What to check before a London hair perm

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Start with the hair history

Show your normal hairstyle and explain bleaching, straightening, colouring and breakage. Roots and previously treated lengths may need different consideration. A promise to perm any hair without examining it is a weak basis for booking.

Ask whether the proposed chemical system is suitable and whether a strand assessment is needed. This supports discussion of condition and likely finish without guaranteeing safety. An irritated scalp needs separate consideration.

Agree the shape

Bring reference images and discuss what is realistic for your length and haircut. Large curls in promotional photographs may include additional styling. Ask what to expect after ordinary home washing without a salon blow-dry.

Consider trimming, root volume, apparent length reduction and curl direction. Do not select chemicals or processing time from a friend's experience. Identical service names do not mean identical hair.

Safety and aftercare

HSE describes chemical exposure in hairdressing ↗. Discuss ventilation, skin protection and the response to burning. Report pain immediately instead of enduring it for a longer-lasting result.

Explain previous reactions before booking. NHS guidance describes contact-allergy diagnosis ↗. A salon check differs from specialist diagnostic testing.

Complete cost

Establish whether consultation, cutting, drying and aftercare are included. Obtain washing and subsequent-colouring instructions for the formula. Ask when the salon assesses results and what correction covers. Repeating a chemical process immediately after disappointment may worsen damage; condition needs assessing first. Record agreed expectations and allow time before an important occasion.