Ask the Image Expert

Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success

Perms?

Question: I currently have straight, medium length hair that is layered and is light brown, I also have bangs, I have an oval face. I have been thinking recently that I would like to have either loose curls or something along the lines of a curl what do you think would be the best curly hair style for me?
Meagen

Answer: With an oval-shaped face, you can wear almost any hairstyle. You are one of the lucky ones!

Tread carefully with the curls. Traditionally speaking, medium-length straight or semi-curly hairdos are considered more professional. Soft curls and waves can be great, just don’t overdo. Frizzy styles are not fashionable nor or they appealing. If unkempt, they can convey instability.

Since you have medium-length hair, a soft curl or wave could look terrific on you; but then with that oval face, so would straight styles.

It’s extremely important to go to a reputable stylist that has a lot of experience with perms. Discuss your hair type and the different types of solutions and rollers used. Discuss this ahead of time as the roller size and the type of perm will determine the resulting look. Hair that is color treated, especially treatments that use peroxide for highlights or bleaching, and extremely dry hair can easily end up with a fried look.

If you have a favorite salon, ask which stylist (or stylists) gets the best results with perms. It can be a totally different stylist from who is best with cuts or color. Without being rude, don’t settle for a general answer, such as this one: “Oh, all of our stylist are great with perms.” That is not the truth of my experience! Don’t be wary of going to a different stylist for a perm, even one located in the same salon that you go to for haircuts. It’s your hair and you deserve the best.

If you are a swimmer, postpone your perm until summer is over. Chlorine water reeks havoc with permed hair. The other thing to keep in mind is that a perm (because of the chemical processing) will lift your hair color, making it lighter. If you want color too, be sure to wait one week after the perm to have a color treatment. Never allow a stylist to give you a perm and do color all in one day.

Best of luck to you,
Sherry Maysonave

Also see:

  • How much makeup should I wear at work?
  • Ask your image questions
  • Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'