‘烫发’ literally means ‘to heat hair’ and refers to the cosmetic process of perming hair — using chemical solutions and heated rods to create lasting curls or waves. The character 烫 (tàng) means ‘to scald’ or ‘to heat’, reflecting the traditional use of heat in early perming techniques; 发 (fà) means ‘hair’. Though modern perms rely more on chemicals than actual heat, the name has persisted. It’s a common service at hair salons and often discussed in contexts related to personal grooming, beauty routines, or hair care.

This term is neutral in register and used in both spoken and written Chinese — for example, in advertisements, salon menus, or casual conversations about appearance changes. Unlike temporary styling methods like blow-drying or curling irons, 烫发 implies a semi-permanent result lasting several months. It’s typically paired with verbs like 做 (to do), 去 (to go get), or 想 (to want), and frequently modified by adjectives indicating style (e.g., 大卷 ‘large curls’) or effect (e.g., 自然 ‘natural’).