Perms & Relaxers ยท Walnut Creek, CA
Add curl or relax it, with texture that lasts
Perms and relaxers are chemical services that change your hair's natural texture. A perm adds lasting waves or curls, while a relaxer straightens and softens curly or textured hair. Urban Loxx Salon & Day Spa in Walnut Creek offers both for women and men. They suit anyone who wants their everyday texture to work for them instead of fighting it each morning.
Do you want more curl or less?
That one question points you to the right service. If your hair is flat, straight or hard to style with volume, a Perm can help. If your hair is very curly, coarse or frizzy and you want it smoother and easier to manage, a Relaxer is the opposite tool.
Modern perms are not the tight, crunchy curls of old photos unless you want them. The result can range from tight curls to loose, beachy waves, depending on the size of the rods and how your stylist places them. Perms can also add root lift to fine hair that falls flat.
A relaxer works the other way. It straightens and softens curly or textured hair, reduces frizz and makes styling quicker. The change is permanent on the hair it touches, so new growth comes in with your natural texture.
Both services reshape the inner bonds of the hair, which is why the change lasts. If you only want less frizz and more shine without restructuring your curl, look at a keratin treatment instead. It smooths the hair surface and wears off over time.
What to expect at a perm or relaxer appointment
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Hair history and goals
Your stylist asks about past color, lightener, smoothing treatments, box dye and any earlier perm or relaxer. This matters, because some chemical services do not mix well. Bring photos of the curl or smoothness you want, and be clear about how much time you plan to spend styling.
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Strand and scalp check
Your stylist looks at the condition of your hair and scalp. A strand test may be suggested to see how your hair reacts. Tell your stylist about any scalp sensitivity, cuts or skin conditions. If you are pregnant or have health concerns, check with your doctor before booking.
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Applying the service
For a perm, hair is wrapped on rods, then a waving solution and a neutralizer set the new shape. For a relaxer, the cream is applied section by section, usually to new growth only on repeat visits. Your stylist watches the timing closely, then rinses and neutralizes the hair.
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Rinse, condition and style
The service finishes with a thorough rinse and conditioning. Your stylist then shows you how to style the new texture, whether that is scrunching fresh curls or smoothing relaxed hair. Ask which products and tools suit your hair now, since your old routine may not fit anymore.
More about Perms & Relaxers
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How should I care for my hair after a perm or relaxer?
Give your hair time to settle. Many stylists suggest waiting a couple of days before washing, and avoiding tight ponytails, clips or hats that can dent a fresh perm. Your stylist will give you the timing for your hair.
After that, use gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Permed hair usually looks its fullest when scrunched with a curl cream and air dried or diffused. Relaxed hair needs regular moisture and heat protection, since it can feel drier. Relaxer touch ups on new growth are typically needed every couple of months, while perms often last a few months as they grow out. Ask about our deep conditioning treatment to keep chemically treated hair soft.
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Relaxer or keratin treatment: which straightening option fits me?
A relaxer changes the structure of curly or textured hair, so it stays straighter until it grows out. It is a strong choice for tight curl that you want relaxed for good. Because it is permanent, the line between relaxed and natural hair needs careful upkeep.
A keratin treatment smooths frizz and adds shine without restructuring your curl, and it fades over time. Our menu also lists the Brazilian Blowout and the Sweet Smoothing Treatment for smoothing. Your stylist can help you compare them based on your texture, your goals and how long you want results to last. Current pricing for the Perm and Relaxer is on our Service Menu.
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How do I prepare for a perm or relaxer?
For a relaxer, skip washing your hair for a few days before, and avoid scratching or brushing hard on your scalp. Natural oils help protect the scalp. For a perm, arrive without heavy styling products in your hair.
Pause any major color or lightening work until your stylist says it is a good time, since stacking chemical services too close together can stress hair. If you want a haircut too, ask whether to cut before or after, since a perm often sits nicer on a shape planned for curl. New to the salon? Fill out our new guest form, pick a stylist from our team and book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a perm work on short hair?
Yes. Short hair can take a perm well, often for root lift and soft texture rather than long spirals. The rod size decides how tight the curl is. Your stylist will suggest a size that suits your length so the curl does not look too tight once it dries.
Can I perm or relax hair that is already colored?
Sometimes, but it depends on your hair's condition and what color was used. Lightened or bleached hair is the most fragile. Tell your stylist everything about your color history, and expect a strand test or a recommendation to wait if your hair is not ready.
When will my perm start to grow out?
The curl stays in the hair it was set on, so it slowly grows out rather than washing out. Many people enjoy their perm for a few months before the roots look noticeably straighter. Regular trims and good conditioning help it look fresh longer.
Does a relaxer help with frizz?
Yes. A relaxer straightens and softens curly or textured hair and reduces frizz, so it is easier to style. Humidity can still cause some lift. For relaxed hair, keep up with moisture and heat protection so ends stay smooth between touch ups.
Can I go back to my natural texture after a relaxer?
Yes, but it takes time. Relaxed hair does not revert, so you grow out your natural texture and trim the relaxed ends over several months. Your stylist can help you plan cuts that blend the two textures while you transition, and suggest products for both.
Can a perm give men more texture on top?
Yes. Perms for men are a common way to add texture, waves or curl on top, especially with shorter sides. A loose perm can make styling faster each morning. Book a Perm the same way and talk to your stylist about the look you want.
Related services
- HaircutsCuts for every length and texture. Length, thickness and curl pattern move the price.Learn more →
- StylingBlowouts, styling and event hair. Length and the style you choose move the price.Learn more →
- ColorGray coverage to full balayage. Length, thickness and how much lightening your hair needs move the price.Learn more →
- ExtensionsTape-in, hand-tied and K-tip. Installs, move-ups and removals are billed by the hour.Learn more →
- TreatmentsRepair and conditioning, on their own or added to a service. Length and thickness move the price.Learn more →
- Smoothing and TextureSmoothing, perms and relaxers. Length and thickness move the price.Learn more →
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