Air Wave Perm

We are excited to be the first salon in the Washington DC/Northern Virginia area to offer the Air Wave perm using the state-of-the-art Air Wave machine from Takara Belmont! Created in Japan, the Air Wave perm uses new and innovative technology that will create a soft, beautiful curl in your hair without damaging your locks! Unlike traditional perms where your hair is curly when wet, curls from an air wave perm reappear once your hair dries. Like any perm, however, you do need to be sure you are using quality styling products and have a good understanding of how to maintain and style your hair. Our highly trained stylists are happy to assist with both product recommendations and styling tips/tricks!

The Air Wave machine, invented by Takara Belmont, employs a new shape-memory system. The entire process is four steps. The first step in the process is a common step shared with traditional cold perms and newer, hot digital perms: softening the hair to receive the curl. The second and third steps are unique to the Air Wave perm. In the second step, called “Creeping,” the Air Wave machine allows the natural water particles in the hair to create movement. It then swells the cortex cells to create waves by optimizing and controlling temperature and moisture levels of the hair. In the third step, called “Glass Transition,” the hair is gently dried, where the circulating warm air allows the hair to “memorize” the new waves of the cortex cells and cell membrane complex. Throughout this step, the temperature of the air is only 53–60℃ (127-140℉), which is what makes the Air Wave technique safer for your hair than digital hot perms. The futuristic machine, once connected to the rods in the hair, does make one think they are being prepped for a scene in a sci-fi flick, but this step is pivotal and sets the Air Wave apart from any other perm! In the final step, an oxidizing agent is applied to secure the natural waves.

While traditionally permed hair can damage already stressed hair creating a frizzy appearance, the Air Wave process substantially minimizes damage by using low heat and high quality products. Some even feel their hair is softer to the touch post-treatment!

We are excited to be the first salon in the DC area to offer this state-of-the art service. Salon Khouri stylist, Orie Hanrahan, originally from Japan, is an expert at the Air Wave perm service and we are proud to be the first to offer this exclusive service using the Air Wave machine to the Northern Virginia Area.

The futuristic machine, once connected to the rods in the hair, does make one think they are being prepped for a scene in a sci-fi flick, but this step is pivotal and sets the Air Wave apart from any other perm!

Here’s what to expect at your Air Wave appointment:

• We ask that all clients schedule a complimentary consultation prior to booking an Air Wave service. The stylist needs to examine your hair type, ask you about your hair history, and go over pricing with you.
• The scheduled Air Wave appointment will last approximately 2 hours for shoulder length hair, and could take up to 3-4 hours for longer/thicker hair.
• The Air Wave starts at $200 for shoulder length, normal volume hair for a two hour service. You can expect to pay $300 to $400 for very long or thick hair. A formal quote will be provided at your complimentary consultation.
• Your stylist will provide styling tips to you during your appointment. The stylist will also recommend high quality products to purchase at the time of your appointment to help style, protect, and maintain your investment. Using the products recommended by your stylist is essential.