Men’s perms have been getting more and more popular over the last few years – and nope, they’re not just for the ladies. When you hear the word “perm”, you might picture the springy ringlets of the ’80s, but modern perms are a lot more natural and customizable.
Perms are a fantastic way to refresh your look, boost your confidence, and breathe new life into your hair. They give your hair added texture, volume, and movement, and they’re surprisingly low-maintenance.
Whether you’re looking to achieve natural-looking waves or curls, or just want to switch things up for a fresh, new vibe, a men’s perm might just be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Here’s everything you need to know about men’s perms before booking your next appointment.
How does a men’s perm work?
So, what exactly is a perm, and how does it actually work?
Perms are a semi-permanent hair treatment that completely reshapes the structure of your hair. They’re most commonly used for turning straight hair into waves or curls, but they can also relax waves and curls into a straighter finish.
During the perming process, your stylist applies chemical solutions to break down your hair’s natural bonds, wraps your hair around rods or rollers to restructure it, and then neutralizes it to lock in the new shape.
The end result is textured, natural-looking waves or curls that last even after washing.
What types of men’s perms are there?
Modern perms are incredibly versatile and customizable, and there are a wide range of styles you can choose from, depending on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for subtle, beachy waves or bold, dramatic curls, there’s a perm style for you.
Perms can even be targeted to specific sections. A root perm adds lift and volume at the roots, and a down perm reduces lift at the roots to make your hair more manageable. And if you wear your hair faded or shaved at the sides, a perm can be applied to just the longer pieces on the crown of your head.
Here are some of the most popular men’s perm styles.
Korean perm
The Korean perm is one of the most popular styles right now, especially if you like that soft, natural, tousled look. Inspired by Korean celebrities and K-pop idols, the goal is subtle, effortless, and natural-looking waves.
There are several variations within Korean men’s perms, including:
- Wavy perm: loose, tousled waves with texture and volume
- Leaf perm: soft, wavy bangs that frame your face
- Gail perm: combines root boosting and flattening to bring more attention to your face
Korean perms are perfect if you want to add subtle texture and movement to your hair, but don’t want it to look overly-styled. The waves are loose, airy, and relaxed – sort of like a polished bedhead look.
Digital perm
Just like Korean perms, digital perms are created to look very natural, but the curls are more structured and defined.
Digital perms use a combination of chemical solutions and heated rods to create soft, defined, and natural-looking waves. The addition of heat allows for more precision and better curl retention, and it can actually last longer than traditional perms in some cases.
Originating in Japan and Korea, this method works very well for thick and ultra-straight Asian hair, which can be resistant to traditional perming methods.
Most men’s perms are actually done using the cold perm method, which doesn’t involve the use of heat. However, digital perms for men are possible – just less common, and require the hair length to be longer.
Beach wave perm
For that laid-back, surfer vibe, a beach wave perm gives you natural, tousled waves that make it look like you just stepped out of the ocean. Your stylist will use rods of different sizes to create loose, irregular waves, giving your hair more of a casual, lived-in feel. Vacay vibes all day, everyday.
Tight curl perm
If bold and dramatic is more your style, then a tight curl perm is the perfect statement look. This style gives you tighter, more defined ringlets with plenty of bounce and volume.
Down perm
If you struggle with unruly hair, down perms can help make it a lot easier to manage. Your stylist flattens and lifts different parts of your hair, giving it a new “shape”. No more having to deal with cowlicks or frizz.
How long does hair have to be for a men’s perm?
To achieve a successful perm, your hair needs to be at least 2 inches long. This gives your stylist enough hair to wrap around the rod to create waves or curls. However, if you want a more defined shape to your waves or curls, medium-length or longer hair will provide better results.
In general, the longer your hair, the more dramatic and visible the results will be. For shorter hair, a perm is a great way to add subtle texture, definition, and movement.
Not every salon specializes in perms, so it’s important to do your research before booking. A skilled stylist will evaluate your hair type and face shape to make sure your perm enhances your natural features, while keeping your hair healthy during the process.
If you’re unsure of what perm style would suit you best, book a consultation at PERFECT X HAIR. Our stylists take into consideration your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle to ensure you get the perfect perm that complements your overall look and fits into your daily routine.
Can perms be done on thinning hair?
Perms can absolutely be done on thinning hair, and in many cases, they can actually help to make your hair appear fuller. Perms lift your hair at the roots and provide more body and texture, giving the illusion of fuller and more voluminous hair.
However, if your hair is excessively thinning, a perm is not recommended. Your stylist will assess your hair health and condition to see if a perm is the right move for you.
Can coloured hair be permed?
It is possible to perm coloured hair, but only if your hair is in healthy condition.
If your hair has been bleached, however, it’s best to wait until the bleached sections have grown out and been trimmed. The perming process may not work on bleached hair, and the chemical solutions used can also cause unnecessary stress to damaged hair.
Not sure if a perm will work on your hair? Book a consultation with one of our highly-skilled stylists at PERFECT X HAIR, and we can evaluate your hair’s condition and determine the safest way to achieve the look you want.
Do perms damage your hair?
Perms use chemical solutions that break down your hair’s natural structure, which can potentially cause damage if not done correctly. That’s why it’s essential to visit an experienced salon that specializes in perms.
A skilled stylist can minimize any damage by adjusting the concentration of the solutions or the heat of the curling rods (for digital perms), based on your hair’s condition.
Are men’s perms high-maintenance?
One of the biggest advantages about men’s perms is that they’re actually quite low-maintenance. You don’t need to style it every single day, which cuts down a lot of time during your busy morning routine.
That said, it does require a bit of aftercare to keep it looking fresh and healthy.
Now that your hair has been locked into its new waves or curls, it’s important to use products suited to your new hair texture. The perming process also makes your hair more vulnerable to dryness, so you’ll need to ensure your hair is hydrated.
Your stylist will recommend the best products to use according to your hair texture, as well as the best way to maintain your new style.
How long does a men’s perm last?
The longevity of your perm depends on a few different factors:
- How quickly your hair grows
- Your hair type
- How well you maintain it
- The type of perm
With proper aftercare, your perm can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Over time, your perm will naturally loosen into softer, more relaxed waves. And when you’re ready for a refresh, you can visit the salon for a quick touch-up to help maintain the shape.
Should you get a men’s perm?
If you’re debating whether a men’s perm might be worth it for you, here are the benefits of getting one:
- Adds instant volume and texture to your hair
- Makes your hair appear fuller
- Creates natural-looking waves or curls
- Reduces time spent styling
- Refreshes your overall look
If your hair tends to fall flat, a perm can help create body and structure to your hair. It’s an excellent way to change up your look and add some personality if you’re bored of the same style.
Get your perfect men’s perm at PERFECT X HAIR
Perms are an excellent way to transform your look and elevate your style, especially if you’ve been wearing the same old haircut for years. Plus, they add natural texture and volume to your hair without having to put the effort into styling it every single day.
Modern perming methods allow for plenty of customization, so you can get the exact look you want. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or bold transformation, there’s a wide range of men’s perm styles to suit your taste and lifestyle. It’s no wonder so many men are embracing waves and curls.
At PERFECT X HAIR, our expert stylists specialize in creating custom perms suited to your face shape, hair type, and personal style. Our goal is to help you enhance your natural features while also making everyday styling a lot easier.
Ready for your next hair transformation? Book an appointment at one of our four convenient locations in Toronto and discover the perfect men’s perm for you.
