A Perm Gone Wrong: TikToker Shares Her Hilarious Styling Mishap

Holifil

03 Apr, 2025

A young woman went to a salon expecting bouncy curls but walked out with hair that looked like it had just been blow-dried.
She shared her experience on TikTok, showing the stark contrast between her expectations and reality, sparking laughter and advice from viewers.
Social media users were cracking up, with some suggesting she ask for a refund and others offering to fix her hair themselves.
Briefly News caught up with hair expert Lusanda Tyawana to explore how to achieve those perfect perm curls.

A young woman hoped to leave the salon with bouncy curls but instead walked out with an afro. Image: @mahooko Source: TikTok

Perms have been a staple in hairstyling since the '60s, '70s, and '80s, giving hair a voluminous and curly look that many adored. Even today, the style has evolved but remains a favorite for those seeking long-lasting curls. But what happens when the perm doesn't turn out as expected? That's exactly what happened to a TikToker under the handle @mahooko.

This local lady was hoping for a transformative perm experience, the kind that would leave her with bouncy, voluminous curls. Instead, she walked out of the salon with hair that looked suspiciously like it had just been blow-dried. Let's dive into her story and what went wrong.

What She Expected vs. What She Got

In her TikTok video, @mahooko showcased a series of images that set the stage for her perm dreams. These reference pictures featured perfectly styled, voluminous curls—exactly the kind of look she was hoping to achieve. She was brimming with excitement as she entered the salon, ready for her transformation.

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However, her excitement was short-lived. When she finally revealed her finished look, her curls were nowhere to be found. Instead, her hair appeared flat and straight, leaving her utterly disappointed. It was as if she had simply received a blow-out rather than the perm she had hoped for. Check out her TikTok video below to see the full story unfold.

Why Do Perms Sometimes Fail?

To get to the bottom of this styling mishap, the Briefly News team reached out to hairstylist and salon manager Lusanda Tyawana. We wanted to know why perms sometimes don't take as expected or fail to create the desired curls. Here's what she had to say:

"There are several factors that can contribute to a perm not turning out the way you want. Overly damaged or resistant hair, incorrect perm solution, or improper rod selection can all play a role. Additionally, mistakes like too short a processing time, improper neutralization, or using an expired perm solution can all lead to disappointing results."

We also asked Lusanda whether hair type or previous treatments, such as bleaching or straightening, could impact the outcome of a perm. Her response was clear:

"Absolutely! Hair type and prior treatments can significantly affect how a perm turns out. If your hair has been bleached, chemically straightened, or is overly damaged, it may struggle to hold curls properly. In some cases, it might even break or result in uneven, frizzy strands instead of the desired bouncy waves."

Preparing for a Successful Perm

So, what can someone do to ensure the best possible outcome when getting a perm? Lusanda shared some valuable advice:

"A perm isn't like other hairstyles. Before you go for it, make sure your hair is in its natural state. This means avoiding treatments like bleaching or relaxing for several weeks or months beforehand to prevent excessive damage. Deep condition your hair regularly leading up to your appointment to keep it strong and hydrated. Lastly, always consult with your professional stylist. They should assess your hair's readiness for a perm and provide clear feedback on what to expect."

Mzansi Reacts to @mahooko's Styling Mishap

The TikTok video quickly gained traction, attracting thousands of views and comments from social media users who found the situation both hilarious and relatable. Some viewers sympathized with @mahooko, urging her to return to the salon and demand a refund. Others joked about helping her fix her hair themselves.

A young woman was left heartbroken after seeing how her hair turned out after her salon visit. Image: @mahooko Source: TikTok

User @thulisilehlathe shared:

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"Ake tshege (I'm not laughing)... but I am 😅😅😅."

User @nthabisengnorah86 added:

"Etla ketlogo dira (come let me perm you)... seriously though, I can help! 😅"

User @Madise♡ said:

"Makabelo kekopa relo lata tjhelete ya hao (Let's go fetch your money)... you deserve better than that! 😭😭😭😅😅"

And User @user80076292566658 chimed in:

"😂😂 Ke blow... honestly, it's more like a blow-out than a perm!"

Three More Hairstyling Stories from Briefly News

A young woman left the salon in tears after paying for a hair installation that she ended up removing immediately after finishing. It was a disaster from start to finish.
A woman vented her frustration on TikTok after spending R500 on a graduation hairstyle that left her thoroughly disappointed. Sometimes, you just don't get what you pay for.
A young lady decided not to return an R13,500 wig that started shedding noticeably on the fourth day after purchase. It goes to show that even high-end products aren't always perfect.