85 Amazing Perm Haircuts for Confident Men (2023 Hairstyle Guide)

Perm hairstyles are quite the trend lately. Although you might think of older perm styles, the one in question retains the quintessence of this perm while also combining various modern hairstyles and cuts. This can help provide a fun, new, charming and quirky look to your hair.

We’ve got you covered if you have been considering a perm hairstyle for yourself or wish to explore some options! Through this guide, you can go through all the essentials of a men’s perm, its types, various hairstyles that can work for you, how to do a perm yourself, how to ask a stylist, how to style and maintain it and more.

Let’s take a look!

85 Best Perm Haircuts for Men

Perm Fringe

Get a perm and create a front fringe for a stylish and casual look. You can also fade or taper the sides.

Perm Caesar Cut

Keep your sides relatively straight and short while leaving the top long and curly. Let the curls hang loose but bring them to the front.

Perm Comb Over 

If you have medium or long hair, you can comb your perm over to one side for an off-balanced look.

Drop Fade Perm Haircut

Perm the middle portion of your top, leave the sides short and straight and fade them gradually for different textures and a unique shape.

Fade Perm Hairstyle for Men

Grow out the top, get a fade and then get a perm to create some waves.

Permed Faux Hawk

Leave the sides faded or short and keep them straight. Perm, the middle section of the top for a faux hawk.

Bleach Hair Men’s Permed Hairstyle

About two weeks after getting one treatment, you can get the other treatment. Use any popular bleached hair color for a fun look.

Perm Hard Part Haircut

Get an undercut or fade, add a hard part on one side and sweep the perm over to the other side for a disproportionate yet stylish look.

Long Hair Men’s Permed Hairstyle

Grow your hair long and get a perm to get completely curly or wavy hair to stand out truly.

Medium Length Perm Haircut

If you have medium-length hair, you can perm it and keep it clean or even casually tousled.

Long Fringe Perm Haircut

Keep your sides short but curly and perm the front middle section. Make a fringe that falls on your forehead.

Mid Fade Men’s Permed Hairstyle

Add a slight or mid fade while perming the central top section. This can give you a cool and quirky look.

Permed Mohawk

Go all out by shaving the sides and getting a mohawk-perm for style, height, volume and edginess. You’ll need to keep maintaining the look, though.

Pompadour Men’s Permed Hairstyle

Instead of a straight pompadour, add a perm to give it curls and a more natural yet equally dramatic look.

Perm With Volume

You can add some volume to your perm by getting rid of the rods before adding the neutralizer.

Middle Part Permed Haircut

Add a middle part if you have medium or long hair. You can perm the two sections of hair, with more curls towards the bottom.

Short Hair With Perm

Short and permed hair can give a clean, settled, simple yet fun look.

Undercut Men’s Permed Hairstyle

Shave the sides and perm the top to create a nice contrast.

Types of Perm Haircuts

You can go through the two main types of perm below. These are classified based on the perming or curling technique used.

Hot Perm

A hot perm involves using some heat and an acidic solution that can allow your hair to curl easily around a rod. The pH level of the hair is altered and then brought back to normal, which can first decompose the bonds and then reestablish them to keep the curls or waves in place.

Cold Perm

A cold perm does not involve the use of heat. It only uses an alkaline solution along with some curling rods. The alkaline pH of the solution loosens the bonds in the hair, which can then make it easier for the hair to form waves or curls around the rod. Once this is done, the pH level is brought back to normal to reform the bonds to keep the waves in place.

What Is Permed Hair

A men’s perm is that which caters specifically to men’s hairstyles and cuts. Often referred to as a man perm, this hairstyle involves a chemical or thermal treatment to give you curls or waves in your hair.

Perm technically stands for permanent wave or simply permanent, implying that the curly or wavy hairstyle is bound to last for months, depending on where you get it done, the process used and the texture and health of your hair.

The thermal or chemical treatment is first applied to your hair, after which you or your stylist can use rods to form the curls or waves.

How to Perm Men’s Hair at Home 

Step 1 – Buy a perm kit

Buy a perm kit with some research and ensure it includes all the solutions and rods of the correct width.

Step 2 – Prepare your hair

Wash your hair with shampoo for hair loss can keep your hair healthy. This can clean and prepare your hair for the process.

Step 3 – Use rods

Use rods to wrap your hair around each of them. Take a few strands at a time and make sure it stays in place properly without coming off.

Step 4 – Use the permanent wave solution

There should be an acidic or alkaline permanent wave solution in your perm kit. Take it and apply it liberally to the hair that you have curled around the rods. Use a plastic covering, such as a shower cap, to cover your hair.

Step 5 – Give it time

You can take a break for around half an hour to let the reaction take place so your curls can set. The exact time can depend on the extent of curls you want, so make it a point to first read the instructions on the kit’s label.

Step 6 – Rinse it out

Use some water to rinse out the solution from your hair. Please make sure you get it out thoroughly. You can then dry out your hair a bit using a towel to prepare it for the next step.

Step 7 – Use a neutralizer

You can now apply the neutralizer to your hair to allow your new curls and waves to establish themselves in your hair. Let it stay in place for a few minutes and rinse your hair.

Step 8 – Remove the rods

Remove the rods from your hair carefully and cautiously. Add some more neutralizer if required and rinse it out in a couple of minutes.

Step 9 – Let it dry

Dry out your hair correctly and do not shampoo and condition it for 1-2 days, depending on what the instructions say.

How to Ask for The Permed Haircut

Choose a style

Just as you would pick a goatee style that suits you the best, you should also choose a perm style for your hair. Account for factors like your hair texture, face shape, and hair length. Carry a screenshot or picture for reference to show it to your stylist.

Find a stylist

Find a reliable stylist who has experience with perms. They should have durable hair clippers for the right kind of cut and style and the world’s best hairspray for men to give you the best possible experience.

Ask them for advice

If you are unsure about the style, ask them for advice about what would look good. You can also ask for advice about maintaining and styling your perm.

How to Style Permed Hair

Let your hair be

Once you already have your perm in place, you should let it be for up to 48 hours. Do not rinse, shampoo, condition, brush or style your hair during this time.

Shampoo and condition

Once two days have passed, you can start caring for your hair again. Shampoo and condition your hair right before you want to style it to have clean and fresh hair to work with.

Use hair products

You can then brush and comb your hair to create your style. Use hair products like premium hair clay, mousse or pomade to keep your style in place and to make the process of styling easier. Using hair cream can be helpful and hair gel for men is a great option.

Ask your stylist

You can visit your stylist whenever you want to style it, although this might cost you some money. If not, ask your stylist for styling advice.

How to Maintain Perm Haircut

Change your shampoo and conditioner

After getting a perm, you should only use shampoo and conditioner to provide hydration and allow your hair to keep moisture in. Look up good brands for this.

Use the right brush

Do not use the same kind of brush for straight and curly hair. Use a brush or comb with wide teeth and then use a paddle brush to detangle your hair if required.

Avoid heat

It is best to let your hair dry out naturally after washing it. Further, avoid heat on your hair if you live in hot climates by applying heat protection spray.

FAQ Men’s Permed Hair

Are perms bad for your hair?

They can be if you are not careful, so make sure you use the right kind of shampoo and conditioner to offer nourishment while also containing no sulfur. Protect your hair from heat and ask your stylist for more advice, especially if you also dye or bleach your hair.

Will my perm get curlier after I wash it?

No, it won’t. However, washing it at any point after 48 hours after the treatment will give it a more established and natural appearance to your curls or waves.

How long does men’s perm last?

You can expect it to last for up to three months. Several factors can affect the exact time period, such as the length of your hair, how often you cut it, your hair texture, your hair health, the growth rate, and the kind of hairstyle you opt for.

How do I keep my perm curly?

Do not wash or brush it for the initial 48 hours after the treatment. Protect your hair from heat whenever you go out of the house. Select a shampoo and conditioner that can support and nourish your curls and opt for nourishing treatments that can help moisturize your hair.

How do you sleep with a perm?

Use a smooth satin pillowcase so that your hair can move around quickly. Make a bun or braid before you sleep or plop your hair by applying a leave-in conditioner and then wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel. Keep the towel on all night.

How much does a perm cost for men?

This depends on your stylist, where you live, what kind of perm you want and what kind of hair you have. You can expect to spend anywhere between $50 and $200, but ask your stylist about the costs first.

Conclusion

We have taken you through everything you need to know about perm hairstyles for men, including the various styles available and how you can do, style, care for and maintain the style. Go ahead and pick a style you like best and feel free to experiment a bit.