Everyone no matter who we are or what type of hair we have, we always tend to get tired of it and want to switch to something new. Curls-if you have them, you want to get rid of them, and if you don't have them, you want them. We can be very difficult creatures to please. Luckily, whichever direction you want to go in, modern technology makes it possible. If you're looking to put some bounce in your lanky locks, a perm will get you there, and if you simply must tame some kinky curls, a hair relaxer will calm them down. It all just depends on what you want.

Unfortunately, the first thing you have to decide is whether or not your hair will survive its treatment. Whether you want to have your hair straightened or curled, extremely strong chemicals will be used in the process. If you have thin, dry hair, or hair that has been dyed, a chemical treatment might just do it in. Going for that new look isn't worth risking having your hair fall out.

If you decide your hair is up to the challenge and you want to get a hair perm, the next thing you have to decide is exactly what kind of curls you're looking to get. Your stylist can control the size and tightness of your curls by selecting a large or smaller rod to wrap your hair around during its treatment. Find a picture of the kind of curls you want, and bring it with you when you talk to your stylist to make sure that they know exactly what they're going to do for you. You don't want to walk in asking for a loose wave and walk out with Shirley Temple ringlets. Your perm can last anywhere from two to six months, so make sure you get it right the first time.

If it's a more relaxed do that you're looking for, there are hair relaxing products that are available in drugstores and salons, but it's probably best to seek professional help. The process of hair relaxing walks a fine line between healthy hair and hair that will wash out with the relaxer during your rinse, so you want to have experience on your side. Make sure that your stylist examines your scalp, to be sure that the chemical used in the process won't come into contact with broken skin, and make sure your stylist performs a strand test to determine how your hair will weather the treatment. Hair relaxing has to be re-performed about once every six to eight weeks in order to maintain the original look, and your hair will require a lot of extra attention to stay healthy, so only seek a relaxing treatment after carefully considered thought.

Many of these treatments are not very expensive but they are high risk. Considering the fact that if anything goes haywire you could stand to loose much of your hair. Seeking professional help is a good idea, they should be able to access if your hair can take the beating these chemical give it, on the other hand a new look is not always worth it.

Hair perms and relaxers are a great way to change the way you look. However refrain from trying any of these yourself at home. Because when it comes to your hair simply hit and miss just does not cut it.