I did my own home perm-- and I LOVE it.

PREFACE: I am NOT a professional hairdresser. I have experimented a lot with my hair over the years, and I want to share what I've learned as a DIY self-stylist. 

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I have had stick straight hair all my life. It doesn't hold a curl unless burned into submission, and lays in sleek locks over my shoulders, even air dried. A few years ago, I tried bravely to experiment with the rainbow hair trend, but my dark hair needed so much work to lighten enough, that I ended up abandoning that and going back to my natural dark auburn.

Recently, however, I wanted a change. I cut bangs, I got layers, I tried some temporary hair tints, but nothing felt like enough of a departure from the hair I had had for a while. I grew my hair out from a pixie, so once it was past my shoulders, I got bored.

I've always been envious of curly haired gals, but professional perms were outside of my budget. It was a nail biter of a choice, but I decided to do some research and look into doing a home perm.

I bought the following at Sally Beauty Supply:

• Exothermic Perm
• 2 packs of 5/8" perm rods 
• 2 packs of 9/16" perm rods (in all honesty, I only bought one, then sent my husband out at the last minute to get one more pack, and I'm glad I did)
• Perm end paper
• Shower caps (disposable, could also use these processing caps)
• Gloves

After putting Everly down for a nap, I washed my hair really well with my normal shampoo. I did not use conditioner. Then began the long and arduous process of rolling up all of my hair. Not gonna lie, that was the worst part. I made a few errors in sectioning, and I think next time I'm going to use more of the smaller rods. Your hair needs to be wet and stay wet throughout the entire process, so keep a spray bottle handy. 

I'm not going to go into the specifics, just because every perm kit is a little different. Just follow the instructions in the box and you'll be fine.

after processing with neutralizer

immediately after unrolling and rinsing

air dried that evening

next day hair

4 days after

1 week after with extra styling

I will admit, I wasn't perfectly happy with every strand, but I have to remind myself that I always had to do some basic styling on my straight hair too. I bought a cheap small curling iron to work with the straighter or flattened out pieces, and I'm thrilled with how that looks. (found here) I only have to curl 4-5 small sections of hair to feel like it is all really curly.

I now feel like my hair fits my personal style so well, and I love starting my day with a joyous halo of dark curls. (Also-- curly bangs? Game changer!!)

I would say to comment with any questions, but I really just winged it. My best advice is to do your research and be comfortable with the idea that all of your hair could be fried before you get started. Other than that, good luck!