Top Perm Hairstyles to Try
Scroll down for a collection of some of our favorite perms and some tips to ensure that your perm lasts!
1. Body Wave Perm
Women who seek some movement in their poker-straight hair tend to go for body wave perms. This slightly wavy and loose curl style is achieved with the help of larger perm rods.
2. Spiral Perm
This set of tight curls resembles corkscrews. To achieve this kind of style, hair is set with a small perm rod. Generally, this method is widely used on shorter hair lengths, resulting in a more zigzaggy look.
3. Spot Perm
Some women prefer a curly look reminiscent of 1930s glamour curls, in which the ends are the only part of the hairstyle that is 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
This rod-less style is achieved by creating pincers with the help of bobby pins to secure them in place. This is an example of a style that doesn’t need a perm solution to activate the curls. Some like to get a wavy hairstyle from the pin curl perm. Simply 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 a long soft loose curl or wave.
6. Multi-Textured Perm
To achieve a curly hairstyle that leans more towards a natural-looking wave, a multi-textured perm is the way to go. Typically, this method is favored on women with long hair 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 great for a vintage-themed function. Hair is wrapped around the perm rods in a spiral motion to create tight and sultry waves.
9. Ducktail Perm
This vintage short hair perm is a throwback to the sassy greaser look of the 1950s(JPG), 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.
10. 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!
11. Blunt Bob
This cherubic take on short permed hairstyles definitely has quite the late ’80s/early ’90s vibe going on, what 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 give this look shape and protect it from the pouf.
12. Loose Curls and a Headband
Opting for a perm with looser curls will make the growing out of your hair process infinitely smoother when the time comes. Meanwhile, try matching your curls with a beaded headband for a loose bohemian vibe.
13. Perm with Hats
If you had a fedora stage in high school, you definitely aren’t alone! Grab your old favorite hat and use it as a way to protect your skin from the sun. Using a dollop of mousse helps define your curls as they peek out from under.
14. 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.
15. 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 1-2 hours and will generally follow these steps: Consultation: Your hair will be assessed. If it is damaged, it will be given 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: Then, 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.
Perm Hairstyle Maintenance 101
1. Immediate post-perm care
After leaving the salon getting your hair permed is the most important time in your fresh perms life. It takes between 24 to 72 hours for the chemicals to fully activate and keep 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. Don’t worry: All the precautions when you first get your perm ensures that you will have amazing hair for months to come.
2. Proper hair washing
When it is 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 to leave you with clean-looking hair in between washes.
3. Hair conditioning
Even the best perm process is going to damage your hair, at least a little bit, so you’ll need to be on top of keeping your hair conditioned. So after shampooing your hair, always follow up with conditioner, like TRESemmé Flawless Curls Conditioner. You should also 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. When you have your hair damp you can let it air dry for the ultimate damage-free solution or blow-dry on a cool setting with a diffuser.
5. Know what to avoid
Firstly, it’s important 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 in the sun for a long period 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!
