Los Angeles HAIR GUIDE
Down Perm or Scissor Cut for Side Control?
Decide between chemically flattening your hair or shaping it with a tapered cut to achieve a sleek profile.
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Choosing between a down perm and a scissor cut to control the hair on your sides comes down to one main goal: Do you want to flatten the hair you have, or remove it to create a shorter, graduated shape? A down perm is a chemical service that redirects hair to lay flat against the scalp, reducing puffiness. A tapered or faded cut uses scissors and clippers to reduce bulk by shortening the hair. Both can achieve a sleek profile, but they require different consultations and upkeep.
Down Perm for a Sleek, Flattened Silhouette
This chemical service redirects hair that grows outwards, making it lie flat against the head for a smooth, controlled look without significant length removal.
A down perm is a solution for hair on the sides and back that resists lying flat, often creating a puffy or bulky silhouette. The service alters the hair's texture at the root, allowing it to be styled downwards for a neater, more rounded head shape. It's an ideal choice if you want to maintain some length on the sides but eliminate volume.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- Based on my hair's health and any prior chemical treatments, am I a good candidate for this service?
- How will this style grow out over the next few weeks, and what will the maintenance be like?
Best For:
- • Hair that naturally sticks out at the sides and back.
- • Creating a compressed, neat silhouette without cutting the hair very short.
- • Achieving a specific, smooth shape seen in many modern Korean hairstyles.
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
The effect is temporary, as new hair will grow in with its natural texture. You'll need to consult your stylist about a schedule for reapplication.
Scissor and Clipper Cuts for Graduated Shaping
This approach uses cutting techniques like tapering and fading to remove bulk and create a clean, structured shape by gradually shortening the hair.
Instead of chemically altering the hair, a tapered or faded cut controls the sides by physically removing weight and length. A taper provides a more subtle, soft graduation in length, often done with scissors and clippers, while a fade offers a higher-contrast look that can go down to the skin. This method is about creating a sharp silhouette through precise cutting.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- Would a soft taper or a more defined fade better suit my head shape and hairstyle?
- How often will I need a touch-up to keep these lines looking sharp and clean?
Best For:
- • Anyone who prefers a very short, clean finish on the sides and back.
- • Managing thick, dense hair by removing significant weight.
- • Creating a defined, structured outline that contrasts with the length on top.
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
This requires regular trims to maintain the clean lines, as the hair will grow out and soften the shape. The frequency depends on how fast your hair grows and how sharp you want the look to be.
Hybrid Approach: Combining a Down Perm with a Taper
For ultimate control, stylists can combine a down perm on the upper sides with a taper or fade closer to the hairline for a highly polished, custom shape.
This popular technique offers the best of both worlds. A stylist can apply a down perm to the area where the longer top hair meets the sides, ensuring it lies flat and connects seamlessly. Below that, they can use clippers to create a clean taper or fade. This hybrid approach manages both the direction of the hair and its bulk, resulting in a meticulously groomed style.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- Could we combine a down perm with a taper to manage both the puffiness on top and the hairline below?
- Where would the transition point be, and how would that affect the overall shape of my haircut?
Best For:
- • Achieving a very specific and polished silhouette.
- • Managing hair that is both puffy and dense.
- • Creating a smooth, flawless transition from a textured or voluminous top to clean sides.
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
Maintenance involves both the grow-out of the perm and the length of the taper. You'll need to discuss a personalized upkeep schedule with your stylist.
Consultation Tips for Side Control
Ask about the grow-out phase for each option
New hair growth will have your natural texture, creating a line of demarcation with a down perm that needs reapplication. A tapered cut simply gets longer and softer, requiring a trim. Understanding how each style evolves helps you plan for maintenance.
Before You Book
Find photos with a similar hair type
When looking for inspiration, try to find portfolio examples where the hair seems to have a similar texture and outward growth pattern to yours. This helps you and your stylist set realistic expectations for the final result.
Compare portfolio photos and discuss your goals with a stylist.