A perm for men is a chemical treatment that sets a wave or curl into straight hair. Done well, it gives flat or fine hair more movement and makes short styles easier to shape in the morning. This guide covers the main types of men’s perms, what to ask your stylist, how long a perm lasts, how to take care of it, and what to do if your hair is too thin to perm.<\/p>\n
Your stylist wraps sections of hair around rods, applies a perm solution that breaks and resets the bonds inside the hair, and then applies a neutralizer to lock in the new shape. The rod size determines the result: small rods create tight curls, while large rods create loose waves.<\/p>\n
A perm only changes the shape of the hair that gets treated. Because new hair grows in straight, the perm moves further from the roots over time and eventually gets trimmed away with each haircut.<\/p>\n
Large rods create loose, soft waves rather than curls. This is the most popular choice for men who want natural movement without an obviously curly look.<\/p>\n
Similar to a body wave, a loose perm is often done only on top. It gives a textured, slightly messy finish to a crop or medium-length cut.<\/p>\n
Smaller rods and vertical wrapping create defined curls. This works best on medium-length hair, since very short hair cannot wrap around the rods.<\/p>\n
A soft, rounded wave on the top and bangs, usually paired with short sides. It is often styled with a "comma" fringe that curls down in the front.<\/p>\n
The reverse of a curl, a down perm flattens the sides so they lie flat against the head instead of sticking out. It is often paired with a Korean-style cut.<\/p>\n
Heated rods set the wave. When dry, the result is usually looser and more defined than a classic perm. It takes longer in the salon and typically costs more.<\/p>\n
Only the hair near the roots is treated to add lift. This is useful for flat hair that will not hold volume on its own.<\/p>\n
Only part of the head is permed\u2014usually the top\u2014while the sides are kept short with a fade or taper.<\/p>\n
The curl stays in the treated hair until it is cut off, though it loosens over time and grows away from the roots. On short hair, regular haircuts remove it sooner. Most men either book a touch-up or let it grow out after a few months.<\/p>\n
For more styling ideas once your waves settle, see our lockiga frisyrer f\u00f6r m\u00e4n<\/a>.<\/p>\n A perm can make fine hair look fuller because waves add volume. However, perm solution is a chemical treatment, and it can make things worse if your hair is already thinning or breaking. If your scalp shows through on top, talk to your stylist first, and see a doctor or dermatologist about the hair loss itself.<\/p>\n When the top is too thin for a perm to cover, a hair system gives you both the density and the wave at the same time:<\/p>\nPerms and Thinning Hair<\/h2>\n
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Can You Perm a Hair System?<\/h2>\n