There are few things in life that can make you feel infallible. A feel-good power track that gets you through your morning commute. Certain coincidences that make you feel like luck’s on your side—like when the traffic lights or lifts arrive exactly when you need them to. Then there is the unrivalled satisfaction that comes from a salon visit; specifically one that grants you the transformation of your dreams. We’re talking silky new waves, permed to perfection. It’s the grand effort after four and a half hours—arduous ones, we might add—where chemicals are applied to break down your hair bonds to achieve a variety of perm effects.
Be it digital perms that lend more natural texture to your mane, root perms that are dedicated to creating more volume à la Ariana Greenblatt, or springy, spiral curls that scream maximum impact (see: Sabrina Carpenter’s recent hairdo), the list of potential perm treatments to give your hair that much-desired lustre runs the gamut. Naturally, the next question would be this: how do you maintain it?
After all those salon-spent hours, the idea is to have your new volumised hair look that good for weeks after—if not months. Sure, the help of some heat styling tools will aid you in the business, but your fresh tresses require an equally fresh arsenal of products as well, in order to upkeep its state. Not to fret of course, here’s exactly where your beauty fiends at Vogue Singapore come in. Below, spy a judicious list of products to maintain your perms; think curl creams to hold your curl patterns; sulphate-free shampoos that help retain your natural oils; and heat protectants to use when styling your hair.
Best sulphate-free shampoos
We want to use sulphate-free products that are altogether less harsh for your chemically-treated tresses. These bad boys will lather up well to remove dirt and oil from the scalp—and won’t irritate your skin.
Best curl creams
To maintain your curl shape, a reliable curl cream will moisturise and add definition to your curls. Apply to wet hair after conditioning and distribute the cream by scrunching tresses instead of running your fingers through them.
Best hydrating hair masks
Any chemically-treated mane is subject to frizz, dryness and damage. Conditioning is key—and you can opt for a deeply conditioning hair mask to re-introduce moisture and nourish your tresses again.
Best heat protectants
Generally, the rule of thumb would be to minimise heat styling as much as possible. But on date nights or event days, it’s inevitable. Before using any heat products (use a diffuser and opt for low heat if you’re heat drying), look to heat protectants or styling primers to protect your permed hair.
