Guide · 4 min read
The hippie perm: small, soft, messy curls
The short answer
A hippie permUP is lots of small curls, all over, worn messy and full. It’s done on smaller rods than a wave, and it needs hair that’s healthy enough to take a tighter curl.
Want this done properly?
In my chair it's called WavementUP.
Curl built for your hair, 6+ months. Cold £299.95–£499.95 · Hot £389.95–£659.95, by length.
See WavementUP →What it looks like
Small, springy curls from near the root to the ends, deliberately a little undone. Lots of volume, very little effort once it’s in.
How it’s done
The hair is wound on small rods, sometimes in a brick pattern so there are no gaps or lines. It can be done as a cold permUP or a heat perm; the finish is a little different, softer with heat.
Who it suits
Hair of medium thickness or more, with no heavy bleach. Fine hair can do it, but the curls look sparser. Very damaged hair shouldn’t.
The honest bit
Small curls are the hardest permUP to live with while they settle. The first week they’re tight; give them a few washes. And because the curl is small, it shows the grow-out sooner than a loose wave does.
Aftercare
Moisture, moisture, moisture. Small curls dry out faster, so condition every wash and use a leave-in.
Keep reading
All Hair Guides →Want this done properly?
In my chair it's called WavementUP.
Curl built for your hair, 6+ months. Cold £299.95–£499.95 · Hot £389.95–£659.95, by length.
See WavementUP →Are you a pro? The full technique is on tecSture. tecsture.com →