Both "soft curls" and "curly perms" are thio based chemicals making them incompatible with traditional relaxers. They also both require the hair to be wet when rolled on the perm rods. Blotting the rolled hair with paper towels prior to applying the neutralizer to the perm rods is also the best way not to dilute the neutralizer and to deliver a firm set of curls.
Now, for their differences:
1) The curly perm is for those who have a smooth, straight hair from the start, and they want more curl and texture in their hair.
The soft curl system starts with a "rearranger" which is more of a thio-based relaxer to reduce the existing over-curly hair pattern before rolling the hair up into a new curl pattern.
2) The curly perm does not require any chemical application to the hair until after the hair is completely rolled on the perm rods.
The soft curl system exposes the scalp to chemicals from step one and throughout the rolling of the hair which could take 45 minutes for thicker hair in small slices to ensure proper neutralization can take place. Hair rolled too thick will make it hard for the neutralization of all the strands on the perm rods.
3) The curly perm requires a plastic cap to prevent the hair from air drying during the average 20 minutes processing time but not required during neutralization time.
The soft curl system requires a plastic cap during processing time and neutralization time.
4) The soft curl system has one extra chemical step than the curly perm.
5) Some Type 3 curl patterns could potentially use the curly perm to soften their curl pattern or use the "soft curl" process for a more aggressive rearrangement of curl pattern. Type 1 hair type would be a typical candidate for a curly perm. Type 3c and Type 4 hair types would be a typical candidate for soft curls.
By the way, many people still equate the soft curl to the "jheri curl" minus the "drip." Better technology. Smile.
Hello, can you tell me wish is the curly perm? Can you use the quantum extra body perm on African-American hair?
ReplyDeleteQuantum is a curly perm. It can not be used on relaxed hair. African American hair that is chemical free can use the Quantum curly perm but it depends on the wave pattern. If it will not roll properly then it is not going to work properly.
DeleteThanks for replying. Can you use any of these products if you previously had a Brazilian keratin treatment?
DeleteIf the hair is heat damaged, then any chemicals should be used with caution.
DeleteCan one use Soft Curls to loosen 4c coils without rodding? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSoft curl rearrangers are relaxers with a thio based agent. What does the term loosen mean to you? Soften? Elongate? Soft curl Chemicals are designed to straighten and reform a new curl pattern.
DeleteYes. I want to have my 4c hair more wavy and curly....not kinky and nappy. Please recommend some soft curl brands please.
ReplyDeleteWave Nouveau has three strengths of rearrangers. Many other brands have with been discontinued with this natural hair movement. Some brands have limited strengths. Assuming that your type 4c hair is resistant, then you want a rearranger that will completely straighten the hair before rodding it into the new curl pattern. I would recommend the white perm rods for a moderately tight curl pattern. Sally's Beauty Supply stores usually sell the Wave Nouveau system.
DeleteYes. I want to have my 4c hair more wavy and curly....not kinky and nappy. Please recommend some soft curl brands please.
ReplyDeleteOn a separate note, we need to love our hair as God gave it to us, but the Wave Nouveau is the trusted brand for soft curls.
Delete