Let’s talk about the different types of perms! Yes, you read that right!
How many of us have tried to curl our hair in the morning, only to find that by the time lunch rolls around, there’s hardly a wavy strand left? Super frustrating, right?
Well, that’s exactly the reason why I’ve been considering perms nowadays. They’re not all that bad, you know.
Skipping hairstyles of a crazy, frizzy “poodle” type that 80’s perms left us with, nowadays perms are focused on changing hair texture and giving it a beachy, informal look, or even a volume worthy of a fashion show kind of hair.
So, if you are trying to figure out the different types of perms and which one suits you the best, keep reading!
What Is A Perm?
Before I start talking about the different types of perms, let me give you a brief idea about what a perm really is.
Most of you have already seen one – those really curly strands that are not really natural. Yes, that’s the one. You can think of a perm as a chemical “reset button” for your hair.
The word “perm” is actually an abbreviation of permanent wave, and it’s a method that is used to physically break and change the internal bonds of hair to alter its form.
If you’re someone who, like me, has been battling flat hair for years with the help of a curling iron, a perm will completely change your life.
Here’s the secret behind it: your hairstylist spreads a chemical – usually ammonium thioglycolate – over your hair, which breaks the disulfide bonds that determine the hair’s natural pattern.
When these bonds are broken and loosened, the hair is rolled up on rods. Then a neutralizer is given that “fixes” the hair in its new curly or wavy form.
I think of it as going for a long-term relationship. And that’s because, as opposed to a curling wand that gives up only after a few hours, a perm will be with you until it grows out or is cut off.
Today, perms are not only associated with the tight “old lady” curls; they cover everything from casual beach waves to the volume seen in fashion shows.
It is the perfect “I woke up like this” solution for anyone wanting texture without having to use heat daily and causing damage.
Ultimate List Of The Different Types Of Perms
Here are the different types of perms that you need to know about:
1. Spiral Perm
First, if you’ve ever dreamed of having those perfectly defined, bouncy corkscrew curls that move when you walk, the spiral perm is your go-to.
Your stylist will use long, vertical rods to wrap your hair from top to bottom. It’s a high-energy look that works best on medium to long hair, giving you that iconic, voluminous “movie star” texture that stays defined even as it dries.
2. Body Wave Perm
Second is the body wave perm. I recommend the body wave to anyone who just wants their hair to have a bit more “life.” It’s less about tight curls and more about big, rolling waves and natural-looking volume.
Because it uses larger rollers, it gives straight or thin hair that effortless “Victoria’s Secret” blowout look without you having to touch a round brush every single morning.
3. Digital Perm (Hot Perm)
Third is the “Digital” perm, which is the modern gold standard for soft, natural-looking “S” curls. It uses temperature-controlled rods connected to a digital machine to “set” the hair.
I love this one because the curls actually become more prominent and defined as the hair dries. It creates a smooth, polished finish that’s incredibly popular in East Asian hair styling right now.
4. Beach Wave Perm
This is the ultimate “I just spent the day at the ocean” look. Instead of traditional hard rods, your stylist uses soft foam rollers to create loose, irregular waves.
It’s perfect if you want a low-maintenance, “lived-in” style. It doesn’t look like a “perm” in the traditional sense – it just looks like you were born with perfectly tousled, sun-kissed texture.
5. Multi-Textured Perm
If you’re worried about your hair looking too “uniform” or “fake,” the multi-textured perm is your best friend.
By using a variety of different rod sizes throughout your hair, your stylist mimics how natural curls actually grow – some tight, some loose. It’s the most realistic way to get a curly head of hair that looks completely organic and effortless.
6. Root Perm
We’ve all had those days where our hair feels totally flat at the scalp. A root perm solves that by only applying the perming solution to the first two to four inches of your hair.
It’s a secret weapon for adding “lift” and height at the roots without changing the texture of your ends. It’s basically a permanent volumizer.
7. Stack Perm
The stack perm is a clever technique designed for people with one-length hair who don’t want a “triangle” shape.
Your stylist leaves the top section straight and only perms the middle and bottom layers. This creates a “stacked” effect of curls at the ends, giving you a beautiful, tapered look that adds movement exactly where you need it most.
8. Straight Perm (Thermal Reconditioning)
I know it sounds like an oxymoron, but a “straight perm” is a real thing!
It uses the same chemical logic to break bonds, but instead of rods, your hair is flat-ironed while the neutralizer is applied.
It’s a permanent solution for anyone fighting frizz or unwanted shrinkage, leaving you with hair that stays pin-straight even in the humidity.
9. Korean Wave Perm
Inspired by K-Beauty trends, the Korean Wave perm is all about “organic” movement. It’s usually a hot perm that focuses on soft, flowing waves that start further down the hair shaft.
It’s incredibly popular because it looks polished but stays soft to the touch, giving you that sophisticated, “Main Character” energy you see in K-Dramas.
10. Pin Curl Perm
If you have short hair and want to channel some vintage glamour, the pin curl perm is a classic choice. Instead of rods, your stylist uses pins to create small, bouncy loops.
It results in a soft, wavy texture that’s much more manageable than traditional curls, making it a fantastic option for pixie cuts or shorter bobs.
11. Partial Perm
Sometimes you don’t need a full head of curls – you just need a little help in one spot. A partial perm targets specific areas, like a cowlick at the crown or a fringe that refuses to behave.
It’s a great “intro” to perming because it’s low commitment but makes a huge difference in how your hair lays every day.
12. Volumizing Perm
Finally, there’s the volumizing perm. Think of this as a “body wave” but on steroids. It uses a unique blend of neutralizing chemicals and larger rollers to create massive lift rather than tight ringlets.
It’s the perfect solution for anyone with fine, limp hair who just wants their ponytail to look thicker or their layers to have more “oomph” and bounce.
How Long Does A Perm Last?
Generally, a perm can last up to three to six months, but the timeline is rarely the same for everyone.
As the chemicals change your hair’s structure permanently, the curls don’t vanish, but they slowly get loose as your hair grows out.
From what I’ve seen, the length of time is affected by the kind of perm you opt for. Perms with tight spiral curls will maintain their form much longer than soft, loose body wave perms.
Your natural hair growth is also a major factor. Because as your straight roots emerge, you will need a touch-up to maintain the volume uniformly from scalp to ends.
How Much Does A Perm Cost?
Now that you know what the different types of perms are, you must have gotten an idea about which one you will choose. But let me tell you something – every style costs differently!
Getting a perm is certainly an investment. And the cost can vary a lot depending on the salon you choose and exactly what you want.
Usually, a standard service will set you back between $80 and $200. I believe that the three major factors are:
- Length.
- Method.
- Place.
These really determine the price.
Prices for short-hair perms start at around $30. On the other hand, perms for long or thick hair sometimes go beyond $200 because of increased time and materials.
In case you are considering a Digital Perm, be ready to pay a premium! It is usually $150 to $300 for that luxurious, soft-wave look.
