Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Dec 11, 2023
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Home perms are a great way to add volume and texture to your hair without having to visit a salon. These easy-to-use kits come with all the necessary tools and chemicals to achieve a professional-looking perm in the comfort of your own home. With a range of formulas to choose from, including those designed for color-treated or damaged hair, anyone can achieve the perfect curl. Home perms are also a cost-effective option compared to salon treatments, making them a popular choice for those on a budget. Whether you're looking for tight spiral curls or loose waves, home perms offer a customizable solution for all hair types.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Home Perms
#TOP 1
Ogilvie Salon Styles Professional Perm
OGILVIE
OG09902
Purple
5 Piece Set
Ogilvie Salon Styles Professional Perm for Color Treated, Thin or Delicated Hair
This home perm is designed for color treated, thin or delicate hair. With one time use/application, it saves you from frequent visits to salons. The before & after conditioners with drip guard protect your hair from damage and keep it moisturized. This professional conditioning perm creates smooth curls and waves that last for a long time.
What We Like
Easy to use at home
Designed for color treated, thin or delicate hair
Comes with before & after conditioners with drip guard
What Cusomers Say
"The perm provided me with the beautiful, shiny, and soft loose curls I desired. However, the scent was so strong it made me feel unwell. Despite feeling nauseous, I managed to complete the perm. After resting for about an hour, I felt better by the next day. I am not looking forward to experiencing that again."
"I have consistently used this home perm on my 80-year-old mother's thin, gray hair for the past three years and it has always delivered. She has received numerous compliments, with many people unable to believe that her hair wasn't professionally done. I am convinced that the conditioners provided before and after the treatment significantly contribute to maintaining the health of her hair, preventing frizz and damaged ends. I can't praise this perm enough, it has definitely given her a look she's happy with."
#TOP 2
Zotos Salon Quantum Ultra Firm Exothermic Perm
Zotos
48432
3 Piece Set
Zotos Salon Quantum Ultra Firm Exothermic Perm For Normal Hair, 1 Count
Zotos Perm is an alcohol and oil-free exothermic perm designed to moisturize and protect normal hair. The package dimensions are 5.08 L x 14.986 H x 11.43 W (centimeters). Created by ZOTOS-PIIDEA/QUANTUM, this home perm provides ultra-firm results. The alcohol-free and oil-free formula ensures gentle treatment for your hair. By helping moisturize and protect, it keeps your hair healthy and vibrant. The compact packaging makes it convenient to store. With Zotos Perm, you can achieve salon-quality results at home.
What We Like
Alcohol-free
Oil-free
Moisturizes and protects
What Cusomers Say
"Sure, the smell isn't great, but it's only temporary. You only notice it when you're applying the chemicals to your hair. I use this product to perm my hair and it works wonderfully, maintaining the curls for several months. Give it a try!"
"I previously used a different brand for my home perm, but due to a price increase, I decided to try this one. I'm not quite familiar with these solutions but I followed the instructions. My hair turned out slightly wavy, not as curly as I expected. Overall, the smell is manageable and the instructions are clear."
I have very fine and straight hair, this solution may not be suitable for my hair type."
"Yes, it does have a perm-like smell, but it's effective! I was able to achieve a great 30s style perm with this product, despite having issues with aging hair and chemical residues. It worked like a charm!"
#TOP 3
One 'n Only Shiny Silver Perm with Argan Oil
one 'n only
ON-ONOTINMK
Gray,silver
1 Count (Pack of 1)
One 'n Only Shiny Silver Perm with Argan Oil for Gray Hair, Enhances Natural Silver Highlights, Exothermic Chemical Heat Ensures Gentle, Deep, and Even Processing
The Shiny Silver Perm by One 'n Only is a high-quality home perm that is perfect for enhancing natural silver highlights in gray hair. With its special formula containing precious Argan Oil, this perm not only provides superior damage restoration and nourishment but also encourages hair follicle growth and healthier hair. The self-timing feature ensures that every perm ends up perfect, regardless of the waving lotion's duration. The stop-action formula allows for controlled and gentle processing, preventing over-processing on normal hair types. Additionally, this perm contains an anti-yellowing formula that enhances the natural silver highlights in coarse or fine gray hair. Experience the convenience and benefits of the Shiny Silver Perm by One 'n Only and own your beautiful, silver hair.
What We Like
Enhances natural silver highlights
Self-timing formula for perfect results
Controlled and gentle processing
What Cusomers Say
"Before hair relaxer products were widely available, we only had perms to use. This particular one is excellent for grey, silver, or white hair, as it doesn't cause any discoloration. Your hair will retain its original shade without any yellow tints.
This product left my hair in excellent condition without any yellowing, which is definitely a plus!
The only downside for me was the strong, sulfur-like smell, which is typical of most perms. I recommend opening the windows!"
"I've been using this product for many years. I have silver hair, and it tends to be a bit too curly after the first few washes. However, it softens to the texture I prefer within a couple of weeks. The effect doesn't last very long, typically between 2.5 to 3 months, but it never seems to damage my hair."
"I have short, completely white hair, and this perm is fantastic for adding volume. It doesn't discolor my grey hair and leaves it wonderfully conditioned. As we all know, hair can become a bit coarse when it turns grey, but this perm actually made my hair softer. I highly recommend it."
#TOP 4
Ogilvie Salon Styles Professional Conditioning Perm
OGILVIE
preciesly right
White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Ogilvie Salon Styles Professional Conditioning Perm for Color Treated, Thin or Delicate Hair
The Ogilvie Salon Styles Professional Conditioning Perm is a perfect solution for those with color treated, thin or delicate hair. The heat activated formula with drip guard ensures a worry-free application. This professional conditioning perm is designed for one-time use and application, which makes it a convenient choice for users.
What We Like
Convenient one-time use and application
Heat activated formula with drip guard for worry-free application
Professional conditioning perm suitable for color treated, thin, or delicate hair
#TOP 5
Ogilvie Home Perm
OGILVIE
SG_B0009XAHTM_US
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Ogilvie Home Perm, Extra Body 1 application
The Ogilvie Home Perm, Extra Body 1 application, is a home perm kit that allows you to achieve lasting smooth curls and waves in the comfort of your own home. It comes with before and after conditioners to ensure your hair stays healthy and moisturized throughout the perming process. The kit also safeguards your hair from dryness and frizzies, making it easier to manage and style. With its ability to balance your hair's moisture level, the Ogilvie Perm leaves you with silkier hair and more manageable curls. Say goodbye to expensive salon visits and hello to beautiful, salon-quality curls with the Ogilvie Home Perm.
What We Like
Lasting smooth curls
Includes before and after conditioners
Safeguards hair from dryness and frizzies
#TOP 6
Zotos Texture EFX Color Perm
Zotos
993793
Treated
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Zotos Texture EFX Color Perm, Treated
Zotos Texture EFX Color Perm is a home perm product specifically designed for color-treated hair. Made in the United States, the Texture EFX formula delivers long-lasting curls and waves while protecting the color of your hair.
What We Like
Formulated for color-treated hair
Delivers long-lasting curls and waves
Made in the United States
#TOP 7
Ogilvie Salon Styles Home Perm for Normal Hair
OGILVIE
OG09900
White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Ogilvie Salon Styles Home Perm for Normal Hair with Extra Body
Ogilvie Salon Styles Home Perm for Normal Hair is a professional conditioning perm that creates long-lasting smooth curls and waves for normal hair with extra body. It comes with before and after conditioners with drip guard and allows for a one-time use/application.
What We Like
Professional conditioning perm
Creates long-lasting smooth curls and waves
Comes with before and after conditioners with drip guard
#TOP 8
OGILVIE Perm for Normal Hair
OGILVIE
OG09906
White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
OGILVIE, Perm, for Normal Hair, (ea.)
OGILVIE Perm for Normal Hair is a professional conditioning perm that is suitable for normal or hard-to-wave hair. It has a heat-activated formula with a drip guard, ensuring a worry-free application. The perm is a one-time use product that provides long-lasting results.
What We Like
Suitable for normal or hard-to-wave hair
Professional conditioning perm
Heat-activated formula with drip guard for worry-free application
#TOP 9
One 'n Only Exothermic Perm with Argan Oil
one 'n only
AVPEXNA
1 Count (Pack of 1)
One 'n Only Exothermic Perm with Argan Oil for Firm Curls, Self-Heating Formula for Client Comfort, Ensures Shine and Manageability, Eliminates Perm Odor
Get firm curls with One 'n Only Exothermic Perm with Argan Oil. Its conditioning and moisturizing complex ensures shine and manageability, leaving your hair with a healthy and lustrous look. This home perm also contains argan oil, which nourishes and repairs hair. The self-heating formula eliminates perm odor, and it's easy to use. Its item package weight is 0.294kg.
What We Like
Contains argan oil for nourishing and repairing hair
Eliminates perm odor with self-heating formula
Easy to use at home
#TOP 10
Zotos Design Freedom Regular Perm
Zotos
I0105827
PINK
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Zotos Design Freedom Regular Perm
Zotos Regular Perm is a home perm that offers creative flexibility. It comes with two different wrapping options to cater to different hair types and curl preferences. The water wrap is ideal for delicate hair or for those who prefer soft, open curls. On the other hand, the lotion wrap is perfect for thick and resilient hair or for those who want firm and defined curls. What sets Zotos Regular Perm apart is its AHA enriched neutralizer with GFE. This unique formula not only locks in curls but also adds shine and manageability to your hair. With Zotos Regular Perm, you can easily achieve the curls you desire while enjoying the convenience of doing it at home.
What We Like
Creative flexibility
Two wrapping options
AHA enriched neutralizer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I give myself a perm at home?
While it is possible to give yourself a perm at home, it is challenging to achieve even results. It is recommended to have a perm buddy who you trust and is calm in case anything goes wrong. Additionally, choose a home perm kit that is suitable for your hair type to ensure the best outcome.
2. How long does a home perm kit last?
A home perm kit usually lasts for about 6 weeks. This duration may vary depending on factors such as hair thickness and maintenance. Professional perms done at a salon can last for 3-6 months with proper care.
3. What kind of perm is best for fine grey hair?
For fine grey hair, an alkaline type perm is typically recommended by stylists. This can include options like a cold perm or an "exothermic" perm. Gray hair tends to be resistant, so these types of perms are better suited to achieve the desired results.
4. What do hairdressers use to perm hair?
Hairdressers use chemical solutions to perm hair and change its texture. Typically, they wrap the hair around rods and apply perm lotion to set the curl. After allowing the lotion to sit, they rinse it out and use a neutralizer to stop the perming process.
5. What is the most natural-looking perm?
For natural-looking waves that require minimal maintenance, a body wave perm is a great option. This type of perm creates soft and loose waves that look effortless and natural.
6. Do new perms damage hair?
Getting a perm can potentially weaken and dry out your hair. While it is not as damaging as bleaching, it may still lead to dryness and brittleness. If your hair is already damaged, it is more prone to further damage and breakage during the perming process.
7. Should gray hair be permed?
Perming gray hair can be beneficial during the transition phase to make the border with the surrounding hair less noticeable. It can be challenging to color gray hair, so perming can help blend the gray hair with the rest of the hair, making it less noticeable.
Editor's Notes
During our home perm research, we found 115 home perm products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 69,341 customer reviews through our big data system to write the home perms list. We found that most customers choose home perms with an average price of $15.61.
The home perms are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of home perms, including OGILVIE, Zotos, one 'n only. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Written by
Lisa Bechard
Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.
