Men’s perms have firmly made their comeback, but not in the way some might remember. Today’s men’s perms are all about soft texture, natural movement and custom curl patterns, making it one of the most in-demand modern hairstyle transformations.
From loose, beachy waves to defined curls, perms allow men to embrace texture while reducing the need for daily heat styling. Driven by cultural influences like K-pop, TikTok trends, and a renewed love for 80s-inspired hair, men’s perms are now cooler, more versatile and more wearable than ever.
This complete guide covers types of men’s perms, loose vs tight curls, the perm process, aftercare, styling tips and professional advice, everything you need to know before booking your appointment with Rush.
Why Men Are Choosing Perms Today
Modern perm techniques focus on creating movement and texture rather than rigid, overly tight curls.
Men are choosing perms because they:
- Add volume and fullness, especially to fine or flat hair
- Work across short, medium and long hair lengths
- Reduce daily styling time
- Create a consistent curl or wave pattern that lasts
Popular influences include K-drama waves, LA surfer texture, and the Gen Z-driven “boy perm”, where curls feel effortless rather than styled. Importantly, perms today are highly customised, from loose waves and body perms to Korean-inspired volume perms.
7 Types of Perms For Men And How To Choose Yours
1. Spiral Perm
A spiral perm creates tight, spring-like curls that wrap vertically around long rods. The result is high definition and maximum volume, giving the hair a dramatic, structured curl pattern. Spiral curls fall in distinct ringlets and make a strong style statement.
Best for:
- Hair length: Medium to long hair
- Hair type: Thick, dense, or naturally straight hair that needs shape
- Ideal curl pattern: Defined and tight curls with a noticeable bounce
Style Inspiration:
- Modern rock-inspired curls with lots of movement
- Streetwear looks paired with layered cuts
- Statement curls worn loose or pushed back behind the ears
Why choose the Spiral Perm? Choose a spiral perm if you want eye-catching definition, strong shape, and curls that hold their structure throughout the day. It’s perfect for men who want a bold transformation rather than a subtle wave.
2. Body Wave Perm
A body wave perm creates soft, flowing waves that add natural-looking volume and movement without forming tight or structured curls. The result is an effortless, lived-in texture that enhances the hair’s shape while keeping it relaxed and wearable.
Best for:
- Medium-length hair
- Fine or flat hair
- Ideal Curl pattern: Loose and soft
Style inspiration:
- Casual, everyday texture
- Relaxed grooming with movement
Why choose it? Ideal for men who want fuller-looking hair with natural flow, rather than defined curls. A body wave perm creates a subtle texture that’s easy to style and works effortlessly for both everyday wear and smarter looks.
3. Natural Wave Perm
A natural wave perm is a softer, more subtle technique designed to replicate the look of naturally wavy hair. It creates gentle, irregular movement through the lengths, adding texture and softness without looking overly styled or structured.
Best for:
- Short to medium hair
- First-time perm clients
- Ideal Curl pattern: Soft, irregular waves
Style inspiration:
- Minimal styling looks
- Casual everyday wear
Why choose it? Choose a natural wave perm if you want to add texture and subtle movement to your hair without creating defined curls. It’s perfect for men who prefer a relaxed, effortless look that enhances natural hair flow while keeping styling simple and versatile.
4. Loose Wave Perm
A loose wave perm creates soft, natural-looking waves that move freely through the hair. This technique adds gentle bends and texture without forming tight curls, resulting in a relaxed, effortless style that enhances the hair’s natural flow and body.
Best for:
- Medium to long hair
- Straight hair that needs movement
- Ideal Curl pattern: Loose waves
Style inspiration:
- Beach-inspired texture
- Undone, effortless styles
Why choose it? Choose a loose wave perm if you want effortless, natural-looking texture that enhances your hair’s movement without requiring daily styling. It’s perfect for men who prefer a relaxed, low-maintenance look that works with their natural hair flow while still adding volume and dimension.
5. Korean-Inspired Perm
A Korean-inspired perm prioritises soft shape, lift, and natural volume rather than tight curls. It’s designed to add gentle waves and body, particularly around the fringe and crown, creating a polished yet effortless look. This perm enhances facial features, adds texture, and gives hair a modern, fashionable flow that’s easy to style.
Best for:
- Medium-length hair
- Fine or straight hair
- Ideal Curl pattern: Loose waves with volume
Style inspiration:
- K-pop and K-drama styles
- Polished but modern looks
Why choose it? Choose a Korean-inspired perm if you want to add natural volume and shape while maintaining a sleek, polished appearance. It’s perfect for men who want texture and lift without creating tight curls, allowing hair to look effortless yet styled and modern.
6. Short Hair Perm
A short hair perm adds texture and movement to cropped or cropped-and-faded styles, transforming otherwise flat hair into a lively, dimensional look. Even subtle waves or curls can dramatically enhance shape, create volume, and give short hair a modern, stylish edge.
Best for:
- Cropped or faded styles
- Fine hair needing lift
- Curl pattern: Tight or wavy texture
Style inspiration:
- Textured crops
- Modern fades with curl contrast
Why choose it? Choose a short hair perm if you want to elevate a cropped or faded style with subtle texture and movement. This perm adds interest and dimension, giving the hair a fuller, more dynamic appearance while remaining easy to style and maintain. It’s ideal for men who want short hair that looks effortlessly modern and versatile.
7. Long Hair Perm
A long hair perm adds flowing curls or waves throughout longer lengths, creating movement, body, and natural bounce. It enhances the hair’s texture while allowing for versatile styling, whether you want soft, romantic waves or more defined, fashion-forward curls.
Best for:
- Shoulder-length hair or longer
- Men looking for statement texture
- Ideal curl pattern: Loose to defined
Style inspiration:
- Artistic, fashion-forward looks
- Natural curl movement
Why choose it? Choose a long hair perm if you want effortless movement and texture throughout your lengths. It’s perfect for men who enjoy expressive, statement-making hairstyles without spending hours styling. This perm adds natural body, volume, and versatility, allowing for both relaxed, tousled looks and more polished styles
Men’s Perm Explained, Step-by-Step
Consultation & Pre-Perm Evaluation
Your stylist will assess hair history, thickness, porosity and condition, discussing curl size and checking for damage or contraindications like recent bleaching.
Preparation
Hair is shampooed, sectioned and paired with the correct rod size. A tailored cut may be recommended to enhance the final shape.
Wrapping & Applying Solution
Hair is wrapped onto rods, and the perm solution is applied. Processing time varies depending on hair type and desired curl strength.
Neutralising & Unwrapping
The neutraliser locks the new curl structure in place, ensuring longevity and definition.
The First 48 Hours
Avoid washing, hats, tying hair tightly or excessive touching to allow curls to fully set.
Maintenance & Aftercare for Men’s Perms
Essential Products for Men’s Perms
- Sulphate-free shampoo: Preserves moisture and curl shape
- Hydrating conditioner: Reduces dryness and frizz
- Curl cream: Defines and softens curls
- Sea salt spray: Enhances texture for loose perms
- Mousse: Adds lightweight volume
- Light gel or balm: Provides hold without crunch
Daily Routine For Healthy, Defined Curls
Wash hair around twice a week, apply leave-in conditioner to damp hair, scrunch curls gently and air-dry or diffuse on low heat. Refresh curls with water and cream on non-wash days.
Pros of Getting A Men’s Perm
- Long-lasting curls without daily heat
- Increased volume and texture
- Customisable to your personal style
- Helps enhance thinning or flat hair
Professional Advice, Why Seeing a Stylist Matters
A professional stylist ensures your perm suits your hair type, lifestyle and expectations. Correct rod selection, solution strength and technique prevent uneven results and damage, and help curls last longer.
Key Perm Styling & Trends
Men’s perms are becoming more adaptable, styled sleek for work or textured for weekends. The shift towards effortless grooming, multicultural influences and natural texture is set to continue well into 2026 and beyond.
Book Your Men’s Perm Appointment
Ready to transform your look? Book an appointment at Rush and let an expert stylist guide you to the perfect perm. You’ll receive personalised advice on style, products, aftercare and long-term curl maintenance to ensure the best results.
FAQ’s
A men’s perm typically lasts 3-6 months, depending on your hair growth rate and how well it’s maintained. Proper aftercare and professional products can help extend the life of the curl pattern.
Most hair types can be permed, but results vary based on texture, length, and hair health. A professional consultation ensures your hair is suitable and helps determine the best perm style for you.
When performed by a professional and followed with proper aftercare, perms cause minimal damage. Using quality products and avoiding excessive heat helps keep hair healthy.
You should wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair to allow the curls to fully set. Washing too soon can weaken or loosen the perm.
Yes, short hair can absolutely be permed and is great for adding texture, movement, and volume. The key is having enough length to wrap the rods properly for defined results.
