ISTHIEF Balance Perm multi perm lotion 1+2, 150 ml

ISTHIEF Balance Perm (the bottle reads "isteef") is a Korean two-step multi perm: a 150 ml step-1 lotion and a 150 ml step-2 neutralizer. The manufacturer positions it as a low-damage multi perm and puts odour front and centre: according to the manufacturer, it contains a deodorizing agent that cuts the lingering smell after the service. The same lotion covers both classic rod perms and hot (direct heat) perms.

According to the manufacturer, hydrolyzed collagen and plant grain ingredients help keep the hair in good condition during the perm. Mineral oil and moisturizers give a bouncy, firm wave and a soft shine on the surface of the hair. The brand lists six points: shine (mineral oil and moisturizers), curl strength (strong reducing action), less lingering odour (a deodorizing agent), less damage (hydrolyzed collagen), less scalp irritation (plant grain powder) and less smell while you work (grain powder and natural moisturizing factors). The reducing agent and pH are not given in the available sources, and the full ingredient list is not published on the product page.

How it differs. Iljin Keron Cysteine is a cysteine lotion for cold perms only: one processing time of 20-25 minutes with no heat, a sodium bromate neutralizer and 90 ml bottles. Iljin Acetyl Keron Cysteine is built on acetyl cysteine and cysteamine, works with heat at 60 °C or below and gives separate timings for damaged and normal hair. Beati Multi Silky Glow is an acidic pH 3.0 cysteamine solution in 400 ml pouches. Balance Perm is the only one of these where the manufacturer gives a table for four hair conditions plus a hot perm schedule at up to 90-100 °C, and suggests mixing it with an acid perm lotion for damaged hair.

We supply it made to order and ship from Korea in 2-4 weeks, with worldwide delivery.

Who it is for

• Stylists who do both classic and hot perms and want one lotion for both.
• Salons that care about smell: the manufacturer claims minimal odour during and after the service.
• Healthy, coloured and damaged hair, each with its own timing in the manufacturer's table.
• For very damaged and bleached hair the manufacturer points to an acid perm lotion, either mixed in or on its own.

FAQ

What is the reducing agent?

The manufacturer does not name it in the available sources, and the full ingredient list is not published. If you need it for your diagnosis, we will check with the supplier before ordering.

Is the acid perm lotion included?

No. The manufacturer only says that for hot perms on damaged hair Balance Perm is mixed with an acid perm lotion, and that bleached hair is permed with the acid lotion alone.

How should it be stored?

Per the warnings on the pack: in a dark place below 15 °C, away from children and direct sunlight. The manufacturer also recommends a strand test before the service.

Classic perm. Apply step 1 while winding, then process by hair condition:

• healthy hair - 10-15 minutes of heat, 10-15 minutes of natural processing;
• coloured hair - 5-10 minutes of heat, 5-10 minutes of natural processing;
• damaged hair - 5 minutes of heat, 5-7 minutes of natural processing;
• very damaged hair - no heat, 10 minutes of natural processing.

Apply step 2 once and rinse after 7-8 minutes.

Hot (direct heat) perm. Apply step 1 while winding:

• healthy hair - Balance Perm alone, 10 minutes at 90-100 °C, 10 minutes of natural processing;
• damaged hair - about 90% Balance Perm and 10% acid perm lotion, 7-10 minutes at 80 °C, 7-10 minutes of processing;
• very damaged hair - 50% Balance Perm and 50% acid perm lotion, 5-7 minutes at 60-70 °C, 5-7 minutes of processing;
• bleached hair - acid perm lotion only, 3-5 minutes at 60 °C, 5-7 minutes of processing.

Step 2: apply once, rinse after 7-8 minutes. The manufacturer notes that results depend on hair condition and the process, and the table is a guide only.