Acid Perm

What to Expect During Your Acid Perm

Your appointment at our Weymouth salon begins with a consultation where we assess your hair's condition, discuss your desired curl size, and confirm suitability. The process typically includes:

• Cleansing and sectioning your hair to remove any product buildup
• Wrapping hair around perm rods sized to your preferred curl pattern—smaller for tighter curls, larger for loose waves
• Applying the acid perm solution and monitoring processing time based on your hair texture
• Rinsing and neutralising to fix the new curl shape in place
• Styling to reveal your final texture, with the full service taking around 75-120 minutes depending on hair length and thickness

Who Is an Acid Perm Suited For?

Acid perms work beautifully for clients with coloured or chemically treated hair who want added movement without excessive stress on their strands. They're ideal if you're looking for:

• Soft, natural-looking waves rather than tight ringlets
• Added volume and body that reduces daily styling time
• A gentler alternative to alkaline perms for fragile or fine hair
• Lasting texture that works with your lifestyle and maintenance preferences

During your consultation, our stylists—including salon owner Nicki Cattel and director Hannah Tribe—will review your chemical history and ensure your hair is healthy enough for the service.

Aftercare and Maintaining Your Perm

To help your acid perm last 2-3 months with strong definition, follow these essential care steps:

• Avoid washing for 24-48 hours after your appointment to let curls fully set
• Use moisturising, sulphate-mild shampoos and conditioners designed for permed or curly hair
• Apply leave-in conditioners or curl creams to keep hair hydrated and reduce frizz
• Limit heat styling—air dry or use a diffuser on low to medium heat
• Avoid chlorinated pools or salt water, or protect hair with a swim cap and post-swim conditioning
• Book regular trims and deep conditioning treatments to maintain hair health

Styling Your Acid Perm

One of the benefits of an acid perm is its versatility. You can style your new texture in multiple ways depending on your mood:

• Scrunch with mousse or curl cream for defined, bouncy curls
• Diffuse on low heat for volume and soft waves
• Brush out gently for a tousled, relaxed look with natural movement
• Use minimal heat tools to preserve curl longevity and hair health

Your stylist will show you the best techniques for your specific curl pattern and lifestyle, ensuring you feel confident styling your perm at home in Weymouth and beyond.