Chemical treatments are used to alter the properties of your hair to create a completely new look for your hair. Normal at-home heat styling like blow drying or using a curling iron offers a temporary change in your hair that lasts between shampoos. Chemical treatments take the same idea and make it last much longer, for periods of weeks or months.
Perms (short for permanent) are used to curl or straighten your hair. The perm technique involves breaking the protein bonds within your hair and forcing them into a new shape that will last for up to six months. A relaxer also uses a formula to break the protein bonds within your hair to make it straighter, and often also changes the texture. Depending on hair length, the effect of these chemical treatments will last anywhere from six to twelve weeks.