Permanent Hairstyles (Perms)

Permanent hairstyles, or "perms," involve chemical treatments that restructure hair to create lasting curls or waves by altering disulfide bonds in hair keratin. While perms provide durable cosmetic effects, they can compromise hair integrity, cause scalp irritation, and pose systemic health risks. Issues such as irritant contact dermatitis and acquired trichorrhexis nodosa have been reported. Proper client assessment, perm selection, safe application, and post-treatment care are essential to minimize harm. This chapter offers insights into the chemical principles, clinical complications, and practical recommendations for safe perm practices.