Perms are making a stylish comeback for men, offering versatility and texture for almost any hair type and length.
From soft waves to tight curls, perms provide volume and allow men to experiment with unique styles, whether aiming for a natural, relaxed look or something more structured.
Here’s a guide to the top 21 perm hairstyles for men that are worth trying!
Detailed Guide to the 21 Best Perm Hairstyles for Men
1. Loose Wave Perm
Loose wave perms are perfect for men who want a laid-back, natural style. The waves are soft and not too structured, offering a casual, beachy vibe that works well for both short and medium hair.
2. Tight Curl Perm
Tight curls add a bold, structured texture to the hair. Ideal for men with thicker hair, this perm style creates a dramatic and full look that emphasizes volume. Tight curls pair well with both fades and undercuts.
3. Medium Curl Perm
A medium curl perm strikes a balance between loose waves and tight curls, adding both volume and structure. This versatile style works well for men who want some definition in their hair without it looking too curly.
4. Beach Wave Perm
Beach wave perms give a relaxed, surfer-inspired style that looks like natural waves. These loose, tousled curls are ideal for men who want to keep their style casual and easygoing.
5. Spiral Perm
Spiral perms involve tight, defined curls that add substantial volume and texture to the hair. This style is particularly suited to those with longer hair, as the spirals create a unique and standout look.
6. Afro Perm
The afro perm works well for men with naturally curly or short hair, giving it a rounded, voluminous shape. It’s perfect for creating a soft, textured afro that stays in place and adds an impressive silhouette.
7. Body Wave Perm
This loose perm style is all about creating volume and movement. The body wave perm enhances the natural body of the hair without adding tight curls, making it ideal for men who want a subtle, low-maintenance look.
8. Root Perm
The root perm focuses on adding volume only to the roots, lifting the hair for a fuller look. Ideal for men with fine or straight hair, a root perm adds lift without changing the texture throughout the length of the hair.
9. Undercut with Perm
Combining an undercut with a perm on top, this style offers a sharp contrast that’s modern and bold. The shaved sides bring focus to the curly top, giving a unique and fashionable twist on traditional undercuts.
10. Curly Pompadour
A permed pompadour features curls styled high for volume. The combination of curls and height makes this style eye-catching and bold, perfect for men who enjoy a vintage twist on a modern classic.
11. Low Fade with Perm
With a low fade leading into permed curls on top, this style is a subtle, clean look that’s modern and easy to maintain. The low fade blends seamlessly with the curls, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings.
12. High Fade with Perm
This high-contrast style combines a high fade with tight curls on top, creating a bold, dynamic look that emphasizes the top curls. The high fade draws attention upward, making it a popular choice for those who want a distinctive look.
13. Textured Fringe Perm
The textured fringe adds curls to a fringe cut, bringing layers of volume to the front. This style works well for men who want to frame their face with natural curls and layers.
14. Shaggy Perm
A shaggy perm gives a relaxed, layered look that’s reminiscent of 1970s rock stars. The loose curls and layers make this style perfect for medium-length hair, creating a laid-back and effortlessly stylish appearance.
15. Side-Parted Perm
For a more structured appearance, a side part with permed texture is a perfect choice. The side parting allows the curls to fall naturally on one side, giving an asymmetrical and stylishly refined look.
16. Curly Quiff
The curly quiff combines the height of a quiff with the natural texture of permed curls, creating a voluminous and wavy finish. This style is ideal for men who like a lot of volume with a unique twist.
17. Slicked-Back Curls
Slicking back permed curls is an easy way to achieve a classic look with a modern edge. This style combines the texture of curls with a neat, polished appearance, suitable for formal occasions or professional settings.
18. Curtain Perm
Curtain perms, featuring loose, middle-parted curls, offer a nostalgic ’90s vibe. The curtains frame the face and provide a casual, effortless look that works well on longer hair.
19. Mohawk Perm
A mohawk with permed curls is a daring and edgy style that adds volume and texture to the traditional mohawk shape. This style is great for those wanting a statement look with a mix of classic punk and modern fashion.
20. Taper Fade with Perm
A taper fade combined with permed curls creates a sophisticated look with a stylish edge. This clean-cut hairstyle suits professional environments while maintaining personality and flair.
21. Permed Mullet
The permed mullet is a throwback style with a modern touch. The curls soften the back while adding volume to the overall look, making it a stylish choice for those who appreciate a retro yet trendy hairstyle.
| Perm Hairstyle | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Loose Wave Perm | Provides natural, soft waves for a casual, laid-back style that looks effortless. |
| 2. Tight Curl Perm | Creates tighter curls for a bold and dynamic look, best suited for thick hair. |
| 3. Medium Curl Perm | A balanced curl pattern that offers structure and volume without being too tight or loose. |
| 4. Beach Wave Perm | Mimics natural beach waves, ideal for a relaxed, surfer-inspired look. |
| 5. Spiral Perm | Adds defined, spiral curls throughout the hair, perfect for a unique and voluminous style. |
| 6. Afro Perm | Works great for short hair, giving a soft, rounded afro shape with volume and texture. |
| 7. Body Wave Perm | A looser perm that adds body and movement, perfect for a subtle style with lift. |
| 8. Root Perm | Adds volume at the roots only, giving a natural lift and making it ideal for flat hair. |
| 9. Undercut with Perm | Combines a shaved undercut with permed curls on top, creating a bold contrast. |
| 10. Curly Pompadour | Adds a perm to a traditional pompadour style, creating a voluminous, wavy top. |
| 11. Low Fade with Perm | A low fade paired with permed curls for a clean, contemporary style with a textured top. |
| 12. High Fade with Perm | Features a high fade with tight curls on top, offering a bold, modern look. |
| 13. Textured Fringe Perm | Adds curls to a fringe cut, giving a stylish, layered effect with curls falling to the front. |
| 14. Shaggy Perm | A loose, layered look with soft curls, perfect for a relaxed, retro-inspired style. |
| 15. Side-Parted Perm | Combines a side part with a permed texture, creating a structured yet casual look. |
| 16. Curly Quiff | Permed curls styled into a quiff for height and volume with a wavy finish. |
| 17. Slicked-Back Curls | A classic, refined look with permed curls slicked back for a neat appearance. |
| 18. Curtain Perm | Features middle-parted, loose curls for a classic, bohemian style reminiscent of the ’90s. |
| 19. Mohawk Perm | Pairs a mohawk with permed curls for a daring and edgy look with added texture. |
| 20. Taper Fade with Perm | A taper fade with permed curls on top for a clean, professional look with style. |
| 21. Permed Mullet | Combines a mullet cut with perm curls for a retro look with a modern twist. |
FAQs – Perm Hairstyles For Men
1. How long does a men’s perm last?
A typical perm lasts between 3 to 6 months, depending on hair type, texture, and how well it is maintained.
2. Can men with short hair get a perm?
Yes, many perm styles work well on short hair, including tight curls, root perms, and afro perms.
3. How do I maintain a perm?
Use sulfate-free shampoo, apply a deep conditioner regularly, and avoid heat styling as much as possible to keep curls defined.
4. How much does a men’s perm cost?
The cost can vary from $50 to $200 depending on the salon and complexity of the perm style.
5. Are perms damaging to hair?
Perms use chemicals that can dry out hair, so proper hydration and conditioning are essential to maintain healthy hair after a perm.
6. Can straight hair be permed to look natural?
Yes, various techniques like loose wave and body wave perms can add a natural-looking texture to straight hair.
Tasos Moulios is the founder of Beardlong. He loves trying different beard and hair styles and blogs about them. The tips he shares come from his own experience and love for what he does.