Beauty trend: Is it time to bring back the Kelly LeBrock 'Weird Science' perm?

Most of us are utterlfy terrified of mentioning the 'P word' while entering a salon, for fear of walking out looking like an 80s poodle.

But, believe it or not, perms are coming back - in fact, they never really went away, they just got better.

While we might not all be inspired by the Kelly LeBrock's big-haired look from Weird Science (although we'd do anything for that body), these days there are more ways to use the hair resetting treatment to your advantage.

Senior stylist at Errol Douglas, Leroy Koh, is struggling to keep up with the demand for perms, thanks to his five-level technique system.

He told Y Lifestyle: "All perms are not created equal, that’s a myth. In the last year, I’ve seen a huge increase in my European clients requesting targeted perming, as they’ve come to understand it’s not about an all over bubble look, but about the pursuit of the perfect S shape, strategically placed for the right look.

“So much has changed since the iconic era of the perm, from gentler formulas and multiple bespoke roller sizes to targeted techniques that focus on a specific part of an overall look. I’m on a one-man crusade to rehabilitate brand perm'!"

Koh uses five different techniques to find the perfect perm, and from poodle to mermaid, where there's a will, there's a way.

DIRECTIONAL PERMING
What: Following the groove of the natural movement in the hair, to amplify the bounce, body and natural kinks
Best for: Longer hair. It’s a great way of adding volume and decreasing the frequency of “big blow out” blow dries.

PARTIAL PERMING
What: Perming the ends only or bespoke pieces from ear to end. Historically popular with Oriental women, this technique has become increasingly popular with all hair types as heated styling tools have grown in popularity.
Best for: Any hair type, but particularly useful for short hair to build in texture, and mid-length to hold body and curl without the constant need to use heated stylers

WEAVE OUT PERM
What: Delivers an incredibly natural-looking wave and increases movement by “weaving” sections of the hair through the teeth of a tail comb and only applying solution to the sectioned-out piece. This adds subtle body for dramatic effect when re-integrated into the whole head
Best for: All hair types, particularly good for those that don’t want to blow dry daily but do want movement

ROOT PERM
What: Lasting volume and body at the crown that lifts without not a stiff bouffant finish, solution is applied over only an inch or two from the crown downwards depending on length of hair and size of roller chosen (usually a larger sized roller).
Best for: Fine limp hair of all lengths.

PIGGY BACK PERM
What: A technique where rollers are used right to the roots and placed on top of one another over sectioned out pieces. Think of a “roller sandwich” with one on the root and another sat on top. This creates maximum curl without too much lift at the roots.
Best for: Subtle curls without “big hair” volume.

To book a  perm consultation with Leroy Koh Tel: 020 7 235 0110. For further information on all salon services: www.erroldouglas.com