The Return of the Perm

The man perm is making a comeback, but the perm hair for men of permanently set waves is looking nothing like the 80s’ wearable steel wool or the early 2000s’ lengthy ringlets. Instead, trendy men’s perm styles are easy-going and messy, like a cross between Adrian Grenier and Timothée Chalamet. 

Perms with a fade are also popular. Unlike their celebrity forefathers, who went for a whole head of extravagant curls, today’s man perms tend to keep the sides cut quite short, just waving what’s on top and up front.

Curly hair has resurfaced in popularity among men, and thanks to current perming methods, it’s never been easier to try out a new style ranging from tight to lose, short to long, and with a fade or undercut on the sides.

 

The Women’s Perm

But let’s start where it all began. It’s no secret that the 1980s featured some serious women’s hairstyles, from mullets to mohawks to pixie cuts. Which was the most iconic style of the era? Of course, the perm. 

The perm, a chemical treatment that created permanent curls (hence the name), became the hairstyle of a generation. Tight perms with ringlets and corkscrew curls were popular in the 1980s, with superstars such as Dolly Parton (perhaps the queen of the perm), Madonna, and Cher all using the hairstyle at some point.

And now curly hair is experiencing a renaissance. Women everywhere are adopting styles that give their hair more movement, texture, volume, and bounce, from waves to ringlets. A perm is much more than just tight spiral curls!

No wonder the guys want a piece of the cake, too!

What is Perm Hair for Men?

Women, however, are not the only ones who like experimenting with various hair textures. Before we get started, let’s explain what perm hair for men is. This is a hair treatment in which chemicals are applied to your hair to change its natural texture and make it curly or wavy. Your hair texture is simply changed from straight to wavy or curly. Men’s perm styles, also known as man perms or merms, may work for men with short, medium-length, and long hair, as well as all hair types, resulting in a universally attractive look.

Men’s perm hairstyles are versatile and contemporary and may be fashioned with loose or tight curls to suit any preference due to the extra volume and fullness. Depending on the length of your hair, the procedure might take anywhere from one to five hours.

How Long Does Men’s Hair Perm Last?

The longevity of perm hair for men is mostly determined by your hair length. Short permed hair can last anywhere from three to four months, depending on how often it is trimmed. It can last anywhere from six to eight months for those who like longer hair. You will still have a stylish haircut with straight roots and wavy or curly ends as your tresses grow out.

So, it all depends on the type of perm you have, the length of your hair, how rapidly it grows, and how well you take care of it. The shorter your hair is and the more frequently you have it trimmed, the less time it will last. Typical men’s perm styles, on the other hand, have a three-month lifetime, but no perm lasts forever. 

How Do You Keep Your Men’s Perm Curly?

To keep your perm curly, follow a few simple tips. The first is to leave your hair unwashed for at least 48 hours following the treatment and to avoid dyeing it for at least two weeks. You should also avoid brushing it and shaping it for the first 24 hours. Choose a shampoo and conditioner made specifically for permed hair, and apply moisturising treatments to maintain your hair healthy. Finally, brush your hair gently and try to avoid using heat as much as possible.

You’ll be sent home with a hair care regimen intended to keep your curls perky if you get your perm hair for men done by a pro (which we strongly suggest).

How Should You Style and Care for a Men’s Perm?

Men’s permed hair, of course, needs additional attention. Your hair care products should be specifically made for men’s perm styles if you want it to appear healthy and last longer. Look for products that will improve the hydration, elasticity, and flexibility of your hair.

When it comes to styling, you should go light on it. To get the most out of your perm hair, men should let it air dry almost entirely and use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to give the curls definition and bounce. If you want to use heating products like a curling wand or a hair straightener, make sure they’re set to a low temperature of no more than 150°C.

Men’s Perm Styles

Guys can choose from a variety of men’s perm styles. Perms for men have been popular in recent years, and there are a number of cool styles to choose from. Any natural hair type may work with permed hair. A short hair perm with tight coils and a fade or undercut on the sides and back is preferred by most men. Long hair, on the other hand, can look good with a relaxed perm

Is it possible to reverse a perm?

Although a perm hairstyle for men is intended to be semi-permanent, there are a few techniques to reverse a bad perm. To avoid accidentally causing further damage, the best option is to talk with a specialist. 

However, combing through a cream perm solution to reset the bonds in your hair may be done at home. Other natural cures include canola or coconut oil treatments, as well as a particularly deep conditioner, although the outcomes can vary. Finally, if you want to get rid of a bad or undesirable man perm once and for all, you can chop the treated hair off. This is a more drastic method, of course.

Men’s Perm Styles – Key takeaways

• Men’s short hair perms look best when the curls are tight. To keep your curly hair healthy, lustrous, and frizz-free, use a curl-enhancing cream.
• With free-flowing curls, long hair perm styles look great. It’s best to use a mild product like mousse or cream.
• To accentuate your curly hair on top, have a taper, fade, or undercut on the sides and back.
• Maintaining your perm hair for men requires proper hair care. To increase hydration and decrease frizz, wash your hair less frequently and only with high-quality shampoo and conditioner.
• There are several varieties of men’s perm styles, so talk with your stylist before deciding on the best option for you.