Perm kits rarely come with end papers. And if you decide to do the perm at home, you probably won’t have them. But are these papers a big deal for doing a perm correctly?
If you have yet to experience doing a perm, you might not know exactly what end papers are employed for.
While processing your hair with waving lotion, you would want the strands to be firmly anchored on the rods and wrapped precisely to achieve your desired curl pattern.
And how do you make sure that? By using end papers! So that your hair does not slip away from the original wrapping pattern while you apply the lotion and rinse it out.
However, there are a few cases where you may not need them or can use an alternative. I have discussed all of this later in this article.
What Are End Papers Used For In Perms?
Let’s say you have shorter hair, like 4-5 inches long, and want loose curls. Won’t you need bigger diameter rods?
In that case, you will need to hold your hair tightly on the rods, and that’s only possible if you use end papers.
If you ask me specifically what’s their exact function, I’ll say:
- Facilitating hair wrapping: The end papers provide friction to wrap your hair smoothly and evenly around perm rods.
- Anchoring hair to rods: End papers help anchor your hair to the perm rods to prevent loose ends and maintain tension. Unique gripping end papers are particularly effective for this.
When is it Crucial to Use End Papers?
End papers with gripping capabilities are crucial for preventing frustration when perming short, coarse hair under 5 inches long. The weight of the perm rod causes short strands to slip out during processing, risking uneven curl results.
Though papers don’t fully protect hair from permanent waving solution, their friction aids tension for smooth, lasting wraps.
While anchoring your hair with ends papers, achieving a quality perm of tightly wound, balanced curls is effortless regardless of rod size.
So, if your hair is short or you are using higher-diameter perm rods and want to get a uniform curl pattern, end papers become inevitable.
When Can You Do a Perm Without Endpapers?
If you have perm rods designed to anchor and hold the hair onto them well, you may skip the end papers. However, your hair should still be long enough to get at least 2 and a half rotations around the rods.
There are also cases where you may not want to get a uniform curl pattern and instead want a more natural look; you will be good to go if you don’t have end wraps for the perm.
Some types of perm don’t require the rods. Therefore, there is no need to use the endpaper for them. Braid perms are famous nowadays, where you put your hair in the braids and then apply a perm solution to set the curls.
If you try to lay down your hair that sticks out from the sides or top of the head, you will use a Korean down perm. This type of perm doesn’t require the rods. However, it comes with endpapers that you must stick on your hair after applying the perm solution.
What To Use Instead Of Perm End Papers?
So, if you run out of perm end papers or can’t find any in the nearby drugstore, there are different things you can use as an alternative.
First of all, you can use a number of different things as an alternative to endpapers. For example, some people use a thin cotton cloth, while others use porous plastic wrap.
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to find and requires no unique supplies, then a thin cotton cloth is probably your best bet.
However, plastic wrap might be a better choice if you’re searching for a more versatile option. This is because it’s not as absorbent as cotton cloth, which will help keep the perm solution on your hair longer. Plus, it’s easy to apply and remove.
Different sizes of hair rollers, like velcro, hold hair into its wrapped pattern for hours. You can use them if you don’t have end papers.
You can use the following things as an alternative for the perm end papers.
- Velcro Hair Rollers
- Thin Cotton Cloth
- Porous Plastic Wrap
- Good Quality Tissue Paper
- Thin Parchment Paper
Best Perm End Papers If You Want To Order
1. Fuji Perfect Paper End Papers
These jumbo-sized papers are pre-folded to save time and money and come in packs of 500 sheets per bundle. They’re perfect for neutralizing any spill and provide a tight grip that won’t let go.
Fuji Perfect Paper End Papers are designed to make rolling perms easier. These endpapers pop up and can be folded in half, making wrapping your perms easy. They come in a convenient jumbo pack size that will last years.
2. Graham Beauty Salon Truewave Jumbo End Paper
The Graham Beauty Salon Truewave Jumbo End Papers are 4″ x 2.5 inches and can be used with any perm rod.
They are very absorbent and strong even when wet, so you won’t have to worry about ruining your towels or clothes during a perm session.
The self-dispensing box makes it easy for you to access the endpapers whenever you need them without digging through a messy drawer of old ones that no longer work.
Plus, they come in an attractive design that will look great on display at your beauty table!
Wrapping Up
Technically, you can do perm without end papers. However, the results may differ from what you’re hoping for and could get an undesired curl pattern. If you don’t have them, alternatives like tissue paper or thin cotton cloths can help anchor the hair onto rods firmly and make your perm successful.
