The 25 Best Permed Hair Looks for Men

Getting permed hair involves a chemical process used to permanently change the texture of hair to make it curly or wavy. Perms can be used to add texture for men with naturally straight hair or to give natural curls a more uniform, defined look.

This modern version of the man perm incorporates style and texture for a look that gives you perfectly on-trend curly results. This look isn’t about reviving ’80s hair (phew!) and is instead all about getting perfectly defined, curly hair – think more Jon Snow than David Hasselhoff circa 1989.

If you’re considering amping up your hairstyle and considering trying out the man perm? If yes, read on for some major inspiration.

Long Fringe With Perm

Man with short crop, blonde permed hair
Credit: @twenty4tim

If there’s a permed hair combo that won’t let you down, it’s this one. If you’re already sporting a fringe, this subtle perm is sure to give you extra style points.

Grey Perm With Shaved Design

Man with gray and black perm
Credit: @mens.hairstyles

Looking for trending perm styles for guys? Check this hairstyle out! This is a great example of a modern perm look, as it features cool, icy grey highlights and an eye-catching shave design.

Fade With Perm

Man with short curly brown hair
Credit: @jubei_ma

Teaming your favourite fade haircut with a perm will instantly make it look like you had a massive modern hair makeover. This smarter take on permed hair is work-appropriate and super easy to maintain.

TRESemmé Volume & Lift Mousse Front

Editor’s tip: If you want to add texture to your hair and make your perm look effortless, try working in some of the TRESemmé Volume and Lift Mousse.

Permed Short Hair

Man with permed short hair
Credit: @scissor.d

If you’re working with shorter lengths, let this guy show you the way. This cool look goes well with a simple short back and sides haircut, making it ideal for guys who don’t want to spend ages styling their hair.

Loose Perm

Man with black loose hair
Credit: @a.ahairstudios

This curl type is loose, relaxed and perfect for those looking for a casual take on the curly hair trend.

Classic Volume Perm

Man with curly fringe on dark hair
Credit: @omgsharad

Perming your hair is a great way to add volume and thickness to flat hair. If you want to boost your hair game, try going for a voluminous look like this one.

Curls with an Undercut

Man with dark brown medium-length curly hair with an undercut
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Now, as with almost all hair trends, the style originated on the runways, with numerous designers deciding to tap into the wealth of curly-haired fellas out there, to showcase a new way to rock our hair.

Curly Crop

Brown haired man with short curly hair
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

This may be great news for any of you genetically blessed with curly locks, but for others, you’ll need a helping hand to achieve the look. And that’s where permed hair comes in!

Boho Man Perm

Permed hair: All Things Hair - IMAGE - man with medium brown curly hair
Credit: indigitalimages.com

So, if you’re looking to test out some curls in your hair this season, yet don’t want to curl your hair daily, then you will have to resort to the use of chemicals to change the bonds in the hair (AKA perming your hair).

Long Curls

Permed hair: All Things Hair - IMAGE - man with long brown curly hair
Credit: Indigitalimages.com

And as the name suggests, this technique will ‘permanently’ curl your hair, until your tresses grow out in their natural texture – so, you can put that curling wand down, right now!

Super-cool Man Perm

Credit: Indigitalimages.com

And once you have your lovely permed hair all sorted, it’s time to show it some extra love with some curl-defining products.

A 200ml bottle of TRESemme Curl Mousse Front of Pack

We suggest trying TRESemmé Curl Definition Mousse, to help create natural-looking yet frizz-free curls.

Wear It Wild

Man with medium length curly man perm

Medium-length, tightly coiled permed hair will result in a wild and adventurous-looking style. Pair this look with a well-kept beard to avoid having your hair take over your entire face.

Side Part

Man with side parted curly man perm hairstyle

Get yet another change of perspective by changing your part as you 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.

Close Beard

Man with curly short hair with beard

Here we have yet another example of how a closely-shaven beard can balance out your permed hair look.

Loose Waves

Man with long natural blonde hair with loose waves

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.

Man Bun

Man with a man bun tied back posing

You can always tie your curls up into a man bun as an easy-to-create and on-trend style to fall back on.

Long Tight Curls

Man with long, dark tight curly hair

It’s time to embrace those tight curls and let them flow long and free! But what about frizz? To avoid frizz, make sure you’re giving your hair a dose of moisture every time you shower.

Editor’s tips: Use a super hydrating shampoo like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo to keep those curls shiny, bouncy and full of moisture, followed by a conditioner.

A front view of a SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancer Smoothie container

You can also use a leave-in conditioning treatment like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancer Smoothie for some serious curl maintenance. 

Overgrown Fade

Man with dark brown curly hair with overgrown fade haircut

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.

Highlighted Curls

Man with long, curly man perm with highlights

Go all-in for a full-on makeover by getting your hair permed and adding some highlights to enhance your locks.

Curled In Front

Start slow and consider keeping your ‘do closely cropped with just a little curl up front to start.

Short Curly Cut

Man with curly short brown hair

Cropped curls are a great way to show off your new texture without wearing your curls too long.

Combed Up

Man with combed up chestnut brown man perm hairstyle

Use your hairbrush to comb your hair upwards and wear your curls with a little bit of volume.

Brushed Back

Man with dark brushed back curls

Alternatively, you can brush your curls directly back to open up your face and keep your curls out of the way.

Curly Bangs

Man with ash brown curly hair with curly bangs

As you’ve most likely already guessed, it can be a bit challenging to make your permed hair work with bangs. This bowl cut-inspired look manages to incorporate both curly hair and bangs in a trendy and surprisingly endearing style.

Bleach Blonde

Man with bleach blonde man perm

Lighten up your man perm with bleach-blonde curls and make two bold hair changes at once.

Now you have them, you have to look after them. To help you find the best products to give your curls some TLC, check out our article on the Top 10 Curly Hair Products for Men.

 

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