| The biggest problem with home permed hair is | | | | the hair still rolled up. Blot dry, and apply the |
| frizzies and burnt ends. Let's prevent that. | | | | neutralizer. Make sure to put neutralizer on top |
| Whatever size perm rods you have tried in the | | | | and under each curl. Continue to follow the |
| past, get the next size bigger. Usually people take | | | | instructions that came with the perm. |
| one end paper and fold it in half for a "book | | | | Here are your biggies: after perming, rinse the hair |
| wrap." Instead, use two end papers for each curl. | | | | well, but DO NOT WASH for at least 24 hours. If |
| This is a "flat wrap." Lay one on the bottom of | | | | your hair seems frizzy, you can smooth on some |
| the strand, and one on the top. More paper | | | | cream conditioner. Get your hair cut AFTER the |
| makes it easier to roll the hair around the rod and | | | | perm. This will cut off all "fish hooks" and fried |
| insulates the ends somewhat from burning. If the | | | | ends. You saved so much money on your perm |
| papers in your home perm kit seem too small, | | | | that you can afford the best hair cut in town. |
| buy a box of jumbo wraps at a beauty supply. | | | | After 72 hours, give your hair a really great deep |
| Follow the instructions in the kit. If you use a | | | | conditioning. |
| professional perm from a beauty supply, do not | | | | Make notes. Write down the date of your perm, |
| wash your hair first, and wrap the perm with | | | | what brand you used, what size rods, how long |
| water instead of solution. After all the curls are | | | | you left on the processing solution and how long |
| wrapped, then apply solution. Turn off the fans | | | | you left on the neutralizer. Write down the results |
| and air conditioner during the perm so it will | | | | and what you would like better next time. When |
| process evenly. | | | | you are ready for your next perm, you will pull |
| A few minutes after applying the solution, take a | | | | out the notes and be ready. |
| "test curl." Unroll one curl and push it back toward | | | | With all the money that you saved on home hair |
| your head. If there is a weak or no "S" formation, | | | | care, you can afford some other pampering. Even |
| wrap it back up and wait a bit more. If there is a | | | | in tough economical times, you deserve to be |
| strong "S" formation then you have curl. It's time | | | | good to yourself. Look at past columns for ideas |
| to rinse, rinse, rinse and rinse again very well with | | | | for a Spa at Home and low cost beauty ideas. |