Large Banana Curls Perm

Specialty perm using cans — Photo: Artsiom/Shutterstock

Q: I'm looking for information about a perm I saw on a TV fashion show a while back. I have very long, fine hair, and I was intrigued by what they demonstrated. The show featured a segment on perming long hair using plastic pieces that looked like oversized "jacks". You know, like the plastic jacks from the children's game where you bounce a ball and pick them up. These were much larger than regular jacks, made of plastic, and came in different bright colors.

I've been searching everywhere online for something similar but haven't had any luck finding these tools or even a reference to this technique. The final result looked amazing. It created these gorgeous, loose banana-style curls that had so much volume and movement. Have you ever heard of this method or anything similar? I'm really hoping to find an alternative to the typical spiral perm, which tends to be too tight and uniform for what I'm after.

A: While I haven't personally encountered the exact plastic jack-shaped tools you're describing, what you witnessed sounds like an example of creative perming techniques that innovative stylists are experimenting with. The concept of using unconventional tools to create unique curl patterns is becoming increasingly popular in the hair styling world, even if it's not always widely publicized or marketed.

Stylists have been getting remarkably creative with their perming tools lately. I've seen everything from large foam rollers and flexible rods to repurposed household items like empty orange juice cans, cardboard tubes, and even children's building blocks being used to achieve specific curl patterns and textures. The key is finding tools that are the right size and shape to create the desired curl diameter and pattern while being safe for use with chemical processing.

The banana curl look you're describing sounds like it would require larger-diameter tools to create those loose, voluminous waves. This type of curl pattern is often achieved using oversized rollers or unconventional cylindrical objects that can create that gentle, flowing curve characteristic of banana curls.

Your best approach would be to visit a few different salons in your area and speak directly with experienced stylists about what they call "specialty perms" or "creative perming techniques." When you talk with them, be specific about the texture and curl pattern you're hoping to achieve. You might even want to describe the tools you saw or bring photos if you can find any examples of the finished look online. Many talented stylists love a creative challenge.

Since you have fine hair, it's also worth discussing how the perming process might need to be adjusted to ensure your hair can handle the chemical treatment while still achieving the volume and texture you want. Fine hair often responds differently to perming chemicals and may require special consideration in terms of processing time and product strength.

You might also want to ask about newer perming techniques that have become popular recently, such as digital perms or air wave perms, which can sometimes create softer, more natural-looking curls than traditional methods. While these might not use the exact tools you saw, they could potentially give you a similar end result.

The exciting part about this whole process is that you could potentially help a creative stylist develop a new technique. Some of the best styling innovations come from clients bringing fresh ideas and stylists being willing to experiment.

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See also:

Perms and perming techniques

Is it possible to get a perm that looks like your hair has been put in heat rollers?