How to Perm Your Hair

I got my first perm in 7th grade. One Saturday, my dad told me we were going somewhere. We ended up at his hairdresser. The same one who gave him his Jheri curl in the 90s (and yes, he still has it). That day, I sat in the chair for hours. The smell was strong, the burn was real, and when it was over, my curls were gone. By Monday, everything changed. Suddenly the same kids who never looked twice were complimenting me. Boys wanted to “ask me out.” Teachers said I looked “so put together.” I didn