Tired of the same uninspired look? You don’t have to limit yourself to natural hair or traditional men’s hairstyles. A great way to enhance your look is to explore different hair textures and styles with perms. You can rock an ’80s curl or a modern version of this versatile hairstyle.
Don’t know where to start with perms for men? Read on as we list different types of perms for guys.
Can boys get perms?
Boys can also wear curls. You can rock them on short, medium or long hair. You can choose between tight curls and loose waves, depending on your preference.
Perms are also versatile, as they can be combined with other men’s hairstyles to achieve a style that suits you.
A perm for men works the same way as it works for women. Your hairstylist will apply perms to your hair before applying the perm. This perm penetrates the hair shaft and changes its structure. After the curl breaks down the hair structure, the stylist uses a neutralizer.
The neutralizer helps rebuild the hair according to the shape and size of the curler in the hair. The curling process continues for the next few days, during which you must not wash your hair for at least the first three days.
The good thing about wearing a perm as a man is the variety of styling options it gives you. With a perm, you can add or remove curls from your hair. It also opens up endless styling opportunities.
For example, you can shave parts of your hair and leave the middle part of the hair curled. Alternatively, you can grow your hair and style it with the desired waves.
Different types of white frills
Depending on the intended result, you can choose different types of perms for men. Perms are available in varying shapes and sizes and may differ in their method of application.
All perms require the application of chemicals to change the natural texture of your hair and install waves or curls in it. Some styles may or may not require heat during application.
Types of perms that allow heat are known as hot perms, while those that rely solely on chemicals are called cold perms.
#1. root curl
From the name, a root perm is applied to the roots on the first 2-3 inches of hair. This perm is designed to provide volume to the roots, especially for men with thin hair. Besides adding volume, a root curl is great for touching up already curled hair.
When you go in for routine perm maintenance, your stylist will apply a root perm to your new growth. The root curl will blend in with the rest of the curled hair.
Root perms are popular for men with straight hair or light waves, who want to lift the roots, but keep the hair’s natural texture.
#2. Perm cartridge
The root curl focuses on the roots of the hair. On the other hand, the pile curl focuses on the middle and bottom part of your hair. A stack curl gets its name from the illusion of layers this style creates. It is also one of the low maintenance types of perms for men and can last up to five months.
For the layered effect, the stylist will use different sizes of rods in the middle and lower sections of the hair before applying curling.
#3. Spiral curl
A spiral curl has the appearance of a corkscrew. This is achieved by rolling hair around a spiral rod held vertically in the hair. Spiral perms are a perfect choice for men with hair at least 8 inches long.
Spiral curls add volume to your hair. They can be made in different sizes by using spiral rods of different sizes. They also make your hair look shorter because most of the length is curled.
#4. Korean Parm
The Korean perm creates soft, natural-looking curls ideal for men with thick hair. This low-maintenance hairstyle works well with short to medium hair.
There are several types of Korean curls. One is the As Perm, where a few curls cover the forehead, revealing only a small section. It’s similar to the parting curl. The parting curl includes volume bangs on both sides of the forehead, showing about half of it.
Shadow curl is another type of Korean curl. In this style, the light curls lie on the forehead to give you a warmer look. Another popular Korean style is the sheer perm, with a thin layer of bangs covering the forehead.
#5. Pin Curl Perm
The pin curl is one of the types of curls for men with short hair. The perm creates tight, bouncy curls using bobby pins and curlers. The chemicals used are less harsh, but the perm lasts about three to six months.
#6. Wave body curl
Body wave curling styles are perfect for men who want to give their hair loose, natural-looking waves. They give your hair subtle volume. The hairstylist uses thicker curling rods for this type of curl to achieve loose waves.
#7. Straight curl
Most men go for perms that put curls or waves in their hair. However, if you are a man who is tired of your natural curls, you can opt for the straight curl.
This Japanese style perm uses chemicals and heat to straighten hair. A straight perm makes your naturally curly hair manageable and easy to care for on a daily basis. You will need to refresh it every six to seven months.
#8. Digital curling
Digital perms are an example of a hot perm. They create soft, loose waves using hot rods. These rods are connected to a machine that regulates their temperatures.
Digital perms produce prominent waves that are more dramatic when dry – similar to those created with curling irons. This type of perm is considerably more expensive and takes more time than most types of perm.
Things to consider
Choosing between types of perms for boys can be exhausting. If you haven’t gotten a perm before, here are some important things to consider before getting a perm.
hair length
Hair can be curled to any length. However, some types of perms for men are more suitable for people with long or short hair. For example, the spiral curl works better with long hair, while the Korean curl works well with short or medium hair.
However, your hair should be long enough for the style you have chosen. All types of perms for guys use styling rods. Therefore, your hair should be able to wrap around the rods.
Hair strength
Perming is a harmful process. It uses chemicals that break down the structure of the hair, leaving it prone to breakage and dryness.
Before you curl your hair, you need to determine if it is healthy enough to withstand a curling treatment.
Develop a hair care routine for at least a month if you have damaged hair. During this time, assess the damage done to your hair and use different hair repair treatments and moisturizers to improve hair health.
Previous hair treatments
Chemical hair treatments like lightening and bleaching can determine if you get frizz. Hairstylists do not encourage perms on bleached or color-treated hair because these chemicals damage the hair.
Applying a layer of curling product will damage the already weakened hair and may cause it to fall out. If you must apply a perm to chemically treated hair, use a clarifying shampoo to clean your hair. Your stylist will also perform a strand test to determine if your hair can withstand the damage.
time
Perms are a time-consuming process. This can take about four hours or more, depending on the type of curl you get. When you arrive at the hair salon, the hairstylist begins by evaluating your hair and preparing it for the process.
After curling, you also have to wait for the rod installation, curling application, processing and neutralization.
So, if you get a perm, make sure you have enough time to devote to it. You will also need to maintain your perm or touch up your roots every 4 to 6 months.
costs
Expect to pay between $40-$150 based on your perm type, salon and location. This will be a recurring cost two or three times each year, depending on how healthy your hair routine is.
You will also need to purchase curl-specific and perm-friendly products. So, before you jump on the bandwagon, assess your budget to determine if you’re ready for the commitment.
hair routine
Getting a perm will change your hair care routine. It will change the products you use and your activities. For example, you will need to wash your hair less to prevent it from drying out.
You’ll also need to replace your products with curl-friendly products. These products should also be curl-friendly to help you maintain your curls, moisturize your hair, and reduce frizz.
Are perms permanent for men?
Curls are not completely permanent. Most men’s perms last between 2 and 6 months, depending on your hair type and hair care routine. Most people will need to re-perm their hair every four months.
While you can’t control your hair type, you can control how well you take care of your curly hair to extend its life. Use these tips to extend the life of your curls.
- Do not style your hair for about a week after perming. Your hair isn’t quite done yet. Using styling tools, including hairbrushes, at this stage will interfere with your new style
- Detach the hair gently with your fingers
- Do not wash your hair for three days after perming
- Get your perm done professionally. You may have seen some successful perms done at home. However, it is best to work with a professional who knows what they are doing
- Incorporate safe curling products after the process
- Do not curl hair in a brown style to prevent cooling; Towel or air dry your curled hair
- Use deep conditioners regularly, especially if your hair is weak, damaged or dry
- Sleep on satin pillows or pillowcases as friction destroys your curled hair
