Looking for Opinions- on Getting a Perm?

Please pass on the perm. Everyone I have seen with a perm look dated. Go and get a good cut. If it's done right, it will be just as easy to take care of.

Perms are actually coming back in...but in a different way than they used to be. I would only get one at a trendy salon that could interpret it in a modern way...otherwise you will get an old fashioned poodle perm and look dated. Sorry-but everyone I know who still gets these (and there are not many) looks really bad. Excerpt from article in LHJ:
Perm Advances

Once, the word "perm" conjured up thoughts of tight, poodle curls, acrid hair solutions, and scary metal rods and rollers. The old-fashioned permanent's bad reputation was well deserved -- it was damaging to hair's condition, not to mention its style.

Today, there's a new perm in town, creating big, loose, soft curls. Perm technology has been updated and perfected. Now it can be a long-term solution for giving hair the curl and volume that works perfectly with the current trend toward lush, sexy hair. Stylists now often use perms by working with your cut, adding welcome texture and style to any hair.

Here's all you need to know about the new twist on a retro hairstyle option.

The New Technology
Advances in chemical technology have made the perm process much easier on hair. Better solutions and built-in conditioners have done away with the frizz and tight curls of the perms of the past. Modern perms are ideal for giving straight, limp hair a great wave or curl.

Today's perms are more versatile. By varying the size of the rod used in the process, the strength of the solution, and the time the solution has contact with hair, a stylist can give the client a variety of look options -- big, loose curls or tighter waves. For example, wrapping hair around large round rods and leaving the ends out gives a more natural and longer look.

The only people I see with permed hair anymore are seniors or women my age who were teens in the 80s and never changed their hairstyle since. Skip the perm. Get in with an Aveda salon and tell them what you're trying to get out of a perm and they should be able to recommend a more current way of achieving your goal.

It depends upon what type of hair you have. My hair is baby fine and won't do anything or hold a comb, barrette, or ponytail holder unless I perm it. If you go to my profile and look at my picture, I've been wearing my hair that way since 1979. It works for me and my hair is easy care wash, brush and go. I don't like putting goop in my hair, gel, mouse ect all make my hair feel heavy and sticky.
If you do decide to go with a perm find a stylist who has a lot of experience with giving perms.
If anyone says anything negative about your do just say 'hey it's my thing-- I love it -- let it go.'

I would say that to an extent, the fashionable-ness of a perm would depend on your hair type/length/cut, etc.

But generally speaking, I don't see anything wrong with a perm, with some parameters. I actually got a perm 2 summers ago, and LOVED it. When I perm, which is rare, but I got an itching that summer, I get it with HUGE rods. I mean, they are like the size of a quarter, literally. That BARELY gives me waves, but it's enough to easily scrunch my hair into a lovely loosely curled style, yet, it's relaxed enough to roundbrush or straighten to silky straight with a flat iron. Best of both worlds, really.

I would say the biggest fashion mistake with regard to perming would be getting too tight curls. If you stick with REALLY LOOSE waves, I think it's a completely fine idea! In fact, I may do it again myself, as soon as my hair grows a few more inches...

I have to assume there are changes in perms since the 80s. Then again maybe people are using styling tools instead. I just know that sometimes I have people tell me I got a bad perm because my curls are not all the same. Err, cause this is natural.

Anyway I guess they make a perm that looks like natural curls? Don't know really. If your only choice is the 80s perm, well the 80s are best left in the 80s cause they look god awful and yes, only old ladies and people who never left the 80s in the past.

I honestly would also pass on the perm. A lot of the curls you see on TV are created using irons, rollers or round brushes (during blow dry). I would go to a reputable salon and find a stylist that can help you achieve the perfect style instead of the perm.
Good luck!

Dont do it!!!! lol

I tend to agree with Lee P. If you get tight curls, it will look dated. But "beachy" waves are the current trend.