The braid perm

A loose, beachy-looking wave is always on-trend - but it's not that easy to create without looking like a ball of frizz. Editor Trudi Brewer shares an old-fashioned idea that has gone viral - the braid perm. 

You may cringe at the thought of having an old-school perm, but the new look 'hair thickening braid perm', is the semi-permanent way to get a natural-looking tousled wave. Hairdresser Jennifer Morgan from Morgan and Morgan The Hair Collective fills us in on how to get the look.

What is a braid perm? 

It creates a soft texture rather than an old-school curl, so it's easier to care for than a traditional perm service. However, like all chemical-based hair treatments, post-service your hair needs hydration and extra TLC. 

So how do you look after it post-service?

The key things to remember are: Don’t mess with your hair - it can be tempting to play with your new waves, but it can take around 48 hours to lock in the wave permanently. This chemical process will sensitise hair, so use gentle products (ideally protein-based), style with your fingers and avoid brushing or combing hair too much (especially when your hair is dry). Regular use of a take-home bond multiplication treatment is essential, such as Schwarzkopf FibrePle, Olaplex, and Redken pH-Bonder. These products help rejoin broken hair bonds (these hold the hair together and keep it looking healthy) and help to give longer-lasting results. Also, air-dry your hair, or use the diffuser attachment on your hairdryer, finally reduce the use of heated tongs or irons.

Has this treatment improved in smell and toxic ingredients from the old-school perms?

Because permanent waving is not as popular as it was in the ’80s and 90’s there has been less investment in new technology - unlike the advances in colour development for example. In saying that, we use a solution that is much better for the health of the hair, and it’s ideal for all hair types - even coloured, highlighted and fine air. This treatment takes a fraction of the time too, which makes it much less of a commitment than older methods.

Does it work on some hair types better than others?

Superfine hair is harder to get a great result, compared to more robust hair texture (as it can tend to leave hair fluffy post perm). For any wave service, your hair must be in reasonable condition before perming - we measure the hair's‘ elasticity' - and without it being healthy, the hair will appear limp and flat and prone to split ends or breakage post perm. Also, if you have strengthening treatments before having a perm, it will make all the difference to how your hair looks and feels afterwards.  

Can you have a perm and colour your hair?

Yes, but proceed with caution. If you have lightened or blonde colour in your hair, highlights, ombre, or balayage this can sensitise the hair and make it vulnerable to dryness and frizz. If you want both wave and colour, you are going to need to give your hair lots of love. To keep hair in top shape, we would recommend treatments such as Schwarzkopf Fibre Force and Fibreplex, Redken Chemistry and Keratin Complex Rx to build the hair’s strength and condition.

For a perming service expect to pay from $200 depending on the length of your hair.

Like all chemical services, perming does change the structure of the hair, (it needs to break the hair bonds to create that S-bend wave or curl). So you need to make sure you add moisture to your hair routine. From leave-in treatments to hydrating masks, here’s what’s on offer at Morgan & Morgan.

ALTERNA Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Cream, $54. Schwarzkopf BC Hyaluronic Moisture Curl Power, $ $35. Schwarzkopf Fibre Clinix Hydrate Mask, $45.