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10 Best Hair Perm Kits 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy Gloss 5 Moisturizing No-Lye Relaxer with Shea Butter, Super, 2 Count

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,397
Hair Type Compatibility
Curl Type
Ingredients

Most important from
10549 reviews

Hair Type Compatibility
Works well on fine to regular hair types, though those with very coarse hair may need a stronger formula.
Curl Type
Delivers gentle straightening without drying out the hair or irritating the scalp.
Ingredients
The no-lye formula is kind to sensitive scalps, providing a soft, shiny, and healthy finish every time.
Ease of Use
Easy and novice-friendly application, with included aftercare products that help maintain softness and manageability.
Aftercare Products
Leaves hair feeling soft, silky, and moisturized, supporting a smooth, salon-quality appearance.

The SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy Gloss 5 Moisturizing No-Lye Relaxer is designed mainly for people with curly to wavy hair who want to straighten their hair gently. It works well on fine to regular hair types, helping to keep hair moisturized, shiny, soft, and strong, which are important signs of healthy hair after relaxing. The no-lye formula is typically less harsh than traditional relaxers, making it a good choice for those concerned about scalp irritation.

The kit comes with helpful styling and aftercare products like a moisturizing conditioner, hair crème, and a silk keratin serum to maintain softness and body after treatment. While it provides moisturizing benefits, users with very coarse or resistant hair might need a stronger formula. As with all chemical relaxers, it’s important to follow instructions closely for safe use.

This product suits those seeking a smoother, sleek look with added moisture and shine, supporting a range of curly hair types, though it might be less suited for extremely textured or damaged hair. The included aftercare items help make managing relaxed hair easier, which is especially beneficial for users new to hair relaxing.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,397
Hair Type Compatibility
Curl Type
Ingredients

Most important from
10549 reviews

Hair Type Compatibility
Works well on fine to regular hair types, though those with very coarse hair may need a stronger formula.
Curl Type
Delivers gentle straightening without drying out the hair or irritating the scalp.
Ingredients
The no-lye formula is kind to sensitive scalps, providing a soft, shiny, and healthy finish every time.
Ease of Use
Easy and novice-friendly application, with included aftercare products that help maintain softness and manageability.
Aftercare Products
Leaves hair feeling soft, silky, and moisturized, supporting a smooth, salon-quality appearance.
#2

OGILVIE, Perm, for Normal Hair, (ea.) (Pack of 2)

Rating
9.4
Hair Type Compatibility
Curl Type
Ingredients

Most important from
2970 reviews

Hair Type Compatibility
Gentle enough for fine, delicate, or color-treated hair while still providing effective results.
Curl Type
Delivers consistent, salon-quality curls that add fullness and body, trusted by users for decades.
Ingredients
The fresh scent is a welcome improvement over the harsh chemical odors typical of perm kits.
Ease of Use
Features a practical design with a drip guard to minimize mess during application, making home use easier.
Aftercare Products
Leaves hair looking conditioned and smooth without frizz when instructions are followed carefully.

The OGILVIE Perm Kit is designed for normal hair but is suitable for all hair types, including thin, delicate, and color-treated hair, making it a flexible choice for many users. It features a heat-activated formula that helps create curls or waves with less effort, and the added drip guard reduces mess during application—making it convenient for home use. The fresh scent is a nice touch, as some perm kits can have a strong chemical smell.

The kit is positioned as a professional-quality product that delivers salon-style results and is especially appealing for fine or fragile hair due to its gentle approach. While the exact curl type and processing time are not clearly specified, users may find it helpful to follow instructions carefully and consider some trial to achieve desired results.

If you’re comfortable following instructions and want an at-home perm that suits different hair conditions, this kit could be a good pick. It is advisable to ensure you have proper conditioners or treatments to maintain your curls afterward, as the kit does not mention included aftercare products.

Rating
9.4
Hair Type Compatibility
Curl Type
Ingredients

Most important from
2970 reviews

Hair Type Compatibility
Gentle enough for fine, delicate, or color-treated hair while still providing effective results.
Curl Type
Delivers consistent, salon-quality curls that add fullness and body, trusted by users for decades.
Ingredients
The fresh scent is a welcome improvement over the harsh chemical odors typical of perm kits.
Ease of Use
Features a practical design with a drip guard to minimize mess during application, making home use easier.
Aftercare Products
Leaves hair looking conditioned and smooth without frizz when instructions are followed carefully.
#3

SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Triple Nourished Silkening Relaxer No-Lye Regular Strength with Shea Butter, Jojoba and Avocado Oils, Regular

Rating
8.5
Hair Type Compatibility
Curl Type
Processing Time

Most important from
10549 reviews

Hair Type Compatibility
The relaxer is gentle enough for sensitive scalps while still delivering smooth, straightened hair without dryness.
Curl Type
It provides a sleek, salon-quality finish with soft, silky, and healthy-looking hair that shines beautifully.
Processing Time
Application is straightforward and novice-friendly, with quick processing times even on resistant hair sections.
Ingredients
The no-lye formula nourishes and maintains moisture, preventing the common dryness associated with relaxers.
Ease of Use
Application is straightforward and novice-friendly, with quick processing times even on resistant hair sections.
Aftercare Products
Neutralizing thoroughly is important to eliminate any lingering relaxer odor, ensuring a fresh finish.

The SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Triple Nourished Silkening Relaxer is designed mainly for fine to regular textured hair, especially suited for kinky, curly, and wavy hair types. It’s a no-lye formula, which tends to be gentler and less harsh on the scalp compared to lye relaxers. Enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba, and avocado oils, this product aims to maintain moisture, shine, strength, softness, and body—five signs of healthy hair, which many relaxers can sometimes strip away. This focus on nourishment is a strong point, helping hair feel smoother and look shinier after use.

While this relaxer provides a straightening effect instead of curling (since it’s a relaxer, not a perm kit for creating curls), it does offer styling products like conditioners and serums to help maintain softness and manageability. The inclusion of these aftercare products is helpful for protecting hair post-treatment, which is important for maintaining hair health.

This product is tailored for people of African descent, catering to specific hair care needs, which makes it a focused choice if you fit that profile. It’s less suitable if you’re looking for a product to create curls or waves since it straightens rather than perming. It is best for those seeking a nourishing, no-lye hair relaxer to achieve sleek, straight hair while caring for hair health, making it a solid option for relaxing and smoothing natural textured hair with added moisturizing benefits.

Rating
8.5
Hair Type Compatibility
Curl Type
Processing Time

Most important from
10549 reviews

Hair Type Compatibility
The relaxer is gentle enough for sensitive scalps while still delivering smooth, straightened hair without dryness.
Curl Type
It provides a sleek, salon-quality finish with soft, silky, and healthy-looking hair that shines beautifully.
Processing Time
Application is straightforward and novice-friendly, with quick processing times even on resistant hair sections.
Ingredients
The no-lye formula nourishes and maintains moisture, preventing the common dryness associated with relaxers.
Ease of Use
Application is straightforward and novice-friendly, with quick processing times even on resistant hair sections.
Aftercare Products
Neutralizing thoroughly is important to eliminate any lingering relaxer odor, ensuring a fresh finish.

Buying Guide for the Best Hair Perm Kits

Choosing the right hair perm kit can be a game-changer for achieving the curls or waves you desire. It's important to understand the different aspects of perm kits to ensure you select one that suits your hair type and styling needs. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking a hair perm kit.
Hair Type CompatibilityHair type compatibility is crucial because different perm kits are formulated for different hair textures and conditions. Some kits are designed for fine hair, while others are better suited for thick or coarse hair. To navigate this, first identify your hair type: fine, medium, or coarse. If you have fine hair, look for a kit that offers gentle processing to avoid damage. For thick or coarse hair, a stronger formula may be necessary to achieve lasting curls. Choosing a kit compatible with your hair type ensures better results and minimizes the risk of damage.
Curl TypeThe curl type refers to the size and tightness of the curls or waves the perm kit will create. This is important because it determines the final look of your hairstyle. Perm kits can create a range of curl types, from loose waves to tight ringlets. To decide, think about the style you want to achieve. Loose waves are great for a natural, beachy look, while tighter curls can add volume and a more defined style. Choose a kit that specifies the curl type you desire to ensure you get the look you want.
Processing TimeProcessing time is the duration the perm solution needs to stay on your hair to achieve the desired curls. This is important because it affects both the convenience and the health of your hair. Kits with shorter processing times are more convenient and reduce the risk of over-processing, which can damage hair. However, they may not be as effective on very thick or resistant hair. If you have fine or damaged hair, opt for a kit with a shorter processing time. For thicker or more resistant hair, a longer processing time might be necessary to achieve the desired results.
IngredientsThe ingredients in a perm kit can significantly impact the health of your hair. This is important because harsh chemicals can cause damage, while gentler ingredients can help maintain hair health. Look for kits that contain conditioning agents and avoid those with high levels of ammonia or other harsh chemicals. If you have sensitive skin or scalp, opt for a kit with natural or hypoallergenic ingredients. Choosing a kit with the right ingredients ensures that your hair remains healthy and strong after the perming process.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how user-friendly the perm kit is, which is important for achieving professional-looking results at home. Some kits come with detailed instructions, applicator tools, and all necessary components, making the process simpler. If you are a beginner, look for a kit that is labeled as easy to use or beginner-friendly. More experienced users might prefer kits that offer more customization options. Choosing a kit that matches your skill level ensures a smoother perming process and better results.
Aftercare ProductsAftercare products are essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your permed hair. This is important because proper aftercare can prolong the life of your curls and keep your hair looking its best. Some perm kits include aftercare products like conditioners or treatments, which can be very convenient. If aftercare products are not included, be prepared to purchase them separately. Look for kits that offer comprehensive aftercare solutions to ensure your hair remains healthy and your curls stay defined.

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