Permed is a verb that refers to the process of giving hair a permanent wave. The word is pronounced /pɜːmd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The phonetic transcription shows that the first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound in "her" and the second syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound in "bed". The final consonant is a voiced dental fricative sound (/ð/) which is spelled with the letters "-ed" in English. Therefore, the correct spelling of the word is "permed" with one "r".
Permed, short for "permanently waved," is an adjective used to describe the act of chemically altering the structure of one's hair in order to create long-lasting curls or waves. Often associated with women's hairstyles, this process involves applying chemical solutions to the hair that break and reform the disulfide bonds present in the hair's protein structure. This results in the hair retaining a desired curl or wave pattern, even after washing or styling.
A typical perming procedure involves wrapping sections of the hair around rods or rollers of various sizes and applying the chemical solution. After a specified period of time, the solution is rinsed out, and a neutralizing agent is applied to lock the hair into its new shape. This establishes the desired texture, volume, and curl pattern.
The effects of perming can vary depending on the individual's natural hair type, the technique used, and the specific chemical products applied. Permed hair often requires special care and maintenance, as it can be more prone to dryness and damage. This can involve using gentle shampoos and conditioners, avoiding excessive heat styling, and using products specifically formulated for permed hair to maintain its condition and style.
Perming was very popular in the 1980s but has since seen a decline in popularity. However, it still remains as a common hairstyling option for individuals seeking long-lasting curls or waves.
The term permed is derived from the word perm, which is a shortened form of permanent wave. The word permanent refers to a type of chemical treatment or process used to create wavy or curly hair that lasts for an extended period. The term perm has been in use since the early 20th century, and permed is simply the past tense or past participle form of perm.