For those guys who are looking to experiment with their hair and get in on the recent curly hair trend, the man perm is making a comeback! But before you roll your eyes and write us off completely, we’re here to convince you that it’s decidedly much less ’80s reminiscent than expected. This modern version of the man perm incorporates style and texture for a look that gives you perfectly on-trend curly results.
With the help of an at-home perm kit, you can also achieve a perm style on your own. You can find perm kits online and at your local drugstore. We know it may sound intimidating, but there’s no need to worry. It’s a lot easier to do than you think!
What is a Man Perm?
Are you one of those considering trying out the man perm? Read on for some major inspiration and learn how to achieve this style yourself:
A perm (or a permanent wave) is a style where curls or waves are set into the hair using thermal or chemical processes. A perm specialist will typically apply a chemical solution to break down the structural bonds in your hair, and then follow that with a neutralizer. The specialist will coil your hair around rods while the first solution sits, and the size of those rods will indicate the size of your waves or curls in the finished style.
We can thank soccer players for the rise in popularity of the loose perm for men. As the term suggests a loose perm consists of curls that aren’t too tight or coily. Think of it more like curly waves on the crown of the head. To create loose perm curls, your hairstylist will put curlers on your hair before applying the perm chemical. Once the solution penetrates the hair shaft and alters the hair’s structure, a neutralizer will be applied to set in the newly altered hair structure. For example, the Korean perm is a perfect example of a loose perm for men.
How to Do a Man Perm Yourself
Step 1: Start with clean hair for your man perm.
Dove Men + Care Charcoal + Clay Purifying Shampoo
Before you begin your at-home perm, you want to make sure your hair is freshly washed.Use Dove Men + Care Charcoal + Clay Purifying Shampoo as this shampoo helps deeply detoxify your strands.
Step 2: Wrap your hair around rods.
When you purchase an at-home perm kit, you will need rods to go with it. You can find rods in a variety of widths based on how tight of curl you want. To start wrapping your hair around the rods, take small sections of hair and put a piece of paper against the inside of your hair.
This will ensure the ends of your hair stay smooth while being wrapped. Wrap the hair with the paper around the rod, secure the rod in place, and then repeat this until all of your hair is wrapped.
Step 3: Apply the permanent wave solution.
Your perm kit will come with a permanent wave solution which is what helps restructure your hair to create the curl you desire. Saturate your hair with the solution, making sure all of your curls are completely covered. After your solution is applied, put on a shower cap, and then let your curls set.
Step 4: Wait for your curls to set.
Depending on how curly you want your hair, the time you wait may vary. It’s usually around 20-25 minutes, but we always recommend following the timing recommended on your kit.
Step 5: Rinse out the solution.
After your hair has set, rinse out the perm solution. This will take around five minutes. You’ll know you’ve rinsed out all of the solutions when you can no longer smell it. Next, use a towel to soak up excess water so your hair can absorb the neutralizer.
Step 6: Apply the neutralizer.
Once all of the perm solutions are rinsed out, apply the neutralizer all over your hair. The neutralizer works to re-bond the structure of your hair. That means it locks your curls in place, ensuring your man perm lasts a long time. This will be left on your hair for about five minutes, but again, we always recommend you follow the timing indicated on your kit. After this has set, rinse your hair again.
Step 7: Remove your curling rods.
Next, remove your curling rods and apply the remaining amount of neutralizer then scrunch your hair. Leave this amount of neutralizer on for about two minutes, and then rinse your man perm one last time.
Step 8: Dry your man perm.
Once the neutralizer is rinsed out the second time, you can either dry your hair with a diffuser or let your hair air dry. Now you’ve achieved a perfect at-home perm! It’s super important to know, once your hair is dry, you can’t shampoo for 24-48 hours. This is to make sure everything is set properly.
Tight and Loose Perm Hairstyles for Men to Try this Season
Read on to get inspired!
1. The “Wear It Wild” Male Perm
A medium-length, tightly coiled perm will result in a tousled and adventurous-looking style. Pair this look with a well-kept beard to avoid having your hair take over your entire face. Skip the hair product and let your fresh curls do all the work to recreate this style.
2. Side Part Perm for Men
Get yet another change of perspective by changing your part asyou learn how to style your new perm. You’ll be surprised by how much of an impact your part can have on the overall angles and perspectives of your face.
3.Close Beard
TIGI
Bed Head for Men by TIGI Pure Texture Molding Paste
Here we have yet another example of how a closely-shaven beard can balance out your perm. Some men are hesitant to jump on the curly hair trend because of all the height involved, and we do admit that all this volume can be a little overwhelming.Streamlining your curls with Bed Head for Men Pure Texture Molding Pasteor a hair gel for men anda well-groomed beard will take the edge off such a dramatic style.
4. Loose Waves Man Perm
It’s important to note that opting for a perm does not necessarily mean ending up with a head of coiled curls. Ask your stylist for a looser wave for a more laid-back style if you want to recreate this 70s-inspired style.
5. Man Bun
You can always tie your curls up into a man bun as an easy-to-create and on-trend style to fall back on. Invest in some hair ties that won’t tug at your strands and enjoy the freedom of having your longer strands up and out of your face.
6. Mohawk Man Perm
Need a refreshed style? If mohawks are your thing, switch up a typical mohawk my adding a curly center.To help define these curls, use a healthy dose of . This will keep your curls tight and defined all day long without weighing them down.
7. Overgrown Fade Perm for Men
Fake natural-looking curls by going for a medium-sized perm and ask your stylist for a slightly overgrown fade to nail two trends at once. This haircut and texture combination adds some easy height to your style with minimal effort.
8.Highlighted Curls
AXE
Go all-in for a full-on makeover by getting your hair highlighted too. Keep in mind that between the chemicals from your perm and the ones found in hair dyes and bleach, you’ll be putting your hair under a lot of stress.Using a moisture shampoo like will help hydrate your strands and keep them as healthy as possible.
9.Bleach Blonde Loose Perm
Lighten up your man perm with bleach-blonde curls and make two bold hair changes at once. As mentioned above, this combination of perm and bleaching will put a lot of stress on your hair. Make sure to hydrate those strands regularly!
10. Tight Man Perm Bowl Cut
We know you’re probably thinking, “A bowl cut? Really?” A curly style like a man’s perm can bring a whole new life to this once-outdated style. The recent resurgence of throwback styles makes this haircut and style a no-brainer.
11. Defined Curls Man Perm
Dove
Dove Men + Care Medium Hold Molding Paste
If you have a tight curly man perm, defining your curls can make a huge difference.Use Dove Men + Care Medium Hold Molding Paste to help define your texture. A little bit goes a long way with this product, so don’t be tempted to overdo it!
12. Curly Half-Updo
Have a longer perm? This is the perfect time to try out different styles. From a regular half-updo to a half-up man bun, you have a lot more ways to show off your curls now. Balance this length with a closely cropped beard for an overall cohesive style.
13. Statement Man Perm
Have red hair and want to make a statement? Opt for an all-over man perm. This curly style is a great way to show off your hair color. These medium-sized curls offer plenty of volume at your roots for a truly dimensional style.
14. Long Hair with Man Perm
Embrace the curls by growing your hair nice and long before trying out the man perm. This length is totally carefree and a perfect canvas for tight curls. We love how a side part adds instant volume to the heavier side of the style.
15. Medium-Sized Curls
If tighter curls aren’t your thing, try out a medium-sized curl for more volume and body. This haircut that’s closely cropped on the sides and a bit longer on top is super flattering and a great option if you’re wanting to ease into the curly life!
16. Fade Perm
A man perm and fade are truly a match made in heaven. Going for the trending close side cut and lots of curls on top adds so much volume and drama. This look has been trending for a while now, and we don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon.
17. Side Shave
A side shave with longer curls on top is another great way to take advantage of the man perm. Embrace a high-contrast style like this one that places multiple lengths and textures for a super interesting style.
18. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips are a cherished trend of the ’90s, and curly-haired men deserve to live this frosty fantasy, too! Add some bleach blonde to your curls for a fun summery pop of color. These sun-kissed highlights are *chef’s kiss.*
Whether you’re trying out a tight curly perm or going for more of a wavy man perm, you have so many options when it comes to styling and wearing this look.
