A perm is a chemical service that adds long-lasting curl, wave, or body to your hair — a look that holds through washing and everyday styling instead of relying on hot tools each morning. At Creative Hair & Spa, several of our stylists offer perms for a range of hair lengths and textures. Below, we cover what a perm involves, how to prepare, what to expect at your appointment, and how to care for permed hair afterward.
What Is a Perm?
A perm (short for "permanent wave") uses a chemical solution to reshape the hair's internal bonds around rods or curlers, creating curl or wave that stays in the hair as it grows out — unlike a curling iron or hot rollers, which only style hair temporarily until it's washed or gets damp. The size and placement of the rods determine the type of curl: smaller rods produce tighter, more defined curls, while larger rods create a looser wave or added volume and body without a strong ringlet pattern.
Customized to Your Hair
Every perm is customized to the client's hair and goals during a consultation. Some clients want a subtle, root-lifting perm that mostly adds volume and body without visible ringlets; others want a fuller, more defined curl throughout. Rod size, placement, and processing time are the main variables your stylist adjusts to get the result you're after.
The Perm Process
Perm appointments start with a consultation about your hair's current condition, since chemically treated, color-treated, or fine and fragile hair may need a gentler solution or extra care. Your stylist will section your hair, wind it around rods, and apply a perm solution that's left to process before being neutralized to set the new curl pattern. Because it's a chemical service, plan for a longer appointment than a standard haircut — your stylist can give you a more specific time estimate when you book.
Preparing for Your Perm
A few things help your perm go smoothly: come with unwashed, product-free hair (usually 24–48 hours since your last wash), avoid coloring your hair right before or immediately after a perm unless your stylist advises otherwise, and let your stylist know about any recent chemical treatments so they can choose the right strength solution for your hair.
Caring for Permed Hair
Most stylists recommend waiting a day or two before washing a fresh perm to let the curl pattern fully set, then switching to a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to help the curl hold and prevent dryness. Avoid brushing curls when dry — finger-comb or use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair instead — and ask your stylist about touch-up timing, since new growth at the root will eventually need a fresh perm to blend with the rest of your hair.
Meet Our Perm Stylists
Perms are available with several of our stylists:
Karen Duncan
Haircuts, balayage, and perms. Call Karen directly at (530) 574-5359.
Farideh Biashad
Haircuts, color, perms, facial waxing, eyebrow threading, and highlights. Call Farideh directly at (530) 219-5327.
Valerie Adkins
Haircuts, color, and perms. Call Valerie directly at (530) 219-4656.
Perm FAQ
How long does a perm last?
A perm won't wash out, but the curl pattern grows out along with your hair, so new, straight growth appears at the roots over time. Many clients get a touch-up perm every several months to keep the curl consistent from root to end; your stylist can recommend a timeline based on how fast your hair grows.
Will a perm damage my hair?
Any chemical service changes the internal structure of the hair, so healthy hair generally handles a perm better than hair that's already very color-treated, bleached, or damaged. During your consultation, your stylist will look at your hair's condition and let you know if it needs conditioning treatments first, or if a gentler perm solution is a better fit.
Can I color my hair before or after a perm?
It's generally best to space out chemical services. Talk with your stylist about your color history and perm goals so they can recommend the safest order and timing for your hair.
How do I take care of my hair between appointments?
Use sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, avoid over-brushing dry curls, and air-dry or use a diffuser instead of a flat iron, which can loosen the curl pattern over time.
Explore More Services
Perms are one of several texture and styling services at Creative Hair & Spa. If you're deciding between a perm and other options, browse our haircut services or our hair color services, or read more in our Davis hair salon FAQ. You can also browse our full services menu.