How many times have you wondered what it would be like to be carefree and have low maintenance hair? You comb the pages of the latest black hair care magazines for African American hairstyles and see others going the curly perm route. If you are stressed out and prefer to focus on living life to the fullest rather than being at your salon every week, the curly perm may be the option for you.

If you decide to go for a curly perm, you should be prepared for the following:

Hair condition: The act of putting chemicals in your hair to achieve the long-lasting curls of a curly perm involves the use of chemicals that some black hair experts say are harsh on hair (but not as harsh as chemical straighteners). Let’s face it, you are dealing with harsh chemicals either way, and if you don’t have someone who is experienced in putting down these chemicals, you are headed for disaster.

Maintenance: Hair that has a curly perm (i.e. Wave Nouveau) is great because it requires little maintenance. When you get the perm and the chemical is applied, the hair shaft is broken (straightened) and curled back into rods. The new curl pattern that is established is so strong that your hair remembers this pattern for 2-3 months, which means you don’t have to curl your hair. You then purchase the moisturizing products, apply them twice a day, and are free to go about your business. As for washing, I wash my curly perm once a week with a good color-retaining moisturizing shampoo. With a curly perm, there is no need to sit around twisting or braiding your hair every night, as the perm makes the hair remember its curl pattern.

Products and procedures: Applying the products is quite simple. All you have to do is apply the moisturizers twice a day and you are good to go. Don’t comb your hair too much or this will pull your hair out.

Availability: Finding someone to place your New Wave can be a challenge, but there are reputable salons that offer this permanent.

cost: The permanent itself ranges from $ 90 to $ 120; however, the daily maintenance products for the Wave Nouveau permanent are very reasonable. If you go to Sally’s beauty supply store, you should be able to stock up on everything you need to maintain your perm, from moisturizing lotion to moisturizers and daily sprays.

convenience: If you are in a high humidity situation, caught in the rain or going for a swim, all you have to do is apply additional doses of the moisturizer, and the slight frizz you have will turn into the soft, lush curls that I had. before. You will also spend less time in the classroom and more time with family and friends.

Whichever way you choose, be sure to consider all the pros and cons. Like I said before, I proudly wear a low maintenance curly perm that works perfectly for me as I am at a busy time in my life. Perhaps when my children grow up and move out of the house, I will go natural as I will have more time on my hands to keep my long hair chemical free.