Perm for Asian Hair

Asian woman with curly permed hair
Photo: Tiplyashina Evgeniya/Shutterstock
Q: I am Asian and considering getting a perm. I have heard mixed messages about whether perms work well with Asian hair. What do you think or recommend?
 
A: If you want to get a perm, you should feel completely confident in pursuing that choice. The decision to perm your hair should be based entirely on your personal style preferences and the condition of your hair, not on any misconceptions about hair types.
 
Throughout my professional experience, I have successfully permed Asian hair without encountering any unique challenges that don't exist with other hair types. The idea that Asian hair somehow responds differently to perming chemicals is largely a myth.
 
It's important to understand that potential problems with perms can occur with any hair type, regardless of ethnic background. These issues stem from individual hair characteristics rather than broad generalizations about ethnicity. Some people naturally have hair that is more resistant to perming, while others may have hair with lower elasticity that requires special consideration during the perming process. These traits are found across all populations and aren't specific to any particular ethnic group.
 
Asian hair does tend to have certain structural characteristics that are worth noting. It's often naturally straighter and can be coarser in texture compared to other hair types. The hair shaft tends to be rounder in cross-section, which can make it appear shinier and sometimes more resistant to holding curl. However, these characteristics don't prevent successful perming when the process is handled correctly.
 
Asian hair makeover from long and sleek to short and curly
Image: AI illustration
The key to a successful perm lies almost entirely in the expertise of the stylist. I would estimate that about ninety percent of the success or failure of any perm depends on the skill, knowledge, and experience of the person doing the work. This is why choosing the right salon and stylist is absolutely crucial to achieving the results you want. An experienced stylist will examine your hair's texture, porosity, elasticity, and overall condition to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
 
Before applying any perm solution to your entire head, a good stylist should always perform test curls on small sections of your hair. This preliminary step is essential for determining the correct processing time and ensuring that your hair will respond well to the chemicals. The test curl process allows the stylist to see exactly how your hair reacts and to make any necessary adjustments to the technique or timing.
 
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See also:
 
Asian hairstyles
 
What is a digital perm?