How to perm hair for men

5 min read

A young man wearing a striped shirt and a green jacket is looking into a mirror wondering if he should perm his straight hair.

In recent years, the perm haircut for men has made a remarkable comeback, redefining modern men's hairstyles with a fresh twist. This new popularity reflects a broader trend embracing textured hair with lots of volume that adds character and style. If you’re a fan of wavy hair, a perm for men might be the trim for you. But how to perm hair for men? And what are the men’s perm styles? Join us as we find out.

Different perm styles for guys

Perm hairstyles for men can vary, each suited to different hair types, lengths, and facial structures. Navigating this world of curls can be confusing, but that’s why we’re here to help. With that in mind, here are some of the different perm styles for guys:

The classic perm. Possibly the most popular men’s perm style. Featuring tight, uniform curls, this style is suitable for medium-length hair and works well with round or oval faces by adding height and volume on top.
The body wave perm. This perm provides a more subtle wave, adding texture and volume without the tight curls of the classic perm. Ideal for longer hair, this long hair perm style complements all face shapes, particularly those of us with finer hair looking to add body.
The spiral perm. Creating intense, defined spiral curls, this perm suits longer hair that can handle the weight of the curls. This one’s best for square or angular faces, as it can soften the facial features.
The spot perm. The spot perm focuses curls in specific areas rather than throughout the entire head, working as a short perm for men. It’s perfect for adding volume where it's needed or for targeting particular sections of hair to create a unique style.
The root perm. The root perm lifts the hair at the roots, providing volume - an excellent choice for men with thinner hair. It works well with most hair lengths and face shapes, particularly on those looking to add fullness to the crown of the head.
The fade perm. One of the most popular perm haircuts for men, this style can work as a short perm for men or more of a long hair perm style - if you want a bit of length on top, and works well for most face shapes and hair types. If you're cutting this style at home, make sure you use high-quality clippers, like the Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000. The multi-guard set offers complete flexibility, whether you’re going for a tapered fade or experimenting with different lengths altogether. And you’ll get the job done faster thanks to an extra-wide 41 mm stainless steel hair clipper that means you can cut more with every stroke. The 2 ear-taper guards mean you’ll get evenly blended tapering results with ease, too.

All of these perm styles can work well with a beard. For more tips and tricks on how to match your beard to your hairstyle, check out our dedicated guide.

How to do a perm at home for guys

Now we know some of the perm hairstyles for men, let’s take a look at how to do a perm at home for guys.

What you’ll need for that curly hair perm for men:

Clarifying shampoo
A comb
Your preferred perm kit
A neutralizer (if your perm kit didn’t come with one)
A hairdryer

A step-by-step guide for how to do a perm at home for guys:

Preparation: Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue that might affect the perm's effectiveness. Avoid using conditioner as it can weigh down the hair.
Sectioning the hair: Once your hair is dry, use the comb to divide it into four sections. Secure each section with hair clips.
Applying perm solution: Put on your gloves and apply the perm solution to each section of hair. Wrap small sections around the curler before applying the solution to ensure even coverage and precise curls.
Processing time: Follow the instructions on your perm kit regarding the duration the solution should be left in your hair. This varies depending on hair type and the intensity of curls desired.
Rinsing: Once the processing time is up, gently rinse your hair with warm water without removing the curlers or disturbing the curls.
Neutralizing: Apply the neutralizer to fix the curls in place. Leave it on for the recommended time, then rinse it out thoroughly.
Drying: Use your hairdryer to gently dry your hair without using a brush. Cup your curls in your hands to help them retain their shape.

There we have it: how to perm hair for men. If you don’t get it quite right the first time, don’t panic! You can always wash your perm out or just relax it a little by using shampoo and conditioner. If you’re apprehensive and not quite sure you’re ready for an at-home perm, you can always visit your barber and see how they do it. This will give you the chance to ask any questions you might have.

If you’re not quite sure the perm style is for you, but you still want a bold new look, check out the wolf cut. We’ve even got a guide explaining exactly how to style one yourself.

What you need

All-in-One Trimmer

Series 9000

MG9510/60

21 pieces: face, head & body

Precision trimming guard

Self-sharpening steel blades

Premium stainless steel handle
4.5 (369 reviews)

Overall rating 4.5 / 5
View product

How to maintain your wavy hair perm for men: Tips and FAQs

You’ve braved the at-home perm and you’re happy with your bouncy and slick new style. To keep your perm looking fresh and give it that just-styled look, maintenance is key. Thankfully, we have a few tips and tricks that will make maintenance a breeze:

Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after perming.
Use shampoo and conditioner designed for chemically treated hair.
Regular deep conditioning treatments are essential to keep curls hydrated and frizz-free.

Perms typically last anywhere from three to six months, depending on your hair type and how well you maintain it. It’s a good idea to plan a few touch-ups every few months to maintain the style.

FAQs:

Can all hair types be permed? Most hair types can be permed, but very fine or heavily damaged hair should be treated with caution.
Is perming harmful to hair? Like any chemical process, perming can damage the hair if not done correctly. Using quality products and following up with proper hair care can help protect your hair from damage.

By following these guidelines and using quality products, achieving a stylish male perm at home is entirely possible. Whether you aim for subtle waves or dynamic curls, a perm can be a great way to enhance your look with volume and texture. Happy perming!

How to perm hair for men