Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Perm This Season (2024)

It’s official: Perm hairstyles are back and better than ever! Want to know more about this curly ‘do? You’re in the right place. Discover everything you need to know about this iconic hairstyle, including the different types of perms, the best perm haircuts, and how to ask for and look after your new curly locks.

What is a Perm?

A perm, or “permanent wave,” is created using heat and chemicals to re-bond the hair structure into a different shape—in this case, a curl or a wave.

While the OTT, first-generation perms showcased a blatant disregard for hair type, facial structure, or general upkeep, i.e. not brushing your hair at all—remember that insane tip?—permed hairstyles of today show a happy compromise between texture and restraint.

The permed hair ideas we’ve gathered below look and feel softer. Plus, they’re sexier and far more flattering.

9 Different Types of Perm Hairstyles

Discover some of our favorite types of perm hairstyles and tips to ensure that your perm lasts!

1. Body Wave Perm

Women who seek movement in their poker-straight hair tend to go for body wave perms. Achieve this slightly wavy and loose curl style with the help of larger perm rods.

2. Spiral Perm

How pretty are these corkscrew curls? To achieve this zigzaggy look, your stylist will use a small perm rod. You’ll usually see this style on shorter hair but it looks equally stunning on longer locks.

3. Spot Perm

Love classic 1930s glamour styles where just the ends have been curled? Spot-perming allows you to achieve these vintage-inspired hairdos with tight or loose curls or a mixture of both.

4. Pin-Curl Perm

You don’t always need a perm solution or rods to activate curls; use hair clips to set your hair into pin curls instead!

Like it wavy? Brush out the curls for a smooth and wavy finish.

5. Volumizing Perm

Looking to add some lift? Try a volumizing perm. On fine hair, this particular method is ideal for giving your hair a thicker and fuller appearance.

This style can be achieved on medium to longer hair lengths to create long, soft, loose curls or waves.

6. Multi-Textured Perm

For a more natural-looking curly perm, a multi-textured perm is the way to go. Long-haired women tend to love this look because the results are less defined.

7. Perms on Color-Treated Hair

Whether you have highlights, an ombré, or a full dye job, a set of curls helps your color stand out even more. That’s not to say you should be getting these treatments done on the same day, as it’s not safe to do so!

Style hair with small or big perm rods to get a tight curl or sexy body waves.

8. Vintage Waves

Create retro finger waves with small perm rods. This hairstyle is perfect for vintage-themed functions.

How does your stylist do it? They’ll wrap your hair around perm rods in a spiral motion to create tight, sultry waves.

9. Ducktail Perm

This vintage short-hair perm is a throwback to the sassy greaser look of the 1950s, where hair was combed back on each side to form a V-shape at the back of the head (resembling, you guessed it, a duck’s booty!).

This styled look is best recreated on natural curls or tightly permed hair and looks awesome with the front fringe area slightly rolled over past the forehead.

6 Top Perm Haircuts & Hairstyles to Try

Now you’ve chosen your type of perm, it’s time to discover some of the best perm haircuts and hairstyles to wear with it.

1. Loose and Rounded

Spinning off last year’s major shag trend is the soft, rounded perm, which features short permed hair in a shinier finish. This look has smooth edges but lots of volume. And, yes, perm hairstyles with bangs totally work!

2. Blunt Bob

This cherubic take on short permed hairstyles definitely has quite the late ’80s/early ’90s vibe going on, with its one-length shape and big, spirally ringlets.

This look shines best on those with softer jawlines and relatively healthy strands. Frizz-fighting contour creams, such as The Good Stuff Curl Hydration Butter, can help shape this look and protect it from the pouf.

3. Loose Curls and a Headband

Growing out your hair? Opting for a perm with looser curls will make the process infinitely smoother. Meanwhile, try matching your curls with a beaded headband for bohemian vibes.

4. Perm with Hats

If you had a fedora stage in high school, you’re definitely not alone! Dust off your favorite hat to complement your perm while protecting your skin from the sun.

Editor’s tip: Use a dollop of mousse to help define your curls as they peek out from under.

5. Floral Crown

A colorful floral crown will always be a fun choice. Spray curls with hairspray before you place the crown on top of your head to give some control and to ensure the crown doesn’t flatten your ringlets.

6. Chopped Bangs

Add extra texture to your perm hairstyle with some choppy, cropped bangs. We love how this look plays with different lengths and adds a flirty curl.

How to Do a Perm

Leave the perming to a professional; You’ll get better results and personalized advice. The process of getting a perm can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours and will typically follow these steps:

Consultation: Your hair will be assessed. If it is damaged, it will be given an intensive conditioning treatment. If it isn’t, the perming process will begin right away.

Prep: Your stylist washes and conditions your hair. Then, your stylist chooses the appropriate perm rod size based on your desired results.

Roll: Next, your stylist parts and wraps your hair around the rods.

Perm solution application: A perm solution will be applied to each rod and left on for 10 to 30 minutes to develop.

Neutralizer application: Once the perm solution has developed, each rod will be rinsed with a neutralizer solution and left on for an extra 5 minutes to help set your mane’s new shape.

Rod removal: The rods will be removed, then more neutralizers will be applied and left on for 2 more minutes. Your hair will be rinsed again with very warm water.

Styling: Finally, your hair will be styled to your chosen finish.

When it comes to perm haircuts, some stylists like to do them before perming and some after, so make sure you have that conversation.

How Much Does A Perm Cost?

Changing your hairstyle doesn’t usually require a huge investment. However, knowing the cost of a perm and its upkeep is essential, as it’s quite a long-term commitment!

The price varies based on the length of your hair:

• Short hair: $30 – $150
• Medium hair: $60 – $200
• Long hair: $80 – $400

Short hair will be the least expensive as it requires less time and product use, whereas long hair can cost more.

How much do perms cost each year? Stylists recommend getting a perm refresh every 3-6 months, so multiply the above accordingly once you’ve found out how long your perm lasts.

Perm Hairstyle Maintenance 101

1. Immediate post-perm care

If you want to keep your perm looking fly, you need to take precautions as soon as you leave the salon.

It takes 24 to 72 hours for the chemicals to fully activate, which is what keeps your curls intact. Do not wet or wash your hair for a day or two post-process. Because your curls are still malleable, you should also avoid brushing your hair or styling it any other way besides wearing it down.

2. Proper hair washing

When it’s finally time to wash your hair, opt for a moisturizing shampoo formulated to help out your curls. TRESemmé Flawless Curls Shampoo will be able to clean your hair without damaging your new curl pattern.

You should also train your hair to last longer in between washes. Using dry shampoo on your roots can help leave you with clean-looking hair between washes.

3. Hair conditioning

Even the best perm process will damage your hair, at least a little bit, so you need to be on top of keeping your hair conditioned. So after shampooing your hair, always follow up with conditioner, like TRESemmé Flawless CurlsConditioner.

Editor’s tip: Use a conditioning hair mask at least once a week to keep your hair healthy and moisturized. A mask, like Suave Professionals for Natural Hair Anti-Breakage Mask, helps deep-condition your hair without weighing it down.

4. Dry your hair

When you are drying your hair, you need to watch out for a few things.

The first thing to consider is your towel. Yep, your towel can give you a bad hair day. Opt for an old cotton tee or a thin cotton scarf you no longer wear to squeeze the moisture out of your hair. Traditional towels can be too rough on chemically treated hair and can lead to frizz.

Let your hair air dry for the ultimate damage-free solution or use the cool setting on your blowdryer with a diffuser.

5. Know what to avoid

Firstly, you have to know that chemically changing your hair structure (like what happens when you get a perm or have your hair permanently straightened) can leave your hair prone to breakage.

After you get your perm, it’s best to avoid heat-styling. Sun and swimming can also do a number on your curls. When going out into the sun for long periods of time, be sure to wear a big hat to protect your hair. Chlorine from a pool can also do damage. Most importantly, be sure to keep your hair dry, or if you are going under the water, wear a swim cap. Trust us; your new perm will thank you!

Looking for more hair inspiration? Be sure to follow us over @AllThingsHairUS!