Permanent hair waving, commonly called a "perm", is a chemical process that transforms straight or slightly wavy hair into defined, long-lasting curls or waves. Imagine bouncy spirals or loose, beachy waves that frame the face and add volume and texture.
Perms are popular for their ability to change hair texture, enhance hairstyles, and give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. Historically, perming was developed in the early 1900s by German hairdresser Karl Nessler, who introduced the use of a chemical solution called ammonium thioglycolate to break down and reshape the hair's protein bonds.