Perms for Men

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 absolutely perm their hair, and the treatment has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years. While perms were once stereotypically viewed as a women’s salon service, that perception has completely evolved.
 
Historically, men's hair trends underwent a massive shift in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. As longer hair became a symbol of style and self-expression, many men began exploring chemical texturizing. The "curly fro" and shag styles gained tremendous popularity during this era, prompting men to visit salons to achieve volume and movement. Today, that trend has returned with a modern twist. From loose waves to tight, male perms are highly sought after.
 

1. Hair Length Requirements

The minimum hair length you need depends entirely on the type of curl you want. For a perm to set properly, your hair needs to wrap around the perm rod at least two to two-and-a-half times.
 
• Tight Curls (Small Rods): You will need an absolute minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) of hair.
 
• Medium Curls/Texture: Typically requires about 3 inches (8 cm) of hair.
 
• Loose Waves (Large Rods): Your hair should be approximately 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm) long.
 
• The 30% "Shrinkage" Rule: When straight hair is chemically curled, it bounces upward. To avoid your hair looking much shorter than you anticipated, grow your hair about 1 to 1.5 inches (3 to 5 cm) longer than your target length before heading to the salon.
 
While short hair has its limits, extremely long hair also presents challenges. The weight of heavy, long hair can pull down on the curls, causing them to sag and look. For the best results, stylists generally consider hair between 3 and 8 inches (7 to 20 cm) to be the sweet spot for a perm.
 
Man before and after getting his hair permed
 

2. Risks & Maintenance

A perm chemically alters the internal bonds of your hair. It is a commitment, and you should keep the following rules in mind:
 
• The 48-Hour Rule: Once your perm is complete, you cannot get your hair wet, wash it, or sweat heavily for 48 hours. Wetting your hair too early will deactivate the chemical bonds before they fully lock, causing your curls to instantly fall flat or turn into a frizzy mess.
 
• The Bleach Warning: Perm chemicals do not mix well with other heavy chemical treatments. If your hair has been bleached or heavily highlighted, getting a perm can cause severe damage, extreme frizz, or breakage. Always get a professional strand test first.
 
• Lifespan: Because men typically get haircuts more frequently than women, a male perm usually lasts about 3 to 4 months. As you trim your hair over time, you will gradually cut the permed ends off, meaning you will need to perm your new hair growth or let the style naturally grow out.
 
©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?