IMHO

Forget perms! Aside from the fumes, copd medications often prevent perms from working properly.

Look for semi-permanent hair color - it typically does not contain ammonia or bleach & usually lasts 3-4 weeks.

You may also want to consider henna. It is a natural coloring product that also leaves the hair feeling more textured. This kind of adds the body of a perm without the curls. You can do it at home, but will need someone to help as it stains the skin easily.

I do my own body perms. I also have severe COPD but it doesn't really seem to affect me.

i don't. never could stand the smell---i just love my grey "highlights" that god provided (& i have naturally curly hair ---yuk!)

I haven't gotten a perm for many years as I know the smell would bother my breathing. I do have my hair dresser use semi permanant color. The smell for the first day still bothers me and I have considered Henna. Caits Mom, what COPD meds prevent perms from working and why?
Autum if you have probs with other strong smells you might want to be careful.

Steroids can mess up perms. I can't explain why, but it is evidently fairly common knowledge among stylists. My poor mother insisted on it anyway with 4 different hairdressers over a period of 18 months. And every time the results were a disaster. Very inconsistent curl effect, she looked like she had mange or something. I finally started taking her to a different walk-in places that only do cuts. So they could say a firm no to a perm when she asked & she would not waste her money. God, I miss her. She was a hoot.

Perms are a no for me as the fumes just cripple me but I do use a non permanant colour, no amonia or bleach. They only last about six to eight washes but it works for me.
I`m too young at heart to be grey!!!! colour gives me a boost and makes me feel good x x x

". . . she looked like she had mange or something."

LOL! I needed that. Thanks!

Thank you all,the information has been very helpful.
I just love,this group.

Great discussion. I didn't realize that steroids can wreak such havoc on perms. A perm is an absolute necessity for me, due to stringy, fine hair. Only since October have I been forced by SOB to take this medication, and I'm very thankful for this warning.

The smell during the procedure is unpleasant, but I haven't yet experienced SOB from it. The lasting perm odor can be prevented by using a product available at Sally Beauty stores, called "Curl and Lock." It is applied after the perm, like conditioner; it not only makes the lingering perm odor disappear, it prevents frizz and makes the curl last over 10 months! Not expensive, either.

I too use semi-permanent hair color, the kind with no developer that is used right from the bottle. That eliminates the smell. For a time, many years ago, I used a henna dye sold at a health food store, but haven't seen it around for years. If anyone knows where to get at-home henna haircolor, I'd appreciate the info. It always gave me an impressive red color.

We all feel better when we like our image in the mirror. So I hope you all find a solution that works for your hair, without causing breathing problems.

Here in Australia I get henna dye from Indian or Asian shops.I did not use for a few years,but got one now for $2.
I never had any problem because I did mix paste with hair condition
live for 1/2 h and is done.Health food shops here are very dear .

Autum, I have considered some highlights but so far have held off. LOL LOL all kidding aside, when i go to the stylist to get my hair and beard trimmed the fumes from the chemicals almost gags me, and I do feel my breathing constricting. I have found the earlier in the day I go the much better it is for me. Keep that in mind when you make your appointment. Take care, Bill

I just knew Bill was faking & has long dark wavy locks :)

At least this isn't one of my worries. I am due for a coloring job (got to get that grey gone) but my stylist uses a light dye very close to the natural color of my hair then we streak it by pulling pieces thru a cap with holes in it. My grey then blends very nicely with the blonde. My style is a shag - very short in the back and tapering to longer in the front. Dead straight hair works real well in this style. All I do is iron it with a flat iron and I'm ready to go. It's so nice you guys out there don't have this thing to worry about - LOL. You just have to worry about going bald. Grey looks good on men.

I get my hair colored and it doesn't bother me but a perm bothered me before I got COPD. Try an d do it 1st thing in the day. Avoid residual odors.