Not long ago, one of my regulars leaned toward me and whispered, “Okay, be honest… are perms actually back?” She half-smiled like she was letting me in on a secret. I get why she asked. Most people still picture those super-tight curls from old school photos. But what we create now is nothing like that.
At James Geidner Hair Studio here in Vero Beach, we’ve been bringing back perms in a much softer way. They give that easy, lived-in texture that fits right in with our relaxed coastal vibe. If you’ve been curious, let me walk you through what they actually are and how they might work for you.
So What Exactly Is a Perm?
A perm, short for “permanent wave,” reshapes your natural pattern using a chemical solution and rods or rollers. It sounds scientific, but the idea is simple. We wrap your hair, apply a solution to soften the bonds, and then rebuild those bonds around the shape of the rods. This locks in a new wave or curl pattern.
The result can be loose, beachy waves, bouncy curls, or just more body overall. It’s fully tailored to your look and lifestyle. My favorite part is seeing someone realize their hair can actually hold shape without daily heat styling. A perm isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about enhancing what you already have.
If you want to see how we do it here in the studio, you can book a perm consultation with us anytime.
Why Modern Perms Look So Natural
Today’s perms are gentler, more customized, and a lot more natural-looking than the ones people remember. Instead of rolling every piece the same way, I mix sizes and directions to create movement that mimics how hair falls on its own after a day at the beach.
Living here in Vero Beach actually helps. The coastal air adds just enough moisture to give permed hair a soft bounce. One of my clients who works near Curated Living says she loves how her waves air-dry on her walk to work. That kind of effortlessness is what modern perms are all about.
Who a Perm Works Best For
Perms can be beautiful on many hair types, but they work especially well on medium or fine hair that struggles to hold shape. If you spend your mornings curling your hair only for it to go flat by lunch, this service can be a game changer for your routine.
That said, not every head of hair is ready for one. During your consultation, I always check the strength and condition of your strands and talk through your color history. Healthy hair is non-negotiable. The goal is soft, touchable texture that lasts, not anything harsh or damaging.
How to Care for Your New Perm
Once your curls or waves are set, they’re pretty easy to maintain. Here are the basics I give every client before they leave the chair:
- Wait 48 hours to wash. This gives the new pattern time to set fully.
- Use gentle cleansers. Harsh shampoos can shorten the life of your curls.
- Let your hair air dry when you can. Our Florida air adds a little natural lift.
- Condition regularly. Soft, moisturized hair keeps the curl pattern bouncy.
With a little care, most perms last three to five months. I’ve had clients come back still loving their shape long after they expected it to fade.
What Clients Are Saying
One of my favorite transformations this year was a client with straight, fine hair who used to curl it every single morning. By lunchtime, the curls would be gone. We gave her soft, beachy waves, and now she wakes up, scrunches her hair a little, and is out the door. She told me it finally feels like her hair fits where she lives.
That’s the beauty of it. It’s not about making your hair perfect. It’s about making it feel easy.
Thinking About Trying a Perm?
If you’ve been curious, this might be your sign. Modern perms are low-fuss, natural-looking, and totally customized. Whether you want gentle waves, fuller volume, or just to stop fighting the Florida humidity, we can figure out the right approach together.
Come visit me at James Geidner Hair Studio at 541 Beachland Boulevard, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Call 772-492-8440 or book online here. Let’s create a style that works with your hair instead of against it.