What to know about teen hair trends

Like it or not, curly hair is back and taking social media by storm. Although this hairstyle is gender-neutral, this trend is becoming increasingly popular among teenage boys. With more than 134 million #boyperm-related posts on TikTok and counting, the once-retro hairstyle is back, and teens are using familiar chemical processes to achieve the look of curly, floppy hair.

Despite celebrities, K-pop idols and TikTokers seem This hairstyle is bringing the perm back from the dead, and it’s not just a trend for the BIPOC community. Curly hair styles are primarily inspired by communities of color—which is noteworthy considering that many black people are often stereotyped or discriminated against because of their natural hair. In this way, there is something privileged about paying for curls and not being the recipient of discrimination. Especially in the black community, wearing natural hair can be seen as an act of resistance when Eurocentric beauty standards are still seen as the “peak” of beauty in American culture.

What’s more, curly hair isn’t a modern phenomenon by any means. Women have used olive oil and vinegar to curl their hair since ancient Greek times. Perms now use longer-lasting chemical formulas to keep curls longer.

So, what are curls, and is it safe for your child to try them? We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of the trends below.

What is a perm for curly hair?

Curling perms are a permanent hair treatment that can last three to six months and use chemicals like alcohol, boric acid and ammonium thioglycolate, says Dr. Michelle Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. to restructure your hair.

Kim Kimble, founder of Kim Kimble Hair Collection, adds that this chemical treatment helps change the texture of your natural hair. The lifelong hairstylist, who has worked with celebrities like Beyoncé, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Zendaya and more, says a perm can easily create straight or curly hair and add semi-permanent curls .

How much does it cost to get a perm for curly hair?

Ultimately, the price of a professional perm will vary based on where you live, the type of salon you go to, and the expertise of your hairstylist. Typically, experienced hairstylists will have higher prices (and may have longer waiting lists). Hair length is also taken into consideration when pricing perms.

Kimble says that on average, you want to pay from any of the following places $100 to $300. If you live in a big city like New York or Los Angeles, it will most likely be more expensive.

Is it safe for teenagers to have curly hair?

The short answer is: probably not.

“Chemicals [in perms] May be toxic to the skin, causing scalp redness, burning, and itching,” Dr. Green told us parents. “If done incorrectly, the chemicals in perms can permanently damage hair follicles, causing scarring alopecia.”

Teens, teens and children often have more sensitive skin than adult skin and are more susceptible to irritation, inflammation and more serious side effects when getting a perm, Dr. Green said. She doesn’t recommend perms for young children, and if you do choose to give your child a perm, go to a reputable salon to minimize the risk of negative effects.

Kimble added that she doesn’t make extensive chemical changes to the children before they get their first period. “I just don’t recommend offering this type of treatment until they reach [puberty]”. For older teens, she recommends they understand the potential side effects of a perm before agreeing to treatment.

How is curly hair different now than permed hair in the past?

One thing you need to know about popular hairstyles? They’re highly cyclical, with old things becoming new again (think: Gen Z’s new love for Y2K-inspired “surf curtain” hairstyles). And, ancient Greeks aside, perms in the 21st century aren’t really all that different from the perm resurgence of the ’70s and ’80s.

“It’s not a huge difference, but there are new technologies available,” Kimble explained. “[Hairstylists] Have learned to make [the process] Healthier, with added natural ingredients, so it has a better effect on your hair.

Hairstylist and makeup artist Simon Starr adds that people are now perming their hair with larger curling irons to achieve more body and waves, rather than the super-tight curls typically associated with perms. This is a healthier way to perm your hair without using a lot of chemicals.

What to say if your child wants curly hair

Ultimately, the decision is yours, but Kimble says she personally doesn’t recommend perming curly hair for young children or teenagers. “I would tell them not to do it. I think they should get older before they want to make big changes,” she said. “I’m not saying it’s wrong, but I’m suggesting waiting.”

Kimble notes that if you decide to let your child try a perm, be sure to take them to see a specialist in these treatments to limit potential damage to your child’s hair.

According to Kimble, a good alternative to perming is to braid your hair or place it in rollers and let it dry. It will give your child the same look without the use of harsh chemicals. “I’ll try it first and see if [they] Even like that style [their] Hair,” she said. Starr agrees with Kimble that a smaller iron can give you tighter curls, which you can style with a curling iron for a similar look.