10 Trending Perm Styles for Men Right Now

For those looking to switch up their hairstyle and embrace the recent curly hair trend, the man perm is making a strong comeback! But before you dismiss it as an outdated ’80s look, let us assure you that today’s man perm is far more modern, incorporating style and texture for perfectly on-trend, curly results.

You can even achieve this look yourself with the help of an at-home perm kit, which is available online or at most drugstores. While it might sound daunting, there’s no need to worry—it’s much easier than you might think!

What is a Man Perm?

Are you thinking about giving the man perm a try? Keep reading for some serious inspiration, and learn how to achieve this trendy style yourself!

A perm, short for “permanent wave,” involves creating curls or waves in the hair using thermal or chemical treatments. A perm specialist will begin by applying a chemical solution that breaks down the structural bonds in your hair. Your hair will then be wrapped around rods, and the size of these rods will determine the final size of your curls or waves. After the solution sets, a neutralizer locks in the new shape, giving you long-lasting texture and volume.

Men’s perm hairstyles offer a versatile and modern look, allowing for loose or tight curls depending on your personal style preferences. A perm’s added volume and fullness can complement various hair types and lengths. The process can take anywhere from one to five hours, depending on your hair’s length and the desired curl style.

What’s a Loose Perm?

We can thank soccer players for popularizing the loose perm for men. As the name implies, a loose perm features more relaxed and wavy curls rather than tight or winding, creating a softer, more natural look on the crown of the head. To achieve these loose curls, your hairstylist will apply curlers to your hair before using a perm solution that penetrates the hair shaft and changes its structure. Afterward, a neutralizer is used to lock in the new waves. The Korean perm is an excellent example of this style, known for its subtle and effortless waves.

A loose perm is an excellent option if you’re hesitant about fully committing to tight curls or want a more relaxed look. It’s especially suited for longer hair, as the waves may not be as noticeable on shorter cuts.

Trending Tight and Loose Perm Hairstyles for Men This Season

1. Loose Waves Man Perm

It’s worth noting that choosing a perm doesn’t always result in tight, spiral curls. Ask your stylist for a looser wave if you want a more laid-back, 70s-inspired look.

A loose wave perm for men can add texture and volume, giving your hair a relaxed, beachy vibe that’s perfect for a casual, effortless style.

2. Bleach Blonde Loose Perm

Lighten up your man’s perm with bleach-blonde curls and make a bold statement with two hair transformations at once. However, as noted earlier, combining a perm with bleaching can be harsh on your hair, so be sure to hydrate those strands regularly!

This eye-catching combination lets men achieve a modern, edgy style while keeping a laid-back, natural feel. Whether you’re aiming to entirely reinvent your look or just want to experiment with something new, the bleach blonde loose perm offers a standout yet versatile option for various occasions.

3. The “Wear It Wild” Male Perm

A medium-length, tightly coiled perm creates a tousled, adventurous style that’s full of texture and personality. Pair this look with a well-groomed beard to balance the boldness of your curls and prevent your hair from dominating your face. Let your fresh curls take center stage—skip the hair products and embrace the natural volume and movement they provide.

This look celebrates untamed, voluminous curls and embodies a rugged, natural aesthetic. It’s perfect for men who want to express their individuality and escape conventional styles. The “Wear It Wild” perm offers a striking, versatile option for those ready to stand out confidently.

4. Overgrown Fade Perm for Men

Achieve natural-looking curls with a medium-sized perm, and ask your stylist for a slightly overgrown fade to combine two trendy looks in one. This haircut and texture pairing effortlessly add height and dimension to your style with minimal upkeep.

The sharp lines of the fade blend seamlessly into the voluminous curls on top, creating a versatile and bold hairstyle. Whether you prefer a messy, tousled appearance or a more polished and defined look, the overgrown fade perm offers endless possibilities for those aiming to enhance their hairstyle and stand out.

5. Close Beard

Here’s another great example of how a closely shaven beard can perfectly balance out the boldness of a perm. Many men hesitate to embrace the curly hair trend due to the added height and volume, and all that texture can feel overwhelming.

To soften the look, streamline your curls with a product like Bed Head for Men Pure Texture Molding Paste or a men’s hair gel. Pairing this with a well-groomed beard will help tone down the drama and create a more polished, balanced appearance.

6. Tight Man Perm Bowl Cut

You might be thinking, “A bowl cut? Really?” But a curly style, like a man’s perm, can breathe new life into this once-dated look. With the resurgence of retro styles, it’s no surprise that this haircut is returning.

A tight man perm bowl cut offers a modern twist on the classic bowl cut, adding texture and curls for a fresh, dynamic look. Perms add volume and body, making your hair appear fuller and more lively. For those with fine or thinning hair, a perm is an excellent way to create the illusion of thicker, more voluminous hair while giving the bowl cut a contemporary edge.

7. Side Part Perm for Men

Change things up by adjusting your part as you experiment with styling your new perm. You might be surprised by how a simple shift in your part can dramatically affect the overall look of your face, highlighting different angles and features.

The side part perm for men is a sophisticated and adaptable hairstyle that combines a side part’s sleek, classic charm with the added volume and texture of curls. This modern look is perfect for those who want to balance structure with a touch of boldness, making it ideal for both casual and formal occasions. With the side-part perm, you can embrace natural curls while maintaining a polished, well-defined appearance—perfect for men seeking to enhance their personal style without losing versatility.

8. Statement Man Perm

Have red hair and want to make a bold statement? Opt for an all-over man perm. This curly style is perfect for showcasing your vibrant hair color, with medium-sized curls that add volume to the roots, creating a truly dimensional look.

The statement man perm is all about making a lasting impression with a hairstyle that reflects confidence, individuality, and flair. Unlike subtle curls, the statement perm is designed to stand out with tight or loose curls, enhanced volume, and unique styling techniques that create a distinctive, head-turning look. It’s the perfect choice for men who want their hairstyle to be as bold and dynamic as they are.

9. Side Shave

A side shave with longer curls on top is an excellent way to enhance the impact of a man’s perm, offering a high-contrast look that blends multiple lengths and textures. This bold style is perfect for men who want to create an exciting and dynamic appearance, with the sleekness of the shaved sides juxtaposed against the volume and movement of the curls.

The side shave provides endless styling flexibility, whether you prefer a dramatic, rebellious edge or a more refined and polished vibe. It can easily be combined with a variety of looks, from undercuts and fades to mohawks and pompadours. This adaptability makes the side shave a great choice for men who want to express their individuality while maintaining a versatile hairstyle that fits any occasion.

10. Curly Half-Updo

Do you have a longer perm? This is the perfect time to experiment with different styles. From a classic half-updo to a half-up man bun, there are plenty of ways to showcase your curls. To create a cohesive style, consider balancing the length of your curls with a closely cropped beard for a polished, well-rounded appearance.

The curly half-updo is a stylish, modern hairstyle that blends the natural texture of curls with a clean and structured look. Pulling the top section of hair back while leaving the rest loose, this hairstyle offers the perfect combination of structure and casual elegance. Whether secured with a hair tie, clip, or even braided for added detail, the curly half-updo is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your style.

This look works incredibly well for men with naturally curly or wavy hair, as the curls add texture and movement to the updo. The sleek, pulled-back top section contrasts beautifully with the loose, voluminous curls, creating an eye-catching style that adds depth and dimension to your overall appearance.

How to Do a Man Perm Yourself?

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair

Wash your hair with neutral shampoo (do not use conditioner) to remove dirt, oils, or product build-up. Gently towel-dry your hair so it’s damp, not soaking wet.

Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair, ensuring no knots or tangles.

Step 2: Roll Your Hair with Perm Rods

When you purchase an at-home perm kit, you’ll also need perm rods, which come in various widths depending on how tight or loose you want your curls. The smaller the rod, the tighter the curls, and vice versa. To start the wrapping process, take small sections of your hair and place an endpaper against the tips of the hair.

The endpaper helps keep the ends smooth while wrapping, preventing frizz or damage. Then, wrap the hair with the paper around the rod from the ends to the scalp and secure the rod in place. Repeat this process until all your hair is wrapped around the rods, ensuring each section is neat for a uniform curl pattern.

Step 3: Apply the Perm Solution

Protect your hands by wearing plastic gloves before handling the perm solution. Your perm kit will include a permanent wave solution, which is essential for restructuring your hair to create the curls you want. Make sure to thoroughly saturate each section of your hair, ensuring all the curls are entirely covered with the solution.

Once your hair is saturated, put on a shower cap to help lock in the heat and allow the solution to work effectively. Let the solution process for the amount of time specified in the kit’s instructions, typically between 10 to 20 minutes. To check if the curls have formed, unroll one test curl after 10 minutes and inspect the pattern. If the curl is to your liking, proceed with the following steps; otherwise, allow the solution to process for a few more minutes.

Step 4: Rinse and Neutralize

Once the processing time is complete, carefully rinse your hair using lukewarm water while it’s still wrapped in the rods. Rinse for 5-10 minutes to thoroughly remove the perm solution. Ensure that the rods are not unrolled during this step to keep the curls intact.

After rinsing, apply the neutralizer included in your perm kit to each rod. The neutralizer is crucial for setting the curl pattern. Leave it on for the time specified in the instructions, typically around 5-10 minutes.

Once the neutralizer has set, gently remove the rods and rinse your hair again to wash away the neutralizer. Be sure to handle your curls carefully, avoiding pulling or tugging to maintain the newly formed curl shape.

Step 5: Dry and Style Your Hair

After rinsing, gently pat your hair with a towel to remove excess water. Be careful not to rub the hair, which may lead to frizz and disrupt the curl pattern.

Let your hair air dry naturally to preserve the curls for optimal results. If you prefer to use a blow dryer, attach a diffuser to prevent frizz and maintain the shape of the curls. The diffuser spreads the airflow evenly, reducing the risk of disrupting the curl formation.

Once your hair is dry, apply a curl cream or mousse to define and enhance your curls while adding moisture. This helps keep your curls looking fresh, smooth, and well-defined throughout the day.

Step 6: Post-Perm Care

After the perm, waiting at least 48 hours before washing your hair is crucial to give the curls time to set correctly and ensure long-lasting results.

When you start rewashing your hair, choose a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to keep your curls healthy and hydrated, preventing dryness and maintaining their shape.

To keep your hair moisturized and reduce frizz, incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine at least once a week. This helps keep your curls soft and manageable.

Minimize the use of heat tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers to preserve your perm. If you need to use heat, always apply a heat protectant to safeguard your curls from damage.