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Men's hair perm is another one of the most recognizable haircuts. It was first introduced back in the 1970s and has seen many variations since that time.
But what exactly is a perm, and how do you keep it up for your best look? Find out about perms in our guide for men and learn more about perm maintenance tips for 2026.
What does the curly hair perm mean for men?
So, what is a curly hair perm for men? This hairstyle gained its popularity in the 1970s and 1980s and initially was a voluminous hairdo for both women and men.
The term “perm” comes from the word “permanent.” It is a process that involves changing the structure of the hair to create “permanent” curls, unlike being a hairstyle.
In recent times, the perm has become highly fashionable among men who want a stylish yet curly look that is not much to maintain.
One of the reasons why the perm hairstyle will continue being popular is because it suits everyone, regardless of whether he is wearing long hair perm or short hair perm.
Now, let us look into how to do a perm men hairstyle; the process of creating wavy perm hair for men.
How to perm men’s hair – the process
The procedure of doing a hair perm involves several processes, and most of the time you will have to get this hairstyle from a professional. Below are the procedures involved:
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Wash: First of all, your hair will be washed in order to cleanse your hair from dirt, dust, or even products because your hair needs to be clean.
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Dry: Second of all, your stylist will dry your hair to an extent that it will be about 80% dry. The most experienced stylists use an ionic pro dryer like Laifen Swift in order to properly dry your hair without causing damage.
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Product for perm application: Having washed and dried your hair, you can now proceed to apply the product for perms. This is a mixture that works to make your hair shaft pliable.
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Use of perm rods: Perms rods of different sizes will be used by your hairstylist in order to create curls and waves that match your specifications.
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Neutralizer application: After half an hour or more, the neutralizer will be added to your hair in order to stop the chemical reaction. Neutralizer will further help to set your curls and waves.
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The rinse and condition: Last but not the least, the rinse and condition phase will be the last phase in your perm procedure. Your hairstylist will rinse off all the product from your hair and will add the leave in conditioner in order to add moisture to your hair.
How long does a hair perm men last?
A perm hairstyle is quite durable, and if you get one done in a salon, you may enjoy it for 6 months without worrying about the hairstyle fading. It should be noted that the quality and durability of the perm depend on many factors: hair growth type, hairstyle, and styling and maintenance.
How to take care of the perm?
Here are some professional recommendations by Laifen stylist experts to maintain the durability of the perm:
1. Give time to the perm to set
The most common mistake made by people is the premature washing of the perm. It is important to give time to the perm to settle and set, that is why we recommend to wait 48 hours after the first perm styling when you will be able to wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
Also, you should let your perm flow, as putting it in a bun and pony can make curls and waves difficult to set up.
2. Use the correct shampoo and conditioner
Since perms are chemically created, you will have to be wary of what kinds of chemicals that you apply on your hair through your shampoo and conditioner.
Do not use shampoos or conditioners with sulfates and parabens – Moroccan Oil is an excellent brand of shampoo, so it would be best to buy some and use it for your perms.
3. Do not style with heat
Styling with heat can easily loosen up your curls. Therefore, you should always ensure that your heat styling tool is set on low before blow-drying your hair. It is also advisable to use a diffuser attachment to spread out the heat evenly among your curls.
The Laifen Swift is a fast blow dryer which is meant for drying a perm, because it has the adjustable heat function and a diffuser nozzle in its set for an easy blow drying.
4. Avoid brushing wet hair
You should not brush or comb your hair when it is still wet. Doing so will result in breakage and damage and might also have a negative impact on the curls.
Therefore, you should ensure that at least 80% of your hair is dry when styling the perm.
Recap – the perm men hair style
No matter whether you choose a men's loose perm hairstyle for long hair or Korean men's hair perm, this evergreen haircut will be a good choice for style-conscious men in 2026. Perm is very easy to style and maintain and lasts up to 6 months if you take good care of it.
We advise you to consult a stylist on how to get a perm in 2026, because this hairstyle implies the chemical treatment of your hair that changes its structure. Then, you can use our tips to maintain your perm in 2026 like a professional.
Hair perm for men FAQs
1. Is it possible to have a perm for short men's hair?
Yes, if the hair is long enough at least 2-3 inches. Short perms give texture, lift, and slight waves but not curls. In barber shops, smaller rods are used for texture or bigger rods for more relaxed look. Shorter hair, the softer and better controlled curls.
2. Can a perm harm men's hair?
Nowadays perms are much softer. Some degree of dryness is inevitable, but there is nothing that can harm the hair badly. Proper conditioning, protein treatment, and the absence of excessive heat styling can maintain the quality of curls.
3. What is the lifespan of a men's perm?
2-6 months depending on curl tightness, hair condition, and maintenance. Tighter curls will last longer, and loose waves will relax quickly. Since perms do not wash out but grow out, touch-ups are required as soon as the roots become straight again.
4. Is it possible for a man with straight and hard hair to have a perm?
Definitely. Hard and straight hair tends to hold on to a perm very effectively due to its strong structural nature. Your stylist might opt for a more intense solution or smaller rods to give shape to your hair. You will have long-lasting curls or waves with less styling required afterwards.
5. Is a perm time-consuming for men?
No, definitely not. Once the curl pattern is established, the daily styling process becomes a lot easier. The trick lies in the change of products used, namely sulfate-free shampoo, nourishing conditioner, and curl cream/mousse. You can blow dry your hair within minutes, even seconds with the help of a fast-dry hair dryer Laifen SE Lite.
6. Which kind of perm suits men who are after natural volume?
For such guys, a body wave or C-curl perm would be the perfect choice. They offer subtle bends and lift but no tight spirals that create a fuller look without any extra styling.
7. Is it possible to perm only the top of your hair if you are male?
Indeed, this is often practiced for undercut/fade styles. This will give you some contrast between your top, curly hair and the sides which would be straight and neat.
8. What things should be avoided after you perm your hair?
One should not wash his/her hair for two days, use tight hats and tie it up since all of these things may distort the shape of curls during the period of their formation. Besides, regular care should involve minimal heat styling and proper moisturizing.
