i do everything my self....i been perming since i was in hs. I've always been a 'try it my self' kinda person....you never really know your talent until you start doing these things yourself. First i started with perming, then styling, then coloring, trimming bangs/ends etc. Last year is when i realized that i can put my own extensions in! many times i would not finish cuz it would take me a day to put in braids to my whole head, but i never knew i can braid until i tried...Then i started doing my nails my self, eyebrows, eyelashes, everyting! don't be scurred to perm your hair yourself. just follow the instructions and be sure to follow the time!...over processing is a biatch!...a perm should NOT stay in your hair for more than 20 min. Anything after 20 min you looking for trouble....the only thing i would not do is cut my hair in a short style like how i have it now....the only time i go to the barber/hairsalon is to shape up my edges and cut my hair, other than that, straight self-styling for me...my pockets have never been happier :)