permanent wave

hairdressing

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July 23, 2026

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A permanent wave, often called a perm, is a hairstyle created through both mechanical and chemical processes that result in long-lasting waves or curls in the hair. This technique involves wrapping the hair around rods and then applying chemical solutions to break down the hair's protein structure, allowing it to take the shape of the rod. After a period, a neutralizer is applied to reform the hair's bonds, setting the new wave pattern. The term "perm" can also be used as a verb, meaning to give hair a permanent wave. This method was first used in 1925.12

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cosmetic
Other cosmetics
Permanent-wave and hair-straightening preparations use a chemical, ammonium thioglycolate, to release hair from its natural set. Hair colorants use permanent or semipermanent dyes to add colour to dull or mousy-coloured hair, and hydrogen peroxide is used to bleach hair to a blond colour.
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Permanent-wave and hair-straightening preparations use a chemical, ammonium thioglycolate, to release hair from its natural set. Hair colorants use permanent or semipermanent dyes to add colour to dull or mousy-coloured hair, and hydrogen peroxide is used to bleach hair to a blond colour.
Read More

dress
The early 20th century
…century, and the later “perm,” or permanent wave, also became popular at this time. The new hairstyles were accompanied by the cloche hat, which closely covered the head.
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…century, and the later “perm,” or permanent wave, also became popular at this time. The new hairstyles were accompanied by the cloche hat, which closely covered the head.
Read More