I've had the answers from Design Essentials for quite some time. However, I was trying to wait and see whether or not they were going to allow me to post any of their curly perm pics on the blog. Natalie has explained to me why this might be a difficult decision and basically I understand. But if they end up sending me some pics, you know I'll post them.Here goes...
Will you please give a brief history of the Wave by Design line?
Mr. Cornell McBride, Sr. founded McBride Research Laboratories (MRL) in December of 1990. As a chemist and former owner of M&M Products Company, Mr. McBride brought decades of scientific and hair industry experience to MRL. Wave by Design was the first brand launched under the MRL family and introduced two products: Define & Shine 2N1 Dry Finishing Lotion and Mist & Shine Dry Finishing Spray. These two products were designed to refresh, refine and moisturize permanent waves, texturizers, dry and natural curls. Today, Wave by Design offers a suite of products for creating and maintaining permanent waves. The Wave by Design brand also continues to experience great success while 2N1 consistently holds steady as a top selling MRL product!
What makes Wave by Design different from other curly perms?
Wave by Design is a professional strength permanent wave system that can only be applied by a licensed cosmetologist or professional hair stylist. However, Define & Shine 2N1 Dry Finishing Lotion and Mist & Shine Dry Finishing Spray are available for consumer use and purchase. All Wave by Design products are formulated with gentle, non-drying ingredients to create beautiful, healthy permanent waves on multicultural hair textures. These products infuse moisture-rich conditioners which is essential for permanent wave styles. Most importantly, Wave by Design is ensured with the MRL Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back philosophy.
I read/hear a lot of complaints about the fragrance or lack thereof when it comes to curly perm maintenance products. Have you ever considered or would you ever consider a different fragrance for your maintenance products?
Historically, permanent wave products do not offer cosmetically appealing fragrances. Fragrances can increase the cost and interfere with the performance of the product. MRL understands this challenge and has specifically formulated the Wave by Design Professional Strength Rearranger and Permanent Wave Booster with a low thio fragrance so that it is not as harsh on the senses as traditional permanent wave chemicals.
Do you have a recommended maintenance routine for Wave By Design wearers?
Absolutely!
1. Visit a licensed, professional hair stylist for a hair consultation about your desired permanent wave style. Be sure to discuss your hair history, current lifestyle, maintenance requirements/techniques, and future hair aspirations.
2. Your hair stylist should follow MRL instructions for Wave by Design application. We recommend using the entire system for best results: Professional Strength Rearranger, Moisture Wrap Wave Booster, Wave Lock Conditioning Neutralizer, Define & Shine 2N1 Dry Finishing Lotion, and Mist & Shine Dry Finishing Spray.
3. Apply Define & Shine 2N1 Dry Finishing Lotion, and Mist & Shine Dry Finishing Spray daily to seal in moisture and sheen. Shampoo and condition weekly with Design Essentials for at home maintenance.
Excessive dryness is a chief complaint among curly perm wearers - do you have any tips for combating this issue?
Dryness is the NUMBER 1 CAUSE OF HAIR BREAKAGE. MRL recommends several tips to keep hair hydrated and healthy:
1. Eat a well balanced diet of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins like fish and chicken. Reduce the intake of fried foods and foods high in unhealthy fat and cholesterol. Remember, you are what you eat.
2. Drink WATER, WATER, WATER to hydrate the body from the inside out. This will increase the hair’s moisture level too.
3. Your hair stylist should follow MRL instructions for Wave by Design application. We recommend using the entire system for best results: Professional Strength Rearranger, Moisture Wrap Wave Booster, Wave Lock Conditioning Neutralizer, Define & Shine 2N1 Dry Finishing Lotion, and Mist & Shine Dry Finishing Spray.
4. Apply Define & Shine 2N1 Dry Finishing Lotion, and Mist & Shine Dry Finishing Spray daily to seal in moisture and sheen. Shampoo and condition weekly with Design Essentials for at home maintenance.
5. Sleep on satin or silk pillowcases to retain the hair’s moisture level.
How important is it to exclusively use Design Essential maintenance products when wearing a Wave By Design?
MRL recommends the use of other MRL brands (Design Essentials, Therapeutics Rx, Colaura) on permanent wave styles. As a company, we stand by our products and have thoroughly researched how Wave by Design permanent waves will respond to other MRL products. MRL products work together to create the healthiest, most stylish hair possible. However, we also recommend visiting a professional hair stylist for a customized MRL product prescription that will suit the needs of your hair type, texture, and lifestyle.
Is it okay to wear your hair straightened while wearing a Wave By Design? If so, do you have any advice when it comes to straightening curly permed hair?
Yes, it is okay to wear your hair straightened, but not too frequently. Hair that has been processed with an ammonium thioglycolate permanent wave is designed to stay moisturized for curl definition and separation. Heat or straightening hair utilizing heat will remove moisture from hair which can lead to dryness and breakage. As a general guide, only straighten hair no more than once a month, maintaining that straight style for no more than three days. Weak or damaged hair should be straightened even less frequently.
When straightening permanently waved hair, be sure to use an ionic blow dyer like the pHusion Express Tourmaline Blow Dryer, and a ceramic iron like pHusion Professional Ceramic Styling Irons which helps hair to maintain moisture while using heat.
