All the Different Types of Perms for Guys, According to Hairstylists

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Plus, how to choose and care for your perfect perm

Co-authored by Tiffany Carnevale-Russo and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: March 25, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Types of Men’s Perms
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• Perm Hairstyles & Cuts
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• What is a perm?
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• Perm Process
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• Care & Maintenance
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• Choosing the Right Perm
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• Things to Consider
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• Benefits of Perms

|Show more |Show less

Men’s perms are getting increasingly popular these days, and for good reason! A perm is a great way to achieve a new look with your hair, whether you’re going for full-on curls, subtle waves, or just a boost in volume and texture. If you’re looking for more info on perms, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled this complete guide on the different types of perms for guys, including what the perm process is like, as well as care and maintenance tips from wikiHow’s expert hairstylists. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

What are the different types of perms for guys?

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Different types of perms for guys include spiral perms (tight, springy curls), body wave perms (looser, cascading waves), beach wave perms (tousled, relaxed waves), root perms (added volume to just the root area), and digital perms (full, natural-looking waves).

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Section 1 of 8:

Types of Perms for Guys

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   Spiral perm When you think of a perm, this type of perm is probably what you imagine. It produces tight, springy, and bouncy corkscrews for that classic curly look. If you’re looking for a bold, noticeable change, this could be the right type of perm for you!

   • Best for: Medium length to longer hair
   • Lasts for: About 6 months
   • Pros: Adds lots of volume, very bold and curly result
   • Cons: Requires more styling maintenance than looser perms, may be more expensive

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Frankie Sanderson is a master hair stylist and the founder of TheStudeo based in Washington, DC. He specializes in hairstyling, chemical services, and designer cuts

   Tiffany Carnevale Russo is a licensed cosmetologist with over 19 years of experience, as well as the chief operating officer at Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers.

   Shun Pittman is a master cosmetologist with over 25 years of experience. She’s also the owner and founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty.

   Gina Almona is a professional hair stylist with over 20 years of experience. Her work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene.

   Steven Waldman is a professional hair stylist and the Director of Technical Training at Hair Cuttery.
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   Body wave perm A body wave perm creates looser, flowing waves with larger rollers. The results mimic the look of naturally wavy hair, complete with tons of volume and movement. If you’re looking for noticeably “curly” results but not super tight spirals, a body wave perm is a great option!

   • Best for: Short, medium, and long lengths
   • Lasts for: About 3-5 months
   • Pros: More relaxed, laidback look than a typical spiral perm
   • Cons: Since the curls are looser, they may not last as long
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   Beach wave perm This type of perm creates very soft, relaxed waves for a beachy and tousled effect. If you’re going for something more subtle with a carefree and low-maintenance type of vibe, the beach wave perm could be an excellent choice.

   • Best for: Longer lengths
   • Lasts for: About 4 months
   • Pros: Subtle, natural look, lower maintenance
   • Cons: Doesn’t last as long as tighter perm types
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   Korean-inspired perm Korean perms are all about adding volume and shape to hair, rather than creating tight, defined curls. They’re also pretty customizable, with results ranging from actual loose waves to just a slightly more tousled and voluminous look. Thanks to the popularity of the Korean perm among K-pop idols, this style is super sought-after right now!

   • Best for: Short, medium, and long lengths
   • Lasts for: About 3-6 months
   • Pros: Very low maintenance and easy to style
   • Cons: Since they produce looser waves, results may be less noticeable
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   Root perm A root perm is exactly what it sounds like—a perm of just your roots! Since you’re not perming the whole length of your hair, the results are much more subtle. Essentially, you’ll just be adding some more lift to the top, so that your hair looks fuller and more voluminous, but not necessarily wavy or curly.

   • Best for: Short, medium, and long lengths
   • Lasts for: About 1 month
   • Pros: Extremely low maintenance, very subtle results
   • Cons: Doesn’t last very long
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   Digital perm (hot perm) A digital perm or hot perm uses both a chemical treatment and infared heated-rods to achieve fuller, looser, and more natural-looking curls. This type of perm is very popular in Japan and Korea right now because it works super well on naturally straight, thick hair that may not respond as well to other types of perm treatments.

   • Best for: Short, medium, and long lengths
   • Lasts for: About 4-6 months
   • Pros: Natural-looking results, long-lasting
   • Cons: May be more expensive
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   Spot perm A spot perm (or partial perm) adds curls to only some areas of your hair. For example, you could treat only the crown of your head to add more volume at the top, or just the ends of the hair if you want a subtle wave or curl at the bottom. Ultimately, this results in a natural and subtle look that’s a great option if you want something low-key!

   • Best for: Short, medium, and long lengths
   • Lasts for: Depends on which spots you decide to perm
   • Pros: Natural-looking results
   • Cons: May be too subtle for some
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Section 2 of 8:

Haircuts & Styles to Wear with Perms

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   Short hair perm You don’t need a ton of length to get a perm! In fact, perms look awesome on shorter hairstyles. You can go for a body wave perm or Korean perm to add texture, a spiral perm for more dramatic curls, or a root perm to keep things simple while adding volume. It’s entirely up to you!
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   Long hair perm If you want to add some body to your longer locks, a perm is a great option. Whether you decide to go for a relaxed, tousled look with a beach wave perm, defined ringlets with a spiral perm, or big, loose curls with a digital perm, you’re sure to find something that totally fits your vibe.
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   Drop fade Pair a drop fade haircut with permed curls or waves on top. This option is perfect for you if you’re looking for a middle ground between a clean-cut and tousled look!
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   High fade A high fade with permed waves or curls on top is a dramatic and eye-catching option! Since the hair is cut so short around the sides and back, the look draws extra attention to the curly or wavy lengths on the crown.
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   Baseball perm Master hair stylist Frankie Sanderson says a baseball perm is a perm made popular by Korean men where the sides of the cut are shorter, clipped, and clean, but the top is soft with natural waves and a little volume. “This would not be a tight, curly, traditional perm,” Sanderson explains. This makes it a great style if you’re looking for something more subtle and low-key!
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   Undercut For an edgier option, consider pairing a perm with an undercut. The dramatic buzzed sides and back contrast nicely with added texture, waves, or curls on top, creating a super cool and unique look!
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   Faux-hawk A permed faux-hawk is another edgy and undeniably cool option. The sides and back of your hair are cut short (but not shaved) to mimic the shape of a mohawk without being as intense. Perming the longer lengths in the middle adds volume and texture to this daring look.
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   Mullet With a mullet, the hair is shorter in the front and around the sides, but it’s kept significantly longer in the back. It’s a classic and fun look, and a perm only adds to the style’s charm! Go for a spiral perm for a more dramatic look, or keep things relaxed and tousled with a beach wave or body wave perm.
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   Slickback If you’re looking for a middle ground between polished and tousled, a permed slickback could be the perfect style for you. This one works best on medium to longer lengths, so that you have enough room to see the waves or curls from your perm. Slick back the top with some pomade or hair gel, leave the ends loose and tousled, and that’s it!
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    Manbun If you’ve got longer locks and you’re looking for a way to spruce up your typical man bun, a perm is an amazing idea. The added waves or curls will add tons of fullness and volume to your bun, and you can also leave a few tendrils out in front for a more tousled and windswept look.
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    Permed bangs For a subtle option, consider getting a spot perm (a perm that focuses on only one spot of your hair) on your bangs. This will add some volume, texture, and definition to your strands, so that your bangs don’t look flat or limp. The style looks especially great with curtain bangs!
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Section 3 of 8:

What is a perm?

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1. 
   A perm is a chemical treatment that adds waves or curls to your hair. Licensed cosmetologist Tiffany Carnevale-Russo explains that a perm involves wrapping the hair around perm rods and applying chemicals that break down the hair structure. According to Carnevale-Russo, this actually changes the texture of your hair and produces semi-permanent results, hence the name. Depending on what type of perm you get, the effects will typically last for around 3-6 months.

Section 4 of 8:

What is the process of getting a perm?

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1. 
   Perms involve applying a chemical solution and wrapping hair around perm rods. Certain parts of the process will vary depending on the type of perm you choose to get, but here’s a general overview:

   • First your hairstylist will wash your hair to make sure it’s clean and ready for the treatment.
   • Next, they’ll section your hair and wrap it around perm rods. The size of the rods will depend on the type of perm you’re getting—tighter perms use smaller rods, and looser/wavy perms use larger rods.
   • After that, they’ll apply a chemical solution to your hair, which will break down the hair bonds and allow your hair to mold to its new curly or wavy shape.
   • Once the solution is on, your stylist will let it sit on your hair for a period of time, usually about 15-20 minutes.
   • Your stylist will then rinse out the chemical solution from your hair and apply a neutralizing solution to lock in the new curl shape.
   • Finally, your stylist will rinse your hair one more time, and they’ll likely apply a conditioning treatment to restore moisture.
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Section 5 of 8:

Care & Maintenance Tips for Perms

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   Wait 2 days to wash your hair. Professional hair stylist Steven Waldman recommends waiting 48 hours to wash your hair once you get home from the salon. “We don't recommend putting shampoo in your hair for 48 hours because that'll allow all the bonds to completely reform. That'll give your curl more resiliency and durability, and [they’ll] last longer, until you're ready for another perm.”
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   Be gentle with your permed hair when washing it. “The key is just be gentle with it,” says Waldman. He explains that scrubbing through the ends of your hair might beat up your new hair bonds, causing your hair to lose its elasticity and resiliency, so he recommends gentle massaging motions instead.
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   Use a wide-toothed comb for styling. Professional hair stylist Gina Almona recommends using a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush when you’re styling your hair. Permed hair requires a gentler touch, so a brush may be too harsh and cause frizz or breakage. “Always use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers for the best result,” says Almona.
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   Maintain moisture with a good conditioner. When it comes to caring for permed hair, “It really is all about moisture,” says Waldman. “Make sure you’re using a conditioner that is infusing moisture, the same way you would use a toner on your face.” This will keep your hair healthy, and it will also help enhance the result of your perm. “A lot of times, when a guest says their perm didn't take, [it’s because] they're not using moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.”

   • For the best results, professional hair stylist Courtney Foster also recommends steering clear of shampoos and conditioners that have sulfates in them. When you’re picking up products at the store, check the labels to make sure they’re sulfate-free!
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Section 6 of 8:

Choosing the Right Perm for You

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1. 
   Consider your hair length and texture when choosing your perm. Different types of perms have varying results depending on your hair’s length, texture, and thickness, so it’s important to take all of this into account when you’re choosing what type of perm to get. Your hairstylist will be able to steer you in the right direction based on your unique hair type, but here are some general guidelines:

   • Short hair: Root perms, spot perms, and Korean perms are great for adding volume without needing long locks
   • Long hair: Spiral perms, beach wave perms, and body wave perms look great on longer lengths
   • Fine hair: Beach wave or body wave perms add volume without being too overwhelming
   • Thick hair: Digital perms enhance results for thicker hair that’s usually resistant to holding a curl
   • Texture: Perms tend to work best on hair that is naturally straight or slightly wavy. They tend not to work as well on hair that is already curly and might cause overly tight or frizzy results.
   • Chemically treated hair: Unfortunately, if you’ve already had chemical treatments on your hair (hair color, relaxer), you aren’t a good candidate for a perm, says master cosmetologist Shun Pittman. The chemicals in the perm solution can weaken the hair and cause damage, so you should avoid them altogether.

Section 7 of 8:

Things to Consider Before Getting a Perm

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   Perms require some maintenance and upkeep. Carnevale-Russo says it’s important to consider the time commitment of a perm if you’re considering getting one. As the weeks pass, “You're gonna start seeing that straight hair pop through,” she explains. “You, as a male, need to be in the salon every 4 to 5 weeks maintaining that regrowth.” If you don’t mind the upkeep, go for it! But if spending a lot of time in the salon doesn’t seem feasible for you, it’s important to take that into account.
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   Perms can be a bit expensive. According to Carnevale-Russo, a perm is also a monetary commitment. “It’s not an inexpensive service, depending on where you go,” she says. She adds that perms are 100% an in-salon service, not an at-home one, so you won’t be able to do the upkeep yourself—you’ll need to get it professionally done regularly, which does come with a bit of a price tag.
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Section 8 of 8:

Why are men choosing perms?

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1. 
   Men are gravitating toward perms because they add volume and body. Perms are becoming increasingly popular among men, partially thanks to the explosion of permed hairstyles among Korean male celebrities and K-pop idols. In general, though, perms are great options for guys who are looking to add more volume and texture to their hair and combat flatness.

   • For example, Sanderson explains that a perm can be a great option if you’re looking to add body and fullness to fine hair.

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