I am over 70 with very thin hair and have given myself perms for decades. Usually with 2-3 years in between. After some research, it was recommended I use an 'acid' based perm solution. I also experimented with Velcro curlers instead of perm rods. Big mistake. At least 1/3 of my hair broke off and more is still dropping. Was the problem a combination of Velcro rollers and acid perm?
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
You may have a problem with either. That is why it is important to try a strand test first. Deep condition your hair weekly and dont use any heat appliances on your hair.
Acid perms were all the rage for a while during the time I was in practice. They were processed with the heat of a dryer. The most popular of these had a urea acid base. Many a customer left the salon with their head smelling like urine. These perms were gentler than a regular cold wave (being best for damaged hair), and they produced less curl.
My customers went back to the regular cold wave. They said they disliked being overwhelmed with the scent of urine every time they stepped into a shower.
I don't think the fault was in the perm or the rollers. I will say this. I have no use for Velcro rollers when giving a perm, but if I did, I still would not use them on thin or fine hair.
I'm inclined to think your hair was over processed somewhat. This could easily happen what with acid perms requiring a longer processing time. This along with too much tension applied while wrapping the hair around the Velcro rollers was probably the cause of the breakage.
I see no advantage of 'acid' waves over regular cold waves, except under certain circumstances. If you were having success with regular cold waves, I suggest you go back to using them.
I know of no conditioner that will prevent further breakage. If they make your hair more manageable and look better, then by all means use them.
Treat your hair as gently as possible while the damaged portion is growing out. It is possible that applying vinegar to the hair after shampoos and leaving it in for 15 minutes before rinsing, may prevent some future breakage.
Thank you.
You don't say why you don't have use for Velcro rollers. I use them instead of hot rollers as much as possible. Recommendation? As for using them for my perm, there's mot enough hair to secure it.
Considering your hair type, I would think Velcro rollers might be the best for you when setting your own hair. They're likely to be easier to use. If I were setting your hair, I probably would use magnetic rollers. It's just a matter of choice.
Using them for a perm is a different matter. Here is why I choose not to use them for a perm, especially on fine and/or thin hair. Natural hair is said to be in a 'hard' state. Perm solution softens the hair during processing. It is re hardened into the new shape when the neutralizer is applied.
While the hair is in this soft state, it is somewhat delicate. While the neutralizer re hardens the hair, it doesn't do so 100%. Actually, it can take 24_36 hours for it to completely re harden into it's new shape.
During this period, it's best to handle hair, especially fine or thin, very gently. It's just too easy for hair to get tangled in the hooks of the Velcro. Also, you don't get that completely flat, satin ribbon effect on the ends of the hair (when wrapping for a perm), that you get when the hair ends are placed between wrapping papers and wound around a smooth rod. If people give successful perms with Velcro rollers, I can't argue with that.
As for the breakage, over processing and/or too much tension, either from wrapping or from too tight rubber bands (if regular rods are used). are almost always the cause of breakage.
Very thin hair can be a challenge, I know. I've had customers with hair so thin, I had to use perm wrapping papers when setting their hair. Otherwise, half of the rollers would fall out before they got to the dryer. And too, I had to use the tiny, single prong clips. The weight of the regular, double prong clips was just too much.
My hair is curly, but when it gets too long, it's time to smooth it a little. I'll run the hair dryer over it for a few seconds, then I'll quickly roll it all over with the biggest velcro rollers I could find. Then I'll use the hair dryer for just a second on each roller. When it cools down, my hair will be smooth, at least until I step into our Texas humidity.
After years of dealing with brush rollers (horrors!) cloth rag rollers, several different sets of hot and steam rollers, I love the ease of the velcros.
Your post has me concerned more for your health than for your perm question. I think that was covered quite thoroughly.
My concern is that hair issues like you describe can be caused by thyroid issues. Left unchecked this could be very serious. It could just be the whole perm issue, but I speak from experience when I tell you hair falling out and breakage is often a health issue and perm thing is just making the situation worse. If you haven't already done so, please talk to your primary care doctor. It is a simple blood test.
If you have an existing thyroid and are on medications, it is possible you need your dose adjusted. Also if you are on meds check to make sure where your meds are being made as I had issues when they changed my med from a US company to a foreign one. When I was moved back to my original brand, it resolved my issues.
Please post back with an update! Prayers for your health!
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
