Perming or chemically curling your hair is a common hair treatment that creates a new curl pattern. It involves applying a chemical solution to break the bonds in your hair, wrapping your hair around rods, allowing it to process, then neutralizing the chemicals to set the new curl pattern. A key factor in achieving good perm results is using the right number and size of rods for your hair length and desired curl size. This determines how tight or loose the curls will be. Using too few rods can lead to loose, messy waves, while too many rods may result in overly tight corkscrew curls. So how do you determine the ideal number of perm rods needed for your hair?
What are perm rods?
Perm rods are small cylindrical rods used when perming hair to wrap sections of hair around to hold the desired curl shape as the perm solution processes. They come in a variety of sizes including:
– Small rods – 1/4 inch diameter – for very tight curls
– Medium rods – 3/8 inch diameter – for tight corkscrew curls
– Large rods – 5/8 inch diameter – for loose, wavy curls
– Jumbo rods – 1 inch diameter – for soft, loose waves
The rod size used will influence the curl size – smaller rods produce tighter curls and larger rods make looser waves. Most perm rod packages will include a variety of sizes to allow different curl sizes to be created.
Hair length considerations
The length of your hair is a key factor when determining how many rods are required. Shorter hair needs fewer rods to fully wrap all the hair compared to longer hair. As a general guide:
– Chin length hair – approximately 20-30 rods
– Shoulder length hair – approximately 30-40 rods
– Collarbone length hair – approximately 40-50 rods
– Mid-back length hair – approximately 50-60 rods
– Waist length hair – approximately 60-70 rods
For medium length hair of around shoulder length, most stylists recommend having around 30-40 rods on hand to complete the perm.
Desired curl size
The curl size or tightness you want will determine what size rods should be used. Looser waves require fewer larger rods. Tighter curls need more smaller rods.
As a guide:
– For loose waves – choose larger 1 inch rods and use approximately 20-30 rods for shoulder length hair
– For medium curls – use 3/8 or 5/8 inch rods and approximately 30-40 rods for shoulder length hair
– For very tight curls – use small 1/4 inch rods and approximately 40-50 rods for shoulder length hair
The best way to determine how many of each size rod you require is during your perm consultation. The stylist will take into account your desired curl size and hair length when advising how many rods are needed.
Hair thickness
The thickness or density of your hair will also impact the number of rods required to complete the perm. Thicker, denser hair will require more rods to fully wrap all the hair around. Fine, thin hair can be wrapped around fewer rods. As a guide:
– Fine hair – approximately 20-30 rods for shoulder length hair
– Medium density hair – approximately 30-40 rods for shoulder length hair
– Thick, dense hair – approximately 40-50 rods for shoulder length hair
Consult with your stylist so they can assess your hair thickness and advise you on the ideal number of rods needed to perm your hair effectively.
Rod placement technique
The technique your stylist uses for sectioning and wrapping your hair on the rods will also influence the number of rods needed. Common techniques include:
– Bricklay or staggered technique – Sections hair horizontally then wraps rods vertically in a staggered bricklay pattern. Requires more rods.
– Straight technique – Sections hair vertically then wraps rods horizontally in rows. Requires fewer rods.
– Spiral technique – Wraps rods in a spiral pattern without distinct sections. Requires fewer rods.
For shoulder length hair, bricklay technique may require 40-50 rods, straight technique 30-40 rods, and spiral technique 20-30 rods. Your stylist will tailor their technique and rod placement to suit your hair and desired perm results. Discuss the options at your consultation.
Perming longer hair
For longer hair that extends past the shoulders, extra rods will be required to fully wrap and set the hair. Some additional considerations for longer hair include:
– Mid-back length hair – Have around 50-60 perm rods on hand
– Waist length hair – You may need 60-70+ rods for adequate curl setting
– Very long hair – Opt for smaller rod sizes like 1/4 inch rods to get full curl formation
– Focus on smaller rod sizes around the face for more defined curls
– Larger rods can be used through the back and underneath layers if desired
Careful sectioning and wrapping will be required to achieve a consistent curl pattern with longer hair. Having enough rods makes the process easier for the stylist.
Perming short hair
For shorter hair, fewer rods will be required. Some tips for perming short hair include:
– Chin length hair – Have approximately 20-30 smaller perm rods on hand
– Layered styles may require more rods to perm all layers evenly
– Focus on uniform rod size for consistency in tightness/curl size
– Use end papers or perm end wraps to protect ends with shorter hair
– Opt for smaller 3/8 inch rods for defined curls all over
Consult your stylist about your short hair perm – they can advise on the ideal number and size rods to use.
Consider hair texture
Hair texture can also impact the rods and technique needed to achieve your desired perm result.
– Fine, straight hair often requires smaller rods to hold the curl and may need more rods to wrap cleanly.
– Thick, straight hair can hold larger curls easily so fewer larger rods may be needed.
– Wavy or curly hair can usually achieve reshaped curls with larger rods in fewer quantity.
– Chemically treated or damaged hair may require gentler rolling with more rods for even processing.
Your stylist will tailor the perm rod technique and quantity to complement your hair’s natural texture.
Consulting with your stylist
To determine how many perm rods are required for your hair, it is best to consult with your hairstylist prior to your perm appointment. When booking, inform them of:
– Your hair length and thickness
– Desired curl tightness (loose waves or tight curls)
– Any sensitivities or condition of your hair
– Previous perms and results
Your stylist will advise:
– Recommended rod size(s) for your hair
– Approximate number of total rods needed
– Whether it’s better to use single rod size or mix of sizes
They can then prepare the suitable perm rods and quantity ahead of your appointment to achieve your desired perm result.
In-salon perm rod count
During your in-salon perm appointment, your stylist will section and wrap your hair with the rods to determine the exact quantity needed. They may adjust the rod size and amount during the process based on factors like:
– Precise curl size and tightness desired
– Angles or layered sections of hair
– Any problem areas or hairline considerations
– How your hair takes to the rolling and setting
– Results as they check rod placement throughout the process
The final number of rods used may vary from the initial recommendation as the stylist customises the perm to your unique hair. But having the recommended quantity on hand makes the process smooth and efficient.
Test curls
Another technique used is to do test curls first before perming your whole head. This involves:
– Sectioning a 1-2 inch subsection of hair at the back of your head
– Wrapping this around 2-4 rods in the desired size(s)
– Processing the test curls with perm solution
– Checking the curl result once neutralised and rods removed
This gives you and the stylist an indication of the curl tightness and size achieved with certain rod sizes before perming your whole head. The ideal rod size and curl result can be determined from the tests before using the full quantity of rods needed to complete the perm.
Aftercare rod count
After the perm is processed and neutralised in-salon, your stylist will remove the rods and style your new permed curls. To maintain the curls at home afterwards, you may wish to purchase additional rods to reshape or refresh curls between salon visits. Having some extra rods allows you to:
– Retouch stray hairs that may not have curled properly
– Reshape curls in between washes when hair drops
– Refresh curls by rewrapping rods at night or when needed
– Match the salon curl size by using the same rod size at home
Buy rods in the size(s) used for your perm, in a smaller quantity of around 10-20, for perm maintenance.
Key Takeaways
– The number of perm rods required depends on your hair length, thickness, desired curl size, and stylist’s technique.
– For shoulder length hair, around 30-40 rods are usually needed, with extra required for longer or thicker hair.
– Smaller rods like 1/4 inch size create tight curls, while larger 1 inch rods make loose waves.
– Consult with your stylist beforehand about the ideal rod quantity and sizes for your hair.
– Your stylist may adjust the rod amount during your perm service to customise application.
– Test curls can help determine the optimal rod size before perming your whole head.
– Have extra rods on hand after your perm for maintaining your new curls at home.
Conclusion
Determining the right amount of perm rods is important for achieving your desired curl results. With some preparation and consultation with a professional stylist, they can assess your hair and advise the ideal rod quantity and sizes to meet your perm goals. Having the recommended number of rods on hand makes the perming process easier. Test curls are also useful for identifying the perfect rod size and curl tightness for your hair before the full perm application. Follow your stylist’s recommendations for rod amounts during your service, and invest in extras for maintaining beautiful curls at home afterwards. With the right rods and technique, you’ll have gorgeous permed locks!
