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Experience the many sides of vibrant Athens and spectacular Santorini on this luxury trip to Greece. Discover the history of Athens, sail the turquoise waters of the Aegean on a catamaran around Santorini, and enjoy a food tour and wine tasting as you explore and relax.

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Whether seeking the ultimate in fun or peaceful solitude, the Cyclades and Crete will bring to life your greatest Mediterranean dreams on this luxury trip to Greece. Explore Athens and the Acropolis, enjoy a glass of wine on a cliff-side against the Santorini sunset, and experience a self-drive archaeological Crete. 

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7 Nights | Private Journey from $1,285 per person

Discover Athens and the treasure of Central Greece including Delphi and Meteora on this luxury trip to Greece. The city of Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, the historical capital of Europe, and a city of culture, history, and philosophy. You will be fascinated by the landscape of the monastic region of Meteora before visiting Delphi one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

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8 Night | Customizable from $2,499 per person

Ancient history, beautiful blue islands, Mediterranean cuisine—experience it all on this luxury trip to Greece. Explore Athens and see the Acropolis. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Mykonos, visit Delos, and enjoy a glass of wine on the cliffside of Santorini with a panoramic view of the Aegean below.

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Travel from the bustling city of Athens to the ancient temple at Delphi to the sun-drenched Greek Isles. There is always something fascinating to be experienced in Greece.

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Greek island tours: Our top picks

Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting scores of visitors every year. Whether it's the beaches, mountains or islands, you’ll find what you are looking for. And if you want to give your holidays an extra pop, it's always worth considering that local expertise and knowledge can go a long way.

Mykonos Island Escape: 2-Day Tour from Athens

During your stay in Mykonos, you have the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax on the pristine sandy beaches, venture through the charming streets adorned with rustic windmills and whitewashed houses, or dive into the electrifying nightlife scene, Mykonos offers an array of experiences to suit every traveller's desires.

VIP: Athens One-Day Cruise to Three Islands

The final stop on this VIP journey is the famous island of Aegina, known for its vibrant production of colourful pistachios, the magnificent Temple of Afaia, and the revered monastery of Saint Nektarios. Spend approximately 2 hours at the port of Aegina, allowing ample time to savour a cup of coffee and indulge in the renowned pistachio sweets or uncover the island's hidden treasures.

After the island explorations, you will sail back to the port and be seamlessly transferred back to Athens, ensuring a hassle-free journey from start to finish. This VIP Athens One-Day Cruise to Three Islands offers an unparalleled experience, combining luxurious amenities, expert escorts, professional guides, and the chance to discover the unique charm of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in one go.

Santorini Island Escape: 2-Day Tour from Athens

The first day grants you ample free time to immerse yourself in the magic of Santorini. Explore the charming village of Oia, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, or simply bask in the island's romantic ambience. Santorini offers a myriad of delights, from awe-inspiring views of the caldera to invigorating swims in the blue waters of the famous Red, White, and Black beaches.

Four-Day Island Tour: Mykonos & Santorini Experience from Athens

Launch this mesmerizing trip to the idyllic islands of Mykonos and Santorini with a Four Day Island Tour: Mykonos & Santorini from Athens . This adventure includes round-trip transportation, ferry tickets with numbered seats, accommodation with breakfast, and a plethora of other amenities.

Day 1 begins with a convenient pick-up from your Athens hotel, followed by a transfer to Piraeus Port. Board the ferry for a delightful 4-hour cruise, where you can admire the scenic islands of Syros and Tinos along the way. Upon reaching Mykonos Port, you'll be transferred to your hotel to get settled in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the captivating island of Mykonos at your own pace. Immerse yourself in its charming streets, marvel at the iconic windmills, and soak up the sun on its stunning beaches. As evening falls, discover the island's vibrant nightlife and indulge in its notoriously lively atmosphere.

On Day 2, after enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you'll be transferred to Mykonos Port to board the ferry to Santorini. Revel in the scenic beauty of the Aegean Sea during the approximately 2-hour journey. Upon arrival at Santorini Port, you'll be escorted to your hotel to get settled in. The remainder of the day is yours to relish the enchanting island of Santorini, known for its romantic ambience and breathtaking sunsets. Explore its picturesque towns, visit the famous volcanic sites, or simply unwind on its pristine beaches.

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12 Types of Perms, Explained

Discover which perm is best for your hair type.

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When thinking about perms, the images that come to mind span from ’80s Jheri curl mullets to Carrie Bradshaw's infamous curls in the early ’90s. But these permed styles are not just a thing of the past. Permanent solutions are back on the scene, making waves of all shapes and sizes and catering to every hair type. Whether you have limp, fine strands that crave body and volume, or are simply looking to avoid a plethora of product buildup to keep your hair's movement intact, there is a perm out there to solve your hair woes.

"Most perms work best on virgin or healthy hair, however, you can perm pretty much any hair type as long as the hair is not compromised from bleaching, previous perms, or the use of other harsh chemicals such as relaxers and so on," says hairstylist Mateo Lara.

We tapped Lara and hairstylist Briana Dunning to explain every type of perm there is.

Meet the Expert

• Briana Dunning is a hairstylist specializing in body wave perms at STRIIIKE Salon in Beverly Hills, CA.
• Mateo Lara is a hairstylist specializing in multi-textured perms at Benjamin , a salon in West Hollywood, CA.

Keep reading to learn what the experts have to say about the various perms available and which one may be best for you.

Body Wave Perm

For individuals who want to achieve body and texture to the hair, a body wave is the perm for you, according to Lara. "Body waves offer a softer, more natural-looking wave," adds Dunning. "It can also provide added texture and longer-lasting blowouts."

To create these effortless, natural-looking waves, "normally larger rods are used to create the look, giving it less of a curl," Lara explains. Larger rods and a more mild solution are the keys to this perm giving you that loose, desirable movement. The ideal hair type for this treatment? "Anyone with straight hair or inconsistent waves who wants to have more texture or wants to get a soft, natural wave," says Dunning.

Spiral Perm

"Depending on the density of the hair, spiral perms with their spiral-shaped curls are going to give medium-maximum volume," Dunning explains. The rods used for spiral perms are usually on the smaller side and applied vertically rather than horizontally. "The curls are normally tighter and last longer due to the thinner perm rods used," says Lara. "This will give a fuller, longer look to the hair."

If you're considering an all-over, voluminous curl pattern à la Sarah Jessica Parker circa 1990, the spiral is the perm for you.

Multi-Textured Perm

Dunning tells us that if you're someone with straight or wavy hair and you're looking for movement that's less uniform, with more of a natural-looking curl, you're likely striving to get the look of a multi-textured perm. Inconsistency in the curl size is what makes it look so effortless and natural.

"Multi-textured perms are my absolute favorite," says Lara, who specializes in the look. "These perms use a combination of different-size rods to create that more believable, natural-looking curl." The results are a very perfectly imperfect, natural type of movement.

Straight Perm

Not all perms are curly. The catch that differs a straight perm from other straightening treatments? Well, it's permanent. (Hence its name).

"This isn’t something people normally ask for anymore," says Lara. "They tend to do a keratin treatment or Brazilian blowout instead." While a keratin treatment or a Brazilian blowout is a semi-permanent option with a shorter lifespan that smoothes over the cuticle, a straight perm is actually entering the hair shaft and altering the bonds of the hair for a longer-lasting effect. "A straight perm is great for someone with curly or frizzy hair who wants it to be straight and smooth," says Dunning.

"There are two main types of straight perms," she says, noting that their differences lie in the type of chemical formula that's used. One formula that's "thio"-based, "is ideal for those with type 2a (wavy/curly) to 3c (curly/coily) hair," Dunning explains. "Then there's a sodium hydroxide formula, which is the better option for types 3b (curly/coily) to 4c (kinky/coily)."

Once you've tried either one of these solutions to get the straightened hair you've always longed for, Dunning warns you should never try the other formula. "Even if it’s just on the ends or you feel that it’s been a 'long time,' those chemicals are still in there and can have devastating effects, basically making the hair melt—think Nair hair removal," says Dunning. No thank you. Even the decision to do a straight perm is solidified in permanence, so be sure you're ready to commit to this look for the long haul.

Stack perms typically bring to mind a very '70s look. "This is a technique in which you use different perm rod sizes and focus on the middle and lower area of the head," says Lara. Straighter and smoother at the root, a stack perm lets the party live at the ends, like Lara explains, where along with the right haircut, it provides an effortless shape to the hair.

"This used to be a popular style method for graduated bobs," says Dunning, "giving them that stacked look." This is also how the rods are applied, stacked one on top of the other, and graduating away from the scalp as they move their way up. If you have a straight bob and are looking to add a lot of volume to your ends, Dunning suggests the stack perm as your best bet. Lara, in full support, notes a stack perm will "create fullness and a layered appearance to your hair."

Root perms are on the rise, and as you can imagine, this treatment gets applied to only the roots of the hair, matching the texture of your mid-shaft and ends. The main goal of a root perm is to create volume at the roots, and it can do this on curled or straightened hair. It's particularly great for anyone who usually blow-dries their hair, Dunning notes, saying that the bump from the rod application may be more visible if you typically air-dry.

While a root perm can also be done as a touch-up to the pre-existing perm that's grown out (similar to the touch-ups you'd get with your hair color), a pre-existing perm is not required. "The root perm is for someone who has limp hair and needs volume near the base," Lara explains. "It’s also great for frizz control, and can give the hair a bouncy appearance."

Partial Perm

Partial perms, as you'd likely guess by their name, are not applied to the entire head of hair but only to designated areas. According to Lara, partial perms work best with shorter haircuts. "It’s one of my favorites perms for shorter hair, especially on men," he explains, because of its ability to add movement and texture to the top while the sides of the hair, around the ears, and the hairline remain short and tapered.

When looking for products to maintain your perm, reach for a sulfate-free, high moisture shampoo and conditioner. "I also recommend hair oil and a deep conditioning mask from time to time, as perms sometimes create dryness," says Lara.

According to Dunning, a spot perm is commonly used to create uniformity for curly-haired strands. "Often people with curls have multiple textures to their hair, including entire sections that can be entirely straight." A partial perm provides the ability to balance out those stubborn areas and better blend in with the rest of the hair's natural movement.  

When it comes to rod size and placement, "you'll end up using whatever your stylist sees to be fit for the hair type," says Lara. The spot perm is all about meeting specific, individual needs.

Digital Perm

​​According to Lara, a digital perm is created with a "salon styling stand device machine, which uses a solution that isn’t as harsh as a classic perm and also infrared heat." The machine has detachable rods that come in different sizes and achieves a natural wave or soft curls.

Dunning adds that a digital perm is "great for more coarse/resistant textures of hair to create a soft, springy wave or curl." This updated version is also more gentle on the hair but the heat element helps to give a defined wave on more resistant hair.

Volumizing Perm

"A volumizing perm is great for individuals who don’t want curly hair necessarily but want a wave, body, and bounce to their hair," says Lara. To achieve this look, do the same steps as a classic perm minus the neutralizing, which will be done after removing the rods.

Pin Curl Perm

Usually seen on bobs and shorter hairstyles, a pin curl perm is when hair is wrapped in paper, creating the desired curl pattern, and holding it in place with a flat clip. Lara says that this technique creates soft waves and gives light volume to the hair.

Beach Wave Perm

"I love doing these types of perms," says Lara of the beach wave-style perm. "I achieve this look by using longer, medium-sized foam rollers and wrapping the hair loose and in a parallel placement." For an extra beachy vibe, leave the ends out when curling.

Dunning adds that flexi-rods are used to create an effortless, natural looking wave in hair. "This is not a springy curl, it's more of a relaxed wave. The rod size determines if there is more or less movement," she says.

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A Definitive Guide to All Types of Perms

How perms work, different types of perms, the pros and cons of a perm, how to choose the right perm for your hair type, the perming process, explained, maintaining your curls.

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During the ‘80s, tight, springy curls achieved via perms were everywhere. In the ’90s, they took a backseat to straighter styles and treatments, but they’re back and better than ever. With more curl-creating variations available today than in years past, there’s a type of perm for nearly every imaginable wave or curl and hair type and texture.

Tatiana Dudley , Moroccanoil hair stylist ambassador, says that the modern-day perm, which still relies on chemicals to alter the texture and shape, is milder, less damaging, and comes with less processing time compared to perms from the ’70s and ’80s. “Today’s perms are all about conditioning with new products to help protect the hair’s health.” Even celebrities like Katie Holmes and Emma Stone have been known to sport a perm for bodacious curls and waves that look natural. Below, find everything you need to know about all types of perms.

Meet the expert

• Tatiana Dudley is a hairstylist and Moroccanoil ambassador.
• Ursula Stephen is a celebrity hairstylist who works with the brand Living Proof.
• Lisa Estridge is a color and perm specialist at Eliut Salon in New York City.

The perm is one of the longest-standing hair treatments that continues to evolve. "A perm is short for permanent," says celebrity stylist for Living Proof Ursula Stephen . "The process permanently waves or curls the hair using chemicals and rods to add life, body, and texture to fine hair. If someone's hair is too straight, flat, limp, or doesn't hold a curl, I may recommend a perm as a styling option."

Lisa Estridge, color and perm specialist at Eliut Salon , adds that for a perm to work its curl-creating magic, the solution must utilize specific chemicals to change the hair's texture and curl pattern from the straightest of straight to curly or wavy by following the shape of the rods or rollers used.

While you may think all types of perms are the same from one to the next, they're not. The curl or wave you want, along with your natural hair type , dictates the perm that will work best. Dudley says spiral perms, body waves, and beach wave perms are trending for straight hair. "They look more like a natural wave or curl, which is why they're popular."

Perms can also be classified as cold or hot, which equates to how the perm solution sets. Dudley explains that cold or alkaline perms don't use heat during processing but rather an alkaline solution that coats the hair after being wrapped around a rod. "Cold perms result in tighter, more defined curls, much like the curly perms of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. They are also better suited for unprocessed medium or coarse hair, adding volume, or creating tighter, more defined curls." On the other hand, Estridge says that hot perms, also called acid perms, rely on heat to activate the perm and can often be used on a softer curl.

1. Spiral Perm

Best for shoulder-length hair or longer. Dudley says spiral perms create various-sized tight curls at different lengths by wrapping the hair vertically around rods. "Anyone with curly or fine low-density hair can get a spiral perm because it immediately adds volume with tight ringlet curls."

2. Digital Perm

Unlike other perms, the digital perm utilizes infrared heat through space-age temperature-controlled rods for a mix of natural-looking waves and tighter curls with a hint of added volume. It is suitable for all hairstyles. Dudley adds that the curls are most defined when dry and loose when wet.

3. Body Wave

For the loosest curl that boasts a natural wave, choose a body wave, which employs larger rods and a milder perm solution. They also add texture and volume to straighter hair that typically can’t hold a curl. Estridge says body wave perms are good for creating a soft wave or bend in any hair type.

4. Beach Waves Perm

If loose, messy, beachy waves are your favorite curls, opt for a beach perm. “It uses foam rollers rather than traditional perm rods to wrap the hair loosely for a soft wave,” Dudley explains. “Typically, beach perms also use a milder perm solution.”

5. Root Perm

A root perm adds volume a few inches off the root on straighter hair. Whether done on natural hair or as an add-on to already permed hair, a root perm can also help control frizz along the hairline.

6. Pin-Curl Perm

Ideal for all hair types, especially shorter hair, a pin curl perm creates a soft, loose wave by wrapping the hair around pins instead of rods for bouncy, springy curls. Longer, larger rods lend less of a tight curl pattern, while shorter, smaller rods make for a tighter curl.

7. Partial/ Spot Perm

Estridge says partial or spot perms can treat a particular area or section of the hair, usually the top. They're beneficial for making natural curls appear more symmetrical from one side of the head to the other so everything seamlessly blends in better.

To reverse a frizzy or very curly pattern, a relaxer, or straight perm, uses a chemical-based solution without rods, pins, or rollers to smooth out curled and textured hair. The application process differs from curl-inducing perms, making for much lengthier hair treatment with the downside of creating a lot of damage (that's why more people opt for keratin treatments ).

9. Stack Perm

A stack perm creates more of a shaggy wave with most of the texture running from the middle of the hair down to the ends. "It uses wooden sticks that are used on the hair starting at the bottom to treat the ends," Estridge explains. Your stylist can also apply it closer to the root for more volume, or the roots can be left alone for a straighter look.

10. Multi-Textured Perm

For the most natural-looking curls that aren't uniform or obvious, a multi-textured perm creates curls of varying textures by combining different-sized rollers and rods. The result is a mix of tight curls and loose waves for a natural-looking curl pattern that resembles naturally wavy hair.

11. Volumizing Perm

Good for all hair types and lengths, the volumizing perm does what its name says: it adds volume. An array of rod sizes is used throughout the hair to boost volume through a very relaxed wave.

Transforming pin-straight hair into cascades of natural-looking curls and waves with added volume and fullness has never been easier—and safer—than with a modern perm. But even though perms have gotten better and are safer, they still rely on strong chemicals, like ammonium thioglycolate, to break the hair's bonds and alter its natural shape, which can lead to dryness, some damage, and potentially breakage. "There's also the potential for over-processing the hair at touch-up appointments as well as dry hair that's more prone to breakage," Dudley explains.

Still, a perm will add volume and shave time off your regular haircare routine due to its wash-and-go capabilities, says Dudley. Although all types of perms don't last forever despite their name, on average, you can expect their effects to stick around for three to six months, depending on your hair type, length, perm type, and how you care for your hair.

Unlike hair color, which washes or fades away, a perm doesn't. The effects of a perm grows out as new hair grows in. For the most part, the regrowth transitions into a nice wave.

Before you go down a rabbit hole trying to figure out which perm is suitable for your hair type, Estridge says to consult a perm specialist to see which one is right for your hair. It's important to consider the hair's texture, length, health, and porosity, as well as the type of curl or wave you are looking to achieve, to find the right perm. Perms are rather tricky to do at home yourself, so this is one hair treatment that's best left to the experts.

On the days leading up to a perm, it's best to prep the hair as much as possible so it takes well to the service. Estridge has her clients condition their hair for one to two weeks before a perm to get it in optimal health, while Dudley recommends washing with Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo ($26) the day before a perm to thoroughly clean the hair. "If there is build-up on the hair, it can prevent the perm solution from taking and result in a less desirable outcome. Just be mindful not to over rub or scratch the scalp, which could result in irritation, burning, and pain during the perm."

Different types of perms use different-sized rods, rollers, and specific chemical-based solutions to achieve the desired effect. No matter the perm type, the steps are relatively the same. Estridge says all perms start with shampooing the hair with a clarifying shampoo. "Then, the perm has to be wrapped with the solution before it is applied to the hair," she says. "If I'm using a hot perm, the head goes under a heat dryer, but not if it's a cold perm." Then, after the perm is set, it is rinsed out and towel-dried. Finally, she says, a neutralizer is applied for five minutes, the rods are removed, and the hair is rinsed again. From start to finish, the entire perming process can last upwards of two hours, if not longer.

To maintain the curl's shape, do not wash or wet the hair, apply heat, or brush it for at least 72 hours after it is permed to allow the hair to set. While it's perfectly safe to color and highlight permed hair, Dudley says not to color it for a bit after a perm. It's best to give the hair at least four to six weeks to heal between perming and coloring it.

To keep the hair feeling soft and shiny, wash it with gentle, sulfate-free moisturizing shampoos like Ouidad Moisture Restoring Shampoo ($30) and conditioners such as CurlSmith Essential Moisture Conditioner ($26), along with weekly deep conditioning or oil treatments to help mitigate dry ends. Stephen suggests avoiding heat styling with a perm and using a wearable treatment like Triple Bond Complex by Living Proof ($45). "It helps strengthen the hair, making it resistant to future damage, and leaves the hair feeling soft and smooth," she adds. She also recommends always using a wide tooth comb on the hair instead of a brush. Finally, Dudley says regular trims for length retention are necessary since curly hair can often hide damage and breakage in the hair.

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