Q: I have medium length rather thick hair. I generally roll my hair with hot rollers to achieve a 1950's style: tighter curls at the bottom. What perm would be best to keep this look? I'm tired of my
hair falling in the slightest humidity.
A: Your best option in this situation is to use a perm wrap that mimics your roller set. In other words, use larger tools in the top sections and smaller tools at the bottom. The perm alone won’t create the look
you’re aiming for, but will provide a structural foundation that will help your hot roller style last longer.
Of course, you also want to consider the methods by which you prepare your hair for styling. In order to protect your style from humidity, you need to seal the hair in some
fashion. This can be done by simply using a humidity-resistant hairspray before rolling the hair. Carefully mist the hair segment by segment, allow the spray to dry fully and brush or comb through the hair to
prevent any stiffness or gumminess. The hairspray not only helps the style hold longer, but seals the cuticle layer of the hair and prevents moisture from getting into the hair shaft as easily. Thus, the hairstyle
is more humidity-resistant.
You can also use a silicone-based styling product prior to drying the hair (and well before roller-setting) to much the same result. Silicone-based products seal the cuticle layer
preventing moisture penetration and keeping the hair looking smooth and shiny.
My advice is to try the extra hair-product steps before going with a perm. You may find that the results of using a little extra hair product are just what you wanted, and it would
allow you to avoid an unnecessary chemical service.
