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Curling it right: spiral perm vs regular perm

Perming techniques have evolved over the years to help boost the appearance of otherwise boring, straight hair. A perm is a great way to add some character and drama to your hair with beachy waves, bouncy curls and tightly-wound ringlets.

The Perm Factor: Some key differences

The length of your hair matters when you're deciding between the two. Spiral perms work best for hair that is at least 8 cm long from root to tip. A regular perm is recommended for shorter hair.

A Regular Perm

While a spiral perm voluminises hair with curls of various sizes or lengths, a regular perm will produce a uniform curl pattern and give your hair an overall curly appearance. A regular perm will also boost the bounce of your hair but this will not match the substantial volume provided by a spiral perm.

How they are different

Long and thin curling rods are set vertically in your hair to achieve the spiral curl effect. In the case of a regular perm, differently-sized curling rods are set flat against your head. The size of the rod used determines the nature of your curls in the case of a regular perm.

Pick your look!

It all comes down to the look you´re trying to achieve. If you want to infuse your straight long hair with a '80s vibe, a spiral perm can give you well-defined, tight curls for a retro look and feel. A regular perm, on the other hand, is perfect for a subtle touch of modern glamour.

Image credits: Getty Images, Getty Images Entertainment - Sebastian Reuter / Stringer

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