What must be done to hair prior to a perm?

Prior to performing a perm, conducting a thorough consultation and preparing the hair is essential. This process involves understanding the client's hair type, texture, and history, which helps in determining the best technique and products to use for the perm. Preparation also includes assessing the hair's condition to ensure it is healthy enough to withstand the chemical process involved in perming.

This step is crucial because it allows the stylist to tailor the perm to the specific needs of the client, ensuring optimal results and minimizing the risk of damage to the hair. The consultation can uncover any previous treatments the hair has undergone, such as coloring or chemical straightening, which may affect how the hair reacts to the perm solutions.

While conditioning the hair, cutting it, or coloring it might seem relevant in certain contexts, they are not prerequisites for successfully performing a perm and can be performed at different stages in the hair care process. Thus, proper consultation and preparation are key to a successful perm application.