How to Find an Organic Perm

Many childhood memories include the horror of a home perm. Usually given at the kitchen table by mothers, the ordeal left eyes red, skin itchy, nerves frazzled and hair really frizzy. Today's answer to the drama is to find an organic perm that not only does away with the harsh chemicals, but gives the recipient softly scented and naturally conditioned hair so perfect everyone ends up smiling.

Instructions

1. Call your local beauty product supplier and ask if they carry organic hair perms. If they don't, conduct an Internet search for "organic perms." Between the two sources, you should be able to find organic products at reasonable prices.

2. Check the list of ingredients on the back of boxes before purchasing and reject any that include pesticides, chemicals, synthetic colors or synthetic fragrances.

3. Make sure your hair is in pretty good shape before giving yourself any kind of a perm. While you'll want to start with moisturized hair to limit the drying effects of a perm, using a conditioner right before a perm will weight down your hair and cause your perm to flop.

4. Let someone else do the work. Ask your beautician if they carry organic perm product that contain no ammonia, ammonia derivatives or thioglycolates and are naturally pH balanced. There are some organic products out there only sold to salons and they're worth the price of an appointment.

5. Get an "un-perm" if none of this appeals to you. An un-perm is a hair cut designed to "bend" the hair which was formerly permed to blend with current curls and provide volume all over. The major benefit is that no chemicals or processes are involved.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your organic perm doesn't have sodium lauryl sulfate, a cheap and harsh petroleum-based product that is caustic and can cause eye and skin irritation.

• When you shop for an organic perm, don't be lured by catchy advertising phrases like, "All natural." The only way to know if you're getting a true organic product is to read the ingredients listed on the back or bottom of the box.

Resources

• Organic solutions for hair and skin, including an organic perm sold and given only in salons.
• This web site offers information about organic hair care.