We are passionate about creating beautiful, healthy hair, and we specialise in hair colour transformations. Our expertise in colour is what sets us apart, and we take great care in ensuring that every client who walks through our doors receives the highest level of professional service. However, you may have noticed that there’s one service we don’t offer: perms.
Perming is an incredibly specialised service that requires a deep understanding of hair structure, chemical interactions, and advanced techniques. Although we pride ourselves on our technical expertise, we choose to leave perming to the experts who dedicate their careers to mastering this complex art. Here’s why we’ve made the decision not to offer perms at Fergal Doyle Hair, and what we can do instead to help you embrace your curls.
What is a Perm?
A perm (short for permanent wave) is a chemical process that alters the structure of the hair to create curls or waves. The process involves breaking the hair’s natural bonds and reforming them into a new shape using perming rods and a chemical solution. While traditional perms create tighter curls, modern variations such as digital perms and beach wave perms offer looser, more natural-looking results.
The perming process typically follows these steps:
Hair Preparation – The hair is washed and sometimes pre-treated with a protein solution to help protect the strands.
Wrapping the Hair – Small sections of hair are wrapped around perm rods, which determine the final curl shape and size.
Application of Perm Solution – A chemical solution is applied to break the disulfide bonds in the hair, allowing it to take on the new curled shape.
Processing Time – The hair is left to process for a specific period, depending on hair type and desired results.
Rinsing and Neutralising – The perm solution is rinsed out, and a neutraliser is applied to reform the bonds and set the new curl pattern.
Final Rinse and Styling – After a final rinse, the rods are removed, and the hair is styled to enhance the curl.
While the process itself sounds straightforward, there are many factors that can influence the outcome, and if something goes wrong, the results can be disastrous.
The Risks of Perming – Why We Don’t Offer It
Perming is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and for many hair types—especially those that have been chemically treated—perming can lead to serious damage. Here’s why we have chosen to exclude it from our service list:
1. Bleached Hair and Perming – A Recipe for Disaster
Many of our clients have lightened or bleached hair, and perming bleached hair is a huge no-go. Bleaching weakens the hair’s internal structure, stripping it of its natural proteins and moisture. When you introduce a perming solution on top of that, the hair is pushed beyond its limits, often resulting in severe breakage, frizz, and irreparable damage.
In extreme cases, over-processed hair can become what we call ‘mush hair’—when the strands turn soft, gummy, and stretch like elastic before snapping off entirely. No amount of deep conditioning can fully restore hair that has been chemically compromised to this extent.
2. The Complexity of Perming – A Specialist Skill
While we are technical experts in hair colour, perming is an entirely different discipline that requires years of experience and a keen understanding of how different hair types react to chemical treatments. Just as not every hairdresser is a balayage expert, not every stylist is a perming expert.
The art of perming demands precise sectioning, perfect rod placement, and expert knowledge of processing times. A minor miscalculation in any of these areas can result in inconsistent curls, over-processed sections, or even an uneven curl pattern where some areas take well, and others do not.
3. Not All Hair Types Are Suitable for Perming
Even for clients with healthy, untreated hair, perming is not always the best option. Fine hair can become overly fragile, coarse hair may not take to the chemical process evenly, and previously coloured hair (even if not bleached) can react unpredictably to the perm solution.
Additionally, perming requires a strict aftercare routine, including special shampoos, deep conditioning treatments, and avoiding heat styling for several weeks post-perm. Many clients are unaware of the commitment required to maintain permed hair and end up frustrated with the upkeep.
4. We Want to Preserve Hair Integrity
At Fergal Doyle Hair, we believe in maintaining the health and integrity of our clients’ hair above all else. We are firm believers in the idea that healthy hair is beautiful hair, and adding a chemical service that carries a high risk of damage goes against our philosophy of haircare. Our focus is on creating stunning, wearable hair colour while ensuring that our clients’ hair remains strong, shiny, and manageable.
Alternative Solutions – Discover Your Natural Curls with Evie
Just because we don’t offer perms doesn’t mean we can’t help you achieve the curls of your dreams! If you’re looking to embrace waves or curls, our in-house curly hair specialist, Evie, can guide you through the process of discovering and enhancing your natural curl pattern.
Many people with wavy or curly hair don’t realise that their hair has the potential for gorgeous, defined curls when treated correctly. Evie specialises in curl-friendly cutting and styling techniques designed to bring out the best in your natural texture. She can help you find the right products, methods, and routines to enhance your curls without the need for harsh chemical treatments.
If you’re thinking about adding more movement to your hair, we encourage you to book a consultation with Evie to explore how your natural curls can be transformed with the right approach.
While perms can be a great option for some, they require a high level of expertise and a careful assessment of hair condition. At Fergal Doyle Hair, we prioritise the health of your hair above all else, which is why we have made the decision not to offer perming services.
However, if you want to explore curls, our curly hair specialist Evie is here to help you embrace and enhance your natural texture. Whether through a specialised haircut, personalised styling advice, or the right product recommendations, we can help you achieve beautiful curls—without the risks that come with perming.
Book a consultation with Evie today and let us help you fall in love with your natural curls!
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