What Is a Perm?

Short for “permanent wave,” a perm is a chemical treatment used to change the hair’s natural texture and create curls or waves. During the traditional process, the hair is wrapped around rods and treated with a chemical solution that alters its structure, allowing it to take on a new shape.

But “perm” doesn’t necessarily mean tight curls. Depending on the technique, rod size, hair length, and desired result, a perm can create anything from defined curls to loose bends and natural-looking waves. That versatility is part of what makes the modern perm so interesting. Rather than creating one specific look, the technique can be customized around the client’s hair and personal style.

Why Are More Men Getting Perms?

Think perms are just for women? Think again. More men are embracing perms as an easy way to add natural-looking texture, movement, and volume to their hair. And with today’s techniques, there’s plenty of room to make the look your own. And no, getting a perm doesn’t mean you have to walk out with a head full of tight curls!

For someone with naturally straight or flat hair, a perm can introduce shape and texture that might otherwise require daily styling to achieve. It can also open the door to an entirely different range of hairstyles. Depending on the cut and type of perm, adding texture can:

• Give straight hair more movement and dimension
• Add lift and volume at the roots
• Create the appearance of fuller, thicker hair
• Make certain styles quicker and easier to achieve
• Add definition to longer hair
• Bring more personality to short cuts, fades, and undercuts

Our Favorite Ways To Wear a Perm

When it comes to men’s perms, the cut can make just as much of a difference as the curl pattern. Keeping the sides short can put more emphasis on curls and volume up top, while leaving more length creates room for looser waves and movement. That means the same perm technique can take on a completely different look depending on the cut it’s paired with. Here are some of our favorite perm requests we see at our cosmetology school in Kansas City!

Fade With a Perm

Clean on the sides, textured on top, pairing a fade with a perm creates contrast while keeping the style fresh and wearable. Depending on the desired look, the top can feature loose waves, tousled texture, or more defined curls.

Undercut With a Perm

An undercut takes the contrast even further. Keeping length and texture on top while cutting the sides short lets the curls become the focal point and offers plenty of styling possibilities.

Long Perm

Have some length to work with? A perm can give longer hair added movement and shape without sacrificing those inches. Looser waves can create a relaxed, lived-in finish, while more defined curls make a bigger statement.

Permed Mohawk

For something with a little more edge, adding curls or waves to a mohawk brings even more dimension to an already bold cut. The combination of closely cropped sides and textured length through the center makes this one hard to miss.

Launch Your Career at Z Hair Academy

If you would like to embark on a career in cosmetology, we encourage you to learn more about the Z Hair Academy cosmetology school in Kansas City, Missouri or one of our three other locations. Start your education right away on a schedule that works for you. Get started today by speaking with a member of our Admissions team!