Always wanted those lush out-of-bed curls? So do we! Resident beauty junkie, Mallie Maran (me), gets a perm recently and here’s his easy guide to maintaining the perfect curls with minimum effort.
In this edition of LSA Beauty Call, I’ve decided to hop on the makeover bandwagon by getting a perm. You may be thinking why a perm? Well, long gone are the days of the stringy frizzy perms of yesteryear – we’re ushering in a new era of effortlessly chic waves.
On my recent trip to Japan, I couldn’t help but notice the men rocking laid-back waves, epitomising that coveted effortless hair aesthetic. Meanwhile, I’m grappling with the daily struggle of coaxing texture into my hair every morning. Which is why I’ve decided to bite the bullet and get myself a perm. After all, I’ve done so many makeovers on other people, it’s only fair that I have it done to myself too!
Achieving the perm at Portfolio Hair Studio
Let’s dive into the process. Walking into a new salon can be a nerve-wracking experience; after all, your hair can truly make or break your look. When it comes to changing up your style, the stakes are high, and the stress levels are even higher. With glowing recommendations, I chose Portfolio Hair Studio for my ‘transformation’. The guys at Portfolio are all maestros in the industry with decades of experience in the industry — that puts me at ease, almost instantly.
Settling into the chair for my consultation, the Creative Director William Wong and Artistic Stylist Junn Ng wasted no time — got right into the details of my hair. From its current condition to its colourful history, every aspect was meticulously assessed. And let me tell you, when it comes to perms, understanding your hair’s background is paramount – especially if you’ve recently subjected it to high-level bleaching.
Tip: If you’re going through a consultation for your perm, make sure to bring photos of how you want your hair to look and more importantly, how you don’t want it to look. The visual aid ensures your stylist a clear picture of your desired outcome.
The entire process was swift, taking only two hours. Post-perm, William expertly shaped my hair to complement the new texture. Remember, a post-perm haircut is essential to frame your face correctly.
Tip: Plan your perm according to your schedule as you will not be able to do any sweating lest you want an oily scalp for 72 hours.
The Results
Transitioning from pin-straight hair to effortlessly tousled waves has been a game-changer. No longer do I wake up dreading the daily rumble with my hair. Instead, I’m greeted with an easy-breezy roll out of bed routine that’s nothing short of delightful.
Thanks to the perm, my hair boasts newfound texture and body, making those days where I opt for a no-product look a breeze. Gone are the days of feeling compelled to load up on products just to avoid a flat hair nightmare. It’s safe to say, I’m absolutely loving it!
The New Routine
You finally passed the 48 hours, and now it’s all about the maintenance – honey, those waves won’t take care of itself! You can now wake up to that ‘I woke up like this’ allure without having to dread that extra ten minutes of styling your hair.
When it comes to shampoo, opt for moisturising products to enhance your curls while keeping them intact. Avoid overly lush formulas that could weigh down your curls. Our top pick? The Davines Love Curl Shampoo with its moisturising formula that effortlessly washes away grime without disrupting the waves.
Next, you need to pay attention to combating frizz and locking in moisture. Enter Davines Love Curl Conditioner, that not only enhances your curls but also seals in moisture to keep those waves looking beach-ready. And for days when your hair craves extra care, reach for the Davines Love Curl Hair Mask – our go-to for detangling and deep hydration.
The Wash
The Styling Routine
I regularly walk out of the house sans hair-styling products now – it’s liberating to say the least. But, when I need to elevate my look for a special event, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
For a glossy finish, reach for Label.M Weightless Soufflé. Perfect for creating loose, natural-looking textures with a light hold, the soufflé is formulated with Cupuaçu seed butter to keep your hair hydrated.
If you prefer a more tousled look, Davines More Inside This Is A Texturizing Serum is highly recommended, especially on days when air-drying isn’t an option. This hair elixir works wonders, adding body and texture without the dreaded crunch or stiffness.
And for those hectic mornings when your hair needs a quick fix, reach for Davines More Inside This Is A Dry Wax Finishing Spray. The lightweight spray delivers the effect of hair wax without the heaviness, adding texture and dimension with flexible hold. Just spritz it on, scrunch, and voila – messy textured hair in seconds. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver.