hi. This is my first post here. My first time here. This is probably a dumb question to most of you but my mom and her stylist have convinced me to have a body wave coz my hair is so thick and I cant style it much. But Im getting nervous now coz my sister said its the same as a perm. I tried looking up stuff on the net but cant find much about whats involved. Can someone tell me whats involved. Thanks Scott
Merlin
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Your sister is correct. The only difference in technique between a perm and a body wave is the method of placing and the size of the rods. Both can use the same perm solution. There are just three things that determine the outcome of a perm (or body wave): The size of the rod, the amount of hair wrapped around each rod, and the strength of the solution (which determines the amount of time the solution is left on the hair). Everything else is pretty much the same.
There are two main perm types:
ALKALINE WAVE: The preferred choice for resistant hair, resistant grey hair, hair with low elasticity, and hard to perm fine hair as well as normal, healthy hair.
ACID WAVE: These are milder than alkaline perms and work at a lower pH to reduce swelling of the hair during the perm process, thus reducing the chance of damage to fragile and color treated hair. A good choice for healthy hair with good elasticity, tinted hair, damaged hair, highlighted hair, or fragile hair.
Here is a site that discusses a bit more of the chemistry involved:
Thanks Merlin for putting me straight. My mom and her stylist kind of side stepped what was involved and I felt too dumb to ask. My hair is very straight and thick and I am growing it longer. I am growing out my bangs as well and they get in my eyes and my mom and her stylist said that this body wave would just let me brush it back more off my face and stay there without too much gel and stuff because usually the gel doesnt hold it. But they didnt say what was involved. When I asked my sister she laughed and said it was the same as a perm. And thats what you said too. So now I feel a bit scared. Im only 15 and Ive seen my sister have her hair permed before. Isnt your hair curled on little roller things. Is that the rods you said. I feel embarassed sitting there with my hair being curled like that. I dont know of any other guys who have their hair permed. And when my sisters hair was permed it was really curly, Will mine look like that. The stylist just said it wouldnt look much different to now but she could just blow dry it back. Is that true? I think my appointment is not this saturday but next saturday in the afternoon. Something like 2:00. How long does it all take. Maybe it can be put back so its less busy. It seemed to take like 2 or 3 hours for my sister but her hair is shoulder length when she had it done. Mines shorter than that so would it be quicker. Thanks Scott
One final question. You said My biggest recommendation is before you get a perm, get a thorough analysis of your hair to determine which process is best for you. How do I do that Thanks Scott
Body waves and perms don't wash out, they have to be cut out.
If your hair is thick to begin with, a body wave might come out quite bushy. My hair is thick (and very wavy) and I once had a body wave, it came out too bushy, not to mention too curly (because I am wavy naturally).
My boyfriend has thick very straight hair, and it always looks gorgeous. He uses gel, and has a great stylist. With the right cut, your hair should look great too. You may not need chemicals to improve the look of your hair.
various stylists have told me that my hair is thick and coarse and takes a curl well, and they also told me that a body wave wasn't what i was looking for because i wanted something to just blowdry and go. a body wave would just get loose too quick with that styling, unless i was interested in irons and rollers i needed a perm. so i always got permed when that was more the style for guys. it did help out with blowdrying into style, as well as provide versatility of wash and go style. like merlin explained the main difference was the amount of hair rolled, and what size rods (rollers) used. had different looks a lot, usually on a whim. there is no need to be nervous, but like i said perms for guys is not as in style as it was a while back. but getting the process is no big deal now, so many of us did this before that most beauty shop patrons are used to the sight and won't pay much attention to you. mainly just ask what is required for style that you want to end up with.
Merlin
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Elissa is correct. A perm will relax over time but that usually takes 4 to 6 months (depending on how often you shampoo). There is a reason it is called a "permanent." There is also the possibility of damage due to the chemicals. I have seen MANY fried heads because of a perm. However, if the stylist is an experienced professional, and with new advances in perm solutions, this possibility is greatly reduced.
My comment about a hair analysis means that the stylist should closely examine your hair and its condition to determine the best perm.
From your description, I tend to agree with Elissa and recommend you try a cut first. The proper cut can go a long way to making your hair look great. You can always try a perm later if you want.
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