The Physical Phase Of Perming Includes

The Physical Phase of Perming: A Comprehensive Guide

Perming, the process of permanently altering hair's structure to create curls or waves, is a complex chemical and physical process. While the chemical reactions are crucial, the physical manipulations during the perming process are equally important for achieving the desired results. This article delves into the physical aspects of perming, exploring each stage in detail to provide a comprehensive understanding of this popular hair styling technique. Understanding these physical steps is vital for both stylists seeking to refine their technique and clients seeking to understand the process their hair undergoes.

Preparing the Hair: The Foundation of a Successful Perm

Before any chemical processes begin, the physical preparation of the hair is paramount. This crucial first stage directly influences the final outcome, ensuring even processing and preventing damage.

Sectioning and Subsectioning: Achieving Uniformity

The initial physical step involves meticulously sectioning the hair. This methodical division allows for even application of the perming lotion and ensures that each strand receives adequate processing. Failing to properly section the hair can lead to uneven curls, with some areas being overly processed while others remain straight. The size of the sections depends on the desired curl size and the hair's texture and density. Smaller sections generally produce tighter curls, while larger sections result in looser waves.

Further subsectioning within the larger sections is also crucial. This ensures that all hair strands within a section are uniformly saturated with the perming lotion. Proper subsectioning minimises the risk of missed sections and uneven curl formation.

Combing and Detangling: Removing Obstacles to Perming

Thorough combing and detangling are essential before applying the perming lotion. Tangles and knots prevent the even distribution of the chemical solution, resulting in inconsistent curl patterns and potential damage to the hair. Gentle detangling with a wide-tooth comb is recommended to minimise breakage. This stage requires patience and precision, as aggressive combing can cause damage, especially to already weakened or chemically treated hair.

Pre-Perm Treatment: Protecting and Preparing

Depending on the hair's condition, a pre-perm treatment may be applied. This isn’t strictly a physical manipulation, but it prepares the hair for the physical and chemical processes to come. Pre-perm treatments typically aim to protect the hair from damage caused by the chemicals, improving its elasticity and manageability. While the application is a chemical process, the subsequent physical manipulation, like combing it through for even distribution, is essential.

Wrapping the Hair: Shaping the Curls

This is the core physical phase of perming, where the desired curl pattern is established. The technique involves carefully wrapping the hair around perm rods, creating the foundational structure for the curls. The size and type of rod determine the final curl pattern.

Rod Selection: Determining Curl Size and Shape

The choice of perm rod is crucial in achieving the desired result. Various types of rods exist, including:

• Straight Rods: These produce uniform, consistent curls throughout the length of the hair.
• Conical Rods: These create curls that are tighter at the ends and gradually loosen towards the roots, resulting in a more natural-looking wave.
• Spiral Rods: These produce tight, springy curls, ideal for creating voluminous, textured styles.
• End Papers: These are thin pieces of paper placed at the ends of the hair to protect them from damage and ensure a smooth curl formation.

The diameter of the rod directly influences the size of the curl. Smaller diameter rods result in tighter, bouncier curls, while larger rods create looser, wavier styles.

Wrapping Techniques: Precision and Consistency

The wrapping technique itself requires skill and precision. Hair should be wrapped neatly and evenly around the rod to ensure consistent curl formation. Uneven wrapping can lead to uneven curls, with some sections being tighter or looser than others. Different wrapping patterns can also be employed, each producing unique curl effects.

Applying and Saturating with Perming Lotion: The Chemical Stage Interwoven with the Physical

While the application of the perming lotion is a chemical process, the physical manipulation involved in ensuring complete saturation is crucial. The lotion must thoroughly penetrate every strand of hair to break the disulfide bonds, which are responsible for the hair's natural structure.

Even Saturation: Ensuring Uniform Processing

The lotion should be evenly applied to each section of wrapped hair, ensuring complete saturation. This is achieved through careful and methodical application, often involving the use of a bottle with a narrow nozzle or a sponge applicator. Skipping this step leads to uneven processing and inconsistent results.

Timing and Checking: Monitoring the Chemical Reaction

The physical aspect here involves periodically checking the processing time. This often involves carefully unrolling a small section of hair to assess the level of curl formation and ensure that the chemical reaction has progressed sufficiently. Over-processing can cause damage, while under-processing can lead to weak, undefined curls.

Neutralization: Setting the New Hair Structure

The neutralization stage is equally critical. It involves applying a neutralizing solution to reform the disulfide bonds in their new, curled configuration. While chemically driven, the physical aspect lies in ensuring thorough saturation and proper timing.

Even Application: Ensuring Complete Neutralization

The neutralizer must be evenly applied to all sections of the hair. This step is crucial in setting the new curl pattern permanently. Uneven application can result in inconsistent curls or sections of hair reverting to their natural state.

Timing and Rinsing: Completing the Transformation

The physical process also involves carefully monitoring the neutralizing time. Over-neutralization can damage the hair, while under-neutralization can lead to weak and undefined curls. Once the neutralizing time is complete, the hair is thoroughly rinsed to remove any residual chemicals.

Removing the Rods: Unveiling the New Curls

This is the exciting culminating physical phase. Once the neutralization process is complete, the perm rods are carefully removed. This must be done gently to avoid damaging the newly formed curls.

Gentle Removal: Protecting the New Curl Structure

Removing the rods requires patience and gentleness. Pulling or tugging on the hair can cause breakage and damage to the newly formed curls. The rods should be carefully unrolled, allowing the curls to gently unfurl.

Styling and Finishing: Showcasing the Perm

After removing the rods, the hair is styled and finished to enhance the new curl pattern. This typically involves a final rinse, the application of a styling product, and gentle drying or diffusing. This stage completes the physical transformation, showcasing the final result of the perming process.

Conclusion: The Interplay of Chemical and Physical Processes

The physical phase of perming is intricately interwoven with the chemical processes. Each physical manipulation, from careful sectioning to gentle rod removal, directly impacts the success of the perming treatment. A thorough understanding of these physical steps is crucial for achieving the desired results and minimizing damage to the hair. By mastering these techniques, stylists can consistently deliver beautiful, long-lasting curls that satisfy their clients. For clients, understanding this process fosters informed decision-making and allows for better communication with their stylists regarding their hair's needs and expectations. The combination of meticulous physical preparation and precise chemical application ensures a successful perm, transforming hair texture and creating a beautiful, stylish result.