A rich, protein conditioning shampoo would also be a great choice. It’s okay if your hair is damp, but make sure that it’s not soaking wet. Brush your hair before you wash it, then run a wide-toothed comb through it after washing it.

You can buy the cape and gloves at a salon or beauty supply store. The cape must be plastic, otherwise the perm solution will soak through it. It would be a good idea to put on old clothes that you don’t mind ruining.

The middle section needs to be a little narrower than your rod. How many inches or centimeters wide this is will vary. Consider splitting the top section in half at the back of your crown, then twisting the top/front section into a bun as well.

You can start at your front hairline or at the back of your crown. If you did the latter, you’ll have to go back and do the front once you reach your nape.

It would be a good idea to fold some end papers in half ahead of time. This way, you can just slide it over the edge of the hair strand, then pull it down.

Choose a rod size that’s appropriate for the curl size you want. Remember: the larger the rod, the larger and looser the curl. Roll the rod downward, away from your forehead and towards your nape.

Make sure that all of the hair from the middle section goes into the rod.

The ends of the rods need to be touching each other–including the side-back section and the middle section. Start applying the rods at the top of the side section, right under the middle section, and finish at your hairline. At this point, your hair may start to dry as you work with it. If that happens, simply mist it with water. This will make it easier to wrap around the rod.

The cotton batting is not fabric. It looks like a long cotton ball. It’s similar to what you’d find at a nail salon.

Choose an alkaline solution if your hair is: Asian, coarse, fine, resistant, or has low elasticity. Choose an acid solution if your hair is: damaged, fragile, highlighted, tinted, or has high elasticity. Visit a salon if you have hair that has been extensively color treated or damaged, or if you have African-American hair. Choose a stylist who specializes in working with your hair type. Ask friends and family to recommend a good salon, or search for online reviews of local salons.

Don’t worry about applying the solution over the entire rod. Gravity will pull the solution downward toward the bottom of the rod.

Don’t wait the full 10 to 15 minutes before checking your hair, or you’ll risk damaging it; everyone’s hair processes differently. When you see the S-shape in your hair, you’re ready for the next step.

The cotton batting will get soaked, so you should remove it when you’re done rinsing. If you have very thick hair, run water between each rod for several seconds to make sure you rinse all the solution out thoroughly.

Keep the rods in your hair for the duration of the process.

At the most, you can gently style the curls with your fingers.

After those 3 days, you can wash your hair twice per week.

Moisturizing, curl-enhancing products are a great choice. Don’t use products containing silicones and alcohol. Silicones will lead to build-up, while alcohol will make it turn dry. [13] X Research source

Tie your hair up in a silk scarf when you go to bed. This will help keep your curls frizz-free.

If you must straighten your hair, apply a heat protectant and use a lower heat setting.

Keep in mind that bleaching and highlighting are not recommended. The perming process is harsh to begin with; bleaching and highlighting are also harsh and will damage your hair further. Some stylists recommend that you wait 1 month before dyeing, bleaching or highlighting your hair. [16] X Research source