Perm for a Man

Man with permed hair
Photo: KI Petro/Shutterstock
Q: Can a man perm his hair and if so how long should it be?
 
A: Absolutely, men can perm their hair, and it's become increasingly popular in recent years. While perms were once viewed primarily as women's hair treatments, this perception has evolved dramatically over time.
 
Back in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, men's hairstyles began to change significantly. As longer hair became more acceptable and even fashionable for men, many started exploring styling options previously considered off-limits. The "curly fro" look gained tremendous popularity during this era, prompting many men to visit salons for perms to achieve their desired style. This trend has continued to evolve, with various waves of popularity throughout the decades.
 
Today, men's perms have made a strong comeback, with styles ranging from loose beach waves to tighter curls. Celebrities and many K-pop stars have helped normalize and popularize permed styles for men across different cultures and age groups.
 
The minimum length requirement for a perm depends entirely on the size of curl you're hoping to achieve. For a perm to work effectively, your hair needs to be long enough to wrap around the perm rod at least one to one-and-a-half times. Without sufficient length, the chemical process won't create a defined curl pattern.
 
For very tight curls using the smallest perm rods, you'll need hair that's at least one-and-a-half inches (4 cm) long. Medium-sized curls typically require around three inches (8 cm) of hair length. If you're going for looser waves or larger curls, your hair should be approximately five to six inches (13 to 15 cm) long. Specialty tools for creating very large, flowing waves might require even greater length.
 
Man before and after getting his hair permed
Image: AI illustration
It's worth noting that extremely long hair can sometimes be more challenging to perm evenly, as the weight of the hair itself can pull down on the curls, creating inconsistent results from roots to ends. Most stylists consider hair between three and eight inches (7 and 20 cm) to be ideal for perming.
 
Keep in mind that perms involve chemical processing that permanently changes your hair structure until it grows out, so it's not a decision to make lightly.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Perm and perming hair
 
How to know what size of perm rods you need
 
How much does hair shrink when you get a perm?