Flashback: Linda
Perms were big in the 1980s. A perm is the term used for a permanent wave going through hair. Technology to create a perm has been around since the 1800s but, it wasn't always popular. However, as technology evolved and gossip magazines became more popular the influence and inspiration from celebrities having this hair style influenced millions of other women to do the same.
Linda had a perm in the 1980s, not just because of it's popularity at the time but also because it was an effortless way to keep your hair looking good for months, Linda said:
"I had a perm for most of my 20's. I had it permed every three months or so. I chose the style as it was popular in the 80's, everyone had one! It was also convenient for me as I had a very active sporting life so, it meant that I didn't have to worry about what to do with my hair every day.
"Looking back, I'm so happy it was a trend as it meant my hair was barely ever a worry!"
Perms went through many stages to get to the process of how they are created today. The first perm was created by Marcel Grateau in 1872, he used hand-made tongs which were heated over gas or alcohol flame and then waved through the hair. This was not as long lasting as the perms we see today but, it was the start of the process of perming.
Other methods have included using a mixture of cow's urine and water (this was invented in 1905) by German hairdresser Karl Nessler. From this early attempt of his, he then created an electrical permanent wave machine in 1909.
From this point on various developments were made in electrical perming methods which became well established by the 1930s. The popularity of these led to the introduction of home perming kits. A popular brand of home perming kit in the 1960s/1970s in Britain was Twink.
Perm's were popular in the 1980s as they were big and full of volume, it was the perfect match for the puffy shoulder padded jackets that were also around at the time. Of course, it wasn't just women who had this permed hairstyle it was men as well - in particular male rockstars.
Although, now the perm hairstyle is not fashionable amongst women it has increased in popularity for men. Curly hair for males has become popular due to the likes of TV personality Joey Essex from the TV show The Only Way Is Essex. His curled quiff/fringe has inspired many teens and young adults to do the same.
So, whilst women might have left the perm (for now) in the 1980s, men are still championing the look!