Non-smelling Perm

Products for a perm
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Q: I'm looking for a non-smelling perm for my mother. I remember finding one a few years ago, but can't seem to locate one now.
 
A: The thing that makes perms smell bad is the ammonia content, so generally speaking, if you find a perm that’s lower in ammonia you’ll find one that doesn’t smell as badly. Try looking for an acid perm or acid-balanced perm if you can’t find one specifically listed as being ammonia-free.
 
However, you should keep in mind that acid perms, and low-ammonia/ammonia-free perms are going to give you curls that are less “firm” than their alkaline counterparts. This makes these types of perms ideal for softer wave styles, but if you’re looking for a hard curl, or if the hair is particularly resistant to perming, you may need to go with something a little stronger.
 
My advice is to visit your local beauty supply store and tell them you’re looking for an acid-balanced perm or one that is ammonia-free. There are many, many brands of permanent wave formulas and most brands carry acid-balanced and ammonia-free varieties.
 
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See also:
 
Can you tell me how I can get a perm without the awful smell?
 
The difference between an acid perm and an alkaline perm
 
Hair deodorizer to take the bad smell of a perm away
 
Is an acid perm or an alkaline perm more likely to smell burnt after processing?