Perms are making a major comeback with fresh styles that give curly hair a modern twist. Gone are the days of tight, frizzy curls that scream 1980s mom vibes.
Today’s perm techniques create everything from beachy waves to bouncy spirals that look amazingly natural.
1. Beach Wave Perm
Casual, carefree waves that mimic the texture of hair after a day at the ocean. The technique uses larger rods to create loose, flowing curls rather than tight spirals.
Perfect for those wanting movement without commitment to full curls. Most stylists recommend this perm for medium to long hair lengths.
2. Spiral Perm Revival
Bouncy, defined curls that spring from root to tip. Modern spiral perms use varying rod sizes to create a more natural pattern instead of uniform curls.
The updated technique prevents the dreaded “poodle look” of old-school perms. Proper conditioning is essential to maintain these springy curls.
3. Korean Wave Perm
Soft, romantic waves popularized by K-drama stars. This gentle perm creates subtle volume and movement without dramatic curls.
The technique focuses on creating lift at the roots while maintaining natural-looking ends. Especially flattering on Asian hair types that typically resist traditional perming methods.
4. Body Wave Transformation
Volume-boosting waves that add movement while maintaining length. Unlike tighter perms, body waves create subtle S-patterns throughout the hair.
Fantastic for fine-haired folks seeking fullness without sacrificing length. The gentle curl pattern makes daily styling remarkably easy and versatile.
5. Root Perm Lift
Strategic curling focused only at the hair roots. This targeted technique creates lasting volume where it’s needed most while leaving the rest of your hair natural.
Ideal for those with flat crowns but hesitant about full perms. The subtle lift lasts months longer than blow-dry volume.
6. Digital Perm Technology
High-tech perming using heated rods controlled by digital temperature settings. The heat activation creates smoother, more defined curls than traditional cold perms.
Results in glossy, frizz-resistant waves that hold shape even when wet. Originally from Japan, this technique works wonders on coarse or resistant hair types.
7. Multi-Textured Perm
Deliberately mixed curl patterns using different-sized rods throughout the hair. This creates dimension by combining tight curls, loose waves, and everything in between.
The varied texture mimics naturally curly hair’s organic pattern. Stylists often place tighter curls underneath with looser waves framing the face.
8. Pixie Perm Power
Short hair perms that add texture and movement to pixie cuts. Tight curls on short layers create incredible volume and edgy definition.
The perm transforms basic pixies into statement-making styles with minimal daily effort. Many celebrities rock this look for its wash-and-go convenience.
9. Air Touch Perm
Featherlight curls strategically placed to enhance natural hair movement. This technique leaves some sections unpermied to maintain a lived-in, effortless appearance.
The contrast between straight and curly sections creates amazing dimension. Perfect for those wanting curls without the commitment of a full perm.
10. Stack Perm Comeback
Graduated curls that create a rounded, voluminous silhouette. Tighter curls at the crown gradually loosen toward the ends for a stacked effect.
This retro-inspired look has been modernized with softer, more natural curl patterns. Works beautifully on bobs and medium-length cuts for maximum shape.
11. Curly Shag Revolution
Permed layers with curtain bangs creating a rock-and-roll texture. This rebellious style combines the trending shag cut with strategic perming for maximum impact.
The curly fringe frames the face while choppy layers create movement throughout. Celebrity stylists predict this will be the most requested perm style this year.
12. Man Perm Renaissance
Textured curls specifically designed for men’s shorter cuts. The modern man perm creates natural-looking waves rather than tight curls seen in previous decades.
Popular with celebrities and athletes for its low-maintenance style. Works on various lengths from cropped sides with curly tops to medium-length all-over texture.
13. Permed Bob Perfection
Chin-length bobs transformed with bouncy, defined curls. The perm adds volume and movement to this classic cut, eliminating the need for daily styling.
The combination of short length and curly texture creates a playful, youthful look. Many stylists recommend larger rod sizes for more modern, looser curls.
14. Spot Perm Accent
Strategic curls placed only in specific sections for creative contrast. This technique might curl only the bangs, one side, or underneath layers.
The partial approach allows for unique, personalized styles without committing to all-over curls. Growing in popularity with younger clients looking for customizable, expressive hair.
15. Perm and Color Combo
Dimensional curls enhanced with strategic highlighting or balayage. The color placement makes each curl pop with multi-tonal dimension.
The technique works especially well with caramel or honey highlights on brunette bases. The combination of texture and color creates incredible depth that flat, straight hair can’t achieve.