Tired of your hair doing absolutely nothing? You’re not alone. Guys everywhere are ditching boring, flat styles for something with actual personality.
Walk into any barbershop today and you’ll hear the same request over and over: “I want curls that actually work with my life.”
Here’s the thing: modern perms aren’t your dad’s crunchy mistakes from the 80s. Today’s techniques give you natural movement, real volume, and hair that looks intentional without the daily hassle.
When you’re stuck in corporate meetings or just hitting the coffee shop, textured hair just works better.
Korean stars proved curly could be cool. Hollywood followed. Now your barber probably gets “that wavy look” requests all day long. Ready to see what all the fuss is about?
Why Men Are Choosing Perms Right Now
The days of poker-straight hair being the only “cool” option are over. Today’s men want hair that moves, bounces, and adds character to their face.
Perms give you instant volume and save time on daily styling – two things every busy guy can appreciate.
Korean pop stars have shown the world how stylish textured hair can be. Hollywood actors are sporting waves on red carpets.
Even your favorite influencers are trading their old looks for something with more movement and flair.
Trending Permed Hair Ideas for Men in 2025
Top grooming fashion highlights the explosion of curly styles; from soft, natural waves to bold ringlets, each designed for low-effort styling, added volume, and a modern vibe.
Here are some of this year’s most popular permed hair ideas for men, along with insights and inspiration from leading experts and stylists.
1. Loose Wave Perm
Delivers relaxed, natural-looking movement and subtle body. This style works best on medium-length hair and complements side or middle parts beautifully.
It’s professional and easygoing at once, making it perfect for guys who want texture without drama.
The waves maintain their shape throughout the day with minimal styling effort, requiring just a light scrunch with sea salt spray.
2. Messy Textured Perm
Focuses on tousled, controlled chaos for a rugged, “just rolled out of bed” look. This style uses products like matte clay for all-day hold without stiffness.
Perfect for creative types who want their hair to match their free-spirited personality.
The irregular curl pattern creates natural movement that looks different from every angle, giving you a constantly fresh appearance.
3. Tight Curl Perm
Creates defined ringlets for those who want a voluminous, statement style. This look is ideal for embracing natural curls or adding serious texture to straight hair.
Your hair becomes a conversation starter with this bold choice. Each curl springs back into place when touched, giving you incredible resilience and lasting hold that works in any weather.
4. Beach Wave Perm
Evokes sun-kissed, coastal energy with soft, tousled curls that look like you spent the day by the ocean.
Great for men wanting an effortless, vacation-ready appearance that brings relaxed vibes to any setting.
The loose, irregular waves catch light beautifully and move naturally with your head movements, creating an always-in-motion effect.
5. Perm + Skin Fade Combo
Combines curls or waves on top with a sharp fade on the sides and back. This modern and attention-grabbing style is popular among style-conscious men who want the best of both worlds: a textured top and clean sides.
The contrast between the textured crown and smooth sides creates visual interest while keeping maintenance simple with regular fade touch-ups.
6. Natural Flow Perm
Emphasizes gentle, loose curls for a more organic, less “done” look that blends seamlessly with natural hair growth.
This style is perfect for guys who want enhancement rather than a complete makeover.
The soft curl pattern mimics hair that naturally air-dries after swimming, giving you that carefree, healthy look without appearing styled.
7. Hybrid (Multi-Texture) Perm
Mixes various curl and wave patterns (tight crown, loose ends) for a tailored, dimensional effect. This highly individual and experimental style lets you create something truly unique to your personality.
Different sections react differently to styling products, allowing you to emphasize certain areas while keeping others more relaxed for a custom finish.
8. Soft Volume Perm
Targets men with fine or thinning hair, adding fullness and subtle lift that helps create the illusion of thicker hair. This gentle approach gives you more presence without looking overdone.
The curl pattern creates space between strands, making your hair appear denser, while the gentle waves add movement that draws attention away from any thin spots.
9. K-Pop Inspired Perm
Inspired by Korean celebrities, featuring soft, controlled waves and curtain bangs. This style suits medium-length hair and emphasizes a clean, fashionable look that’s both trendy and sophisticated.
The precise wave placement frames your face perfectly while the longer front sections can be styled forward or swept to the side for versatile daily looks.
10. Layered Perm
Incorporates layers cut into permed hair for enhanced bounce and structure. This approach offers a dynamic, lively silhouette that moves beautifully and catches light as you turn your head.
The varying lengths create depth and dimension, with shorter layers adding volume at the crown while longer pieces provide weight and movement at the bottom.
11. Spiral Perm
Features tight, spring-like curls for ultimate volume and drama. Often styled on medium to long hair for maximum impact, this classic choice creates a consistent, bouncy texture throughout.
The uniform curl size creates a cohesive look that’s both retro-inspired and thoroughly modern, especially when paired with contemporary cuts and styling techniques.
12. Disconnected Perm
Showcases a stark contrast between a curly or wavy top and shaved or very short sides. This bold and daring style is popular among trendsetters who want to make a strong visual statement.
The dramatic difference in lengths puts all focus on your textured crown, making it appear even more voluminous and eye-catching than it would with longer sides.
13. Perm with Fringe
Pairs a longer, curly fringe at the front with shorter sides and back. Perfect for framing the face or softening a wide forehead, this style adds youthful energy to any look.
The curly fringe can be styled forward for a casual vibe or swept to one side for a more polished appearance, giving you multiple looks from one cut.
14. Mohawk Perm
Central strip of permed curls, with the sides clipped or faded. This striking, alternative style is full of personality and perfect for guys who want to stand out from the crowd.
The concentrated curls create impressive height and texture along the center line, while the clean sides keep the look sharp and intentional rather than messy.
15. Undercut Perm
Rounded curls or waves on top contrasted by an undercut that showcases curls with crisp definition and urban attitude.
The sharp line where the undercut meets the curls creates a bold visual boundary that emphasizes both the precision of the cut and the organic nature of the waves above.
At-a-Glance Style Guide
| Style | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Loose Wave Perm | Medium/Long Hair | Relaxed, Professional |
| Messy Textured Perm | Short/Medium Hair | Rugged, Effortless |
| Tight Curl Perm | Any Length | Bold, Confident |
| Beach Wave Perm | Medium/Long Hair | Casual, Sun-kissed |
| Perm + Skin Fade | Short/Medium Hair | Modern, Clean-cut |
| Natural Flow Perm | Any | Understated, Natural |
| Hybrid Perm | Any | Unique, Personalized |
| Soft Volume Perm | Fine/Thinning Hair | Fuller, Youthful |
| K-Pop Inspired Perm | Medium Hair | Trend-driven, Chic |
| Layered Perm | Medium/Long Hair | Voluminous, Lively |
| Spiral Perm | Medium/Long Hair | Dramatic, High-Impact |
| Disconnected Perm | Short/Medium Hair | Edgy, Trendsetting |
| Perm with Fringe | Short/Medium/Long Hair | Framing, Contemporary |
| Mohawk Perm | Any | Alternative, Bold |
| Undercut Perm | Short/Medium Hair | Contrasted, Urban |
Finding Your Perfect Match
Your face shape plays a big role in which perm will look best on you.
Guys with round faces often benefit from styles with height on top. Square faces look great with softer, more flowing styles. If you have an oval face, you’re lucky; most perm styles will work well for you.
Your hair type matters too. Fine hair gets a major boost from perms, adding body and thickness you never had before.
Thick hair can handle tighter curls and more defined textures. Even guys with slightly wavy hair can benefit from a perm that enhances their natural texture.
Real Style Icons to Follow
Look at Paul Mescal’s relaxed waves or Jeremy Allen White’s textured curls for inspiration. K-pop stars like members of BTS show how versatile and stylish permed hair can be.
These guys prove that curls and waves can be masculine, modern, and totally cool.
Social media is full of regular guys showing off their perm transformations. Search for men’s perm inspiration on Instagram or Pinterest to see real-world examples that might spark your next look.
What to Expect When You Take the Plunge
Getting a perm is a process, but it’s worth the time investment. Your stylist will wrap your hair around rods of different sizes depending on the curl pattern you want.
The whole appointment usually takes 2-3 hours, so bring something to read or just enjoy the relaxation time.
The best part? Once your perm is set, your morning routine becomes so much easier. A little product, some scrunching, and you’re ready to go.
No more struggling with flat hair or spending forever trying to create volume.
Keeping Your New Look Fresh
Your perm is an investment in your style, and proper care keeps it looking its best for months. These simple steps will help your curls stay defined, healthy, and full of life.
- Moisture is your best friend – Use a leave-in conditioner daily to keep curls soft and prevent dryness. Well-hydrated hair holds its shape better and feels healthier.
- Choose the right products – Curl-enhancing creams define your texture while light-hold gels provide control without stiffness. Avoid heavy products that weigh down your curls.
- Never brush dry hair – This breaks up your curl pattern and creates unwanted frizz. Instead, gently detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb when wet.
- Schedule regular trims – Visit your stylist every 6-8 weeks to keep your shape fresh and remove any damaged ends. They can also touch up areas that have relaxed over time.
- Protect while you sleep – Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction, or try a loose scrunchie to keep curls from getting crushed overnight.
Ready to Make the Change?
The right perm can completely change how you feel about your hair and yourself. Whether you choose subtle waves or bold curls, you’re joining a movement of men who aren’t afraid to have fun with their style.
Start by finding a stylist who specializes in men’s perms. Bring photos of styles you like and be honest about your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
The right professional will help you choose a perm that fits your personality and daily routine.
Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you. Why not make sure it’s telling the story you want to tell?
A perm might be exactly what you need to feel more confident, more interesting, and more like the best version of yourself.
The world is ready for your new look. Are you ready to show it off?
