Ready to switch up your style and join the curly hair trend? The man perm is back! But before you write it off as an 80s look, let us tell you today’s man perm is way more modern, with style and texture for on-trend curly results.
You can even do it yourself with an at-home perm kit, which is online or at most drugstores. It sounds scary, but trust us, it’s easier than you think!
What is a Man Perm?
Are you thinking of trying the man perm? Keep reading for some serious inspiration, and learn how to do it yourself!
A perm, short for “permanent wave,” is a process that creates curls or waves in the hair using thermal or chemical treatments. A perm specialist will apply a chemical solution that breaks down the hair structure. The hair will then be wrapped around rods, and the size of the rods will determine the size of the curls or waves. After the solution sets, a neutralizer will lock in the new shape, giving you long-lasting texture and volume.
Men’s perms are versatile and modern. Depending on your style, you can have loose or tight curls. A perm adds volume and fullness to all hair types and lengths. Depending on your hair length and curly style, the process can take from 1 to 5 hours.
What’s a Loose Perm?
We can thank soccer players for popularizing the loose perm for men. As the name implies, a loose perm has more relaxed and wavy curls rather than tight or winding. It’s softer and more natural on the crown of the head. To achieve these loose curls, your stylist will apply curlers to your hair before applying the perm solution that penetrates the hair shaft and changes its structure. After that, a neutralizer is applied to lock in the new waves. The Korean perm is a great example of this style, known for its subtle and effortless waves.
A loose perm is an excellent option if you’re not ready to fully commit to tight curls or want a more relaxed look. It’s perfect for longer hair, as the waves won’t be as visible on shorter cuts.
Tight and Loose Perm Hairstyles for Men This Season
1. Loose Waves Man Perm
Note that a perm doesn’t always mean tight spiral curls. Ask your stylist for a looser wave if you want a more laid-back 70s look.
A loose wave perm for men adds texture and volume and gives you a relaxed, beachy vibe for a casual, effortless style.
2. Bleach Blonde Loose Perm
Lighten up your man’s perm with bleach-blonde curls and make a statement with two hair transformations at once. But as we mentioned earlier, combining a perm with bleaching can be harsh on your hair, so be sure to moisturize those strands regularly!
This combo allows men to have a modern, edgy style while still looking laid-back and natural. Whether you want to totally change your look or just try something new, the bleach blonde loose perm is a showstopper and versatile for all occasions.
3. The “Wear It Wild” Male Perm
A medium-length, tightly coiled perm gives you a messy, adventurous look full of texture and personality. Pair this with a well-groomed beard to balance out the boldness of the curls and not let your hair overpower your face. Let your fresh curls be the star of the show—skip the hair products and let the natural volume and movement do the work.
This look is all about wild, voluminous curls and a natural rugged look. It’s perfect for men who want to express themselves and break free from the norm. The “Wear It Wild” perm is a showstopper and versatile for those who want to stand out boldly.
4. Overgrown Fade Perm for Men
Get natural-looking curls with a medium-sized perm, and ask your stylist for a slightly overgrown fade to combine two trends in one. This haircut and texture combo adds height and depth to your style with minimal maintenance.
The lines of the fade blend into the volume on top perfectly, making it a versatile and bold haircut. Whether you like messy and undone or polished and defined, the overgrown fade perm has endless options for those who want to level up their style and stand out.
5. Close Beard
Here’s another example of how a close shave can balance out the boldness of the perm. Many men are hesitant to go curly because of the added height and volume; all that texture can feel overwhelming.
Streamline your curls with Bed Head for Men Pure Texture Molding Paste or a men’s hair gel to tone down the look. Pair this with a well-groomed beard to dial down the drama and look more polished.
6. Tight Man Perm Bowl Cut
You might be thinking, “A bowl cut? Really?” But a curly style like a man’s perm can revive this old-school look. Retro styles are making a comeback, so it’s no surprise this haircut is back.
A tight man perm bowl cut is a modern take on the classic bowl cut. It adds texture and curls to the look. Perms add volume and body to your hair, making it look fuller and more lively. For men with fine or thinning hair, a perm is a great way to create the illusion of thicker, more voluminous hair while giving the bowl cut a modern twist.
7. Side Part Perm for Men
Try changing up your part as you style your new perm. You might be surprised how a simple switch of your part can change the entire look of your face and highlight different angles and features.
The side part perm is a stylish and versatile haircut that combines the sleek classic look of a side part with the volume and texture of curls. This modern look is for men who want to balance structure with boldness, perfect for casual and formal occasions. With the side part perm, you can go naturally with your curls and look polished and defined—perfect for men who want to level up their style without losing versatility.
8. Statement Man Perm
Do you have red hair and want to make a statement? This curly style is perfect for showcasing your bold hair color. It features medium-sized curls that add volume to the roots for a 3D look.
The statement man perm is about making a statement with a haircut that reflects confidence, individuality, and flair. Unlike subtle curls, the statement perm is designed to be loud, with tight or loose curls, added volume, and unique styling techniques to create a show-stopping look. It’s for men who want their haircut to be as bold and dynamic as they are.
9. Side Shave
A side shave with longer curls on top is a great way to amplify the impact of a man’s perm, a high-contrast look with multiple lengths and textures. This bold style is for men who want to look exciting and dynamic, with the smoothness of the shaved sides against the volume and movement of the curls.
The side shave is super versatile, whether you want a dramatic, edgy look or a more refined, polished vibe. It can be paired with undercuts and fades, mohawks, and pompadours. It’s so versatile that it’s perfect for men who want to express themselves while having a hairstyle that can fit any occasion.
10. Curly Half-Updo
Do you have a longer perm? Now’s the time to try out different styles. From a classic half-updo to a half-up man bun, there are many ways to show off your curls. To create a cohesive look, consider balancing the length of your curls with a closely shaved beard for a polished look.
The curly half-updo is a stylish, modern haircut that combines the natural texture of curls with a clean and structured look. Pulling the top section of hair back while leaving the rest loose, this haircut is the perfect combination of structure and casual chic. Whether you secure it with a hair tie, clip, or even braid for added detail, the curly half-updo is highly customizable so that you can style it to your liking.
This works great for men with curly or wavy hair, as the curls add texture and movement to the updo. The smooth top section against the loose curls is a great contrast and adds depth to your overall look.
How to Man Perm Yourself?
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Wash your hair with neutral shampoo (do not use conditioner) to remove dirt, oils, or product buildup. Towel dry your hair so it’s damp but not soaking wet.
Use a tooth comb to detangle your hair; no knots or tangles.
Step 2: Roll Your Hair with Perm Rods
When you buy an at-home perm kit, you’ll also need perm rods, which come in different sizes 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 to keep the ends smooth while wrapping and prevents frizz or damage. Then, wrap the hair 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, making sure each section is neat for a uniform curl pattern.
Step 3: Apply the Perm Solution
Wear plastic gloves to protect your hands when handling the perm solution. Your perm kit will have a permanent wave solution, which restructures your hair to create the curls you want. Make sure to saturate each section of your hair thoroughly so that the solution covers all the curls.
Once you’ve saturated your hair, put on a shower cap to help trap the heat and allow the solution to work. Leave the solution on for the time specified in the kit’s instructions, usually 10-20 minutes. Check one test curl after 10 minutes to see the pattern. If you like the curl, proceed with the next steps; if not, leave the solution on for a few more minutes.
Step 4: Rinse and Neutralize
Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair with lukewarm water while still wrapped in the rods. Rinse for 5-10 minutes to remove all the perm solution. Make sure the rods don’t unroll during this step to keep the curls intact.
After rinsing, apply the neutralizer from your perm kit to each rod. The neutralizer sets the curl pattern. Leave it on for the time specified in the instructions, usually 5-10 minutes.
Once the neutralizer is set, remove the rods and rinse your hair again to remove the neutralizer. Be gentle with your curls; don’t pull or tug to keep the new curl shape.
Step 5: Dry and Style Your Hair
After rinsing, gently blot your hair with a towel to remove excess water. Don’t rub your hair, as this can cause frizz and disrupt the curl pattern.
Let your hair air dry to preserve the curls for best results. If you must use a blow dryer, attach a diffuser to prevent frizz and keep the curls in shape. The diffuser spreads the air evenly so it won’t disrupt the curl formation.
Once your hair is dry, apply a curl cream or mousse to define and moisturize your curls. This will keep your curls fresh, smooth, and defined all day.
Step 6: Post-Perm Care
After the perm, wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair to allow the curls to set properly and for long-lasting results.
When you start washing your hair again, choose a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to keep your curls healthy and moisturized, prevent dryness, and keep them in shape.
To keep your hair moisturized and reduce frizz, do a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week. This will keep your curls soft and easy to manage.
Use heat tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers minimally to preserve your perm. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant to protect your curls from damage.
