Many people think that perms and relaxers are the same thing, but believe it or not they are two totally different hair treatments. Both hair relaxer and perm are trending these days. Almost every hair salon is offering hair perming and relaxing services, and people are embracing these hair treatments as well.  But before you opt for any of these hair services, you should understand the difference between perms and relaxers, so that you can choose the right services for yourself.

What you should know about perms and relaxers

In terms of implementation, relaxers and perms are very much similar. Both the treatments lift up the outermost layer of the hair strand and break the hair bonds deeper that changes the natural texture of hair.

Perms add curls or waves to hair while relaxers straight the already existing waves. Both the treatments make use of chemicals and heat to alter the hair texture. Results differ because pH levels of chemicals used in perming and relaxing differ. Hair reshaping largely depends on the pH value of chemicals.

Hair Perms

Perms are used to introduce curl and waves in naturally straight hair.  This process is done by using chemicals that are applied to the hair along with rollers or rods.  After applying chemicals, hair takes the shape of the rollers or rods and is neutralized.  The shape provided to hair during treatment becomes the new shape of the hair. It is possible to customize the shape and size of the curls during perming treatment. Perming lasts usually until new hair grows out.

Hair Relaxers

Hair relaxer is the permanent hair straightening method. It is also referred as thermal reconditioning and Japanese hair straightening as well. During hair relaxer treatment, hair is tightly coiled in the presence of heat. Hair relaxer treatment can provide the straight hair, which remains straight until new hair grows out. However, straight hair obtained from the thermal reconditioning does not appear healthier and silkier like keratin treatment.

Since hair is subjected to heat and chemicals during hair perming and relaxing treatment, hair needs to be in very good condition to bear these treatments. Professional hairstylists do not recommend perming and relaxing to people having fine hair.