How Long Does A Perm Last For Men?

When was the last time you considered getting a perm?

Most of us may agree that perms are outdated, and what usually first comes to mind is the frizzy perms from the 80s.

However, perms are slowly and unexpectedly making a comeback.

Nowadays, men are gravitating towards perms because curls give them bounce and definition.

A popular style now is to combine an undercut or short sides with a fluffy, curly top.

But how long does a perm last for men?

A perm on short-haired men will usually last 3-4 months or until the perm is completely grown out. The longevity of a perm for men depends on their hair type, the type of perm used, and how their hair grows.

Men usually have fewer risks to consider because their hair is generally short, and it wouldn’t be a problem to grow out a perm.

However, that doesn’t mean all men have short hair and fewer risks, because everyone will have a different experience.

But generally speaking, men can easily switch up their short hairstyles for something daring like a perm.

While most curly-haired, natural, or textured-haired people were once made to feel ashamed of their curls and coils, today, curls are embraced!

Now even men are getting perms. So let’s talk all about keeping your hair bouncy and curly!

The Longevity Of A Perm For Men

Perms usually last a few months, and the only way to completely remove a perm is to grow it out.

So, for those who have long hair, it can be a struggle to grow out a perm if you don’t love that hairstyle anymore. For short hair, it’s a different story.

For men with short hair, a perm typically lasts 3 to 4 months.

However, there are a few things that can affect the longevity of a perm.

This includes the type of perm used, your hair type/length, and your hair care routine.

Thankfully, if you want to keep your perm for as long as possible, you can incorporate a few things into your styling routine.

These tips will help keep your curls defined and full of life until it’s time for a touch-up or new perm.

How A Perm Works

While there are different perming techniques, like digital/hot perms or cold perms, we are most familiar with cold perms, which usually involve a perm solution and a neutralizer.

First, the hair is rolled into rods to achieve the desired curl pattern.

Then, a perm solution is used to break the bonds in your hair, allowing it to take the shape of the curling rod.

Next, the neutralizer is used to reseal the bond into its new curly form.

Types Of Perms

Next, there is a wide variety of perms to choose from.

Each perm uses a specific rod to help create a particular shape.

For example, if you want a loose perm, the curling rod will have a larger diameter than one used to achieve tight coils.

The most common perms are spiral, pin-curl, stack, body-wave, spot, root, and more.

As you can see, there are too many types of perms to keep track of, and each has a specific shape and size curling rod.

How Long Does A Perm Last?

When sitting in a salon chair, a perm service can take 2-3 hours.

But, of course, it will vary by what type of perm and perming technique is used, along with your hair length.

How fast your hair grows, along with your hair type, can determine the longevity of your perm.

You may need to schedule touch-up appointments, especially for short hair, to keep your curls fresh.

Hair Type

We know that perms are most effective on straight hair types that struggle to hold a curl or lack texture.

However, perms can also help those with curly hair. Perms can reduce frizz and even redirect your curl pattern.

Hair Length

In addition, hair length plays a crucial role when choosing a perm.

Short hair perms are usually quicker to wrap and typically use smaller rods to achieve a tight, defined curl.

Longer hair can take more time to cover, depending on the size of your curling rod.

How To Make Your Perm Last

Now, let’s say you finally got your perm; what can you do daily to make your results last?

Well, it’s time to adjust your hair care routine because you can’t take care of a perm like you would non-chemically-treated hair.

1. Do Not Wash For 48 Hours

The first and most crucial step to making your perm long-lasting is to avoid getting it wet for the first 48 hours after your service.

The neutralizer used in a perm needs time to set your new curls into place, so avoid water, sweat, and moisture.

If the perm is wet within the first 48 hours, you risk your curls falling out. This can be frustrating because perms are chemical treatments that can change your hair’s texture.

It can be heartbreaking to spend money on a hair treatment and lose your curls instantly. So, avoid water, any physical activity that produces a lot of sweat, and moisture.

2. Condition

After 48 hours, you can wash your hair. Always incorporate conditioner.

Most men don’t use conditioner on short hair, but now that your strands have been chemically-treated, they can feel dry and brittle.

The conditioner will not only infuse your hair with the nutrients and protection it needs but also help keep your curls defined.

Curly hair can be prone to frizz, especially after a potent chemical treatment like a perm.

So, invest in a high-quality conditioner to keep your hair buttery soft and your curls bouncy and defined.

3. Avoid Hair Coloring

Hair coloring is another salon service that uses many chemicals to change your hair’s shade.

While it can be fun, it can negatively impact the results of your perm. In addition, it can damage your hair’s integrity if you don’t care for it.

If you must color your hair, it’s best to wait a few weeks between your chemical services so your hair can recuperate.

Chemical overload can damage your strands, causing them to frizz, change texture, or snap.

4. Curly Products/Products For Chemically-Treated Hair

Now that you have curly hair, care for it like curly hair.

If you want your curls to pop and last longer, you should invest in hair care products that are specifically formulated for curly hair types or hair that is chemically treated.

Choosing curly-hair products will help you maintain a natural, effortless look.

Perms can sometimes feel outdated, so using the Curly Girl Method (it works for men, too, of course) or simply investing in a curl-defining cream can enhance the results of your perm.

In addition, you can also opt for hair products that are safe for chemically-treated hair.

These hair care products are ideal for perms because they have a gentle formula that helps preserve your hair’s integrity after an intense chemical service.

Hair products make the most significant difference, and choosing the right curl product can help keep your perm looking full of life a little longer.

5. Use A Diffuser & Heat Protectant

Now, this step isn’t always necessary. Whenever possible, avoid heat styling and protect your hair from the sun.

This will ensure that your curls don’t get frizzy or fall out.

A heat protectant will be your best friend, and it should be used daily, whether you heat style or not.

The sun’s rays can also be pretty harsh on our strands, especially after chemical treatment.

Heat protectant will give the hair a boost of nutrients and protect it from high-temperature styling and UV rays.

If you absolutely must heat-style your hair, do so with a diffuser. A diffuser will scrunch up your curls and help keep their bounce.

In addition, wait until your hair is mostly dry, spray your heat protectant in your strands, and then diffuse lightly for the best results.

However, staying out of the heat is always the ideal option.

6. Schedule Touch-Up Appointments On Time

Before you leave the salon, ask your hairdresser when you should schedule a touch-up appointment.

Because short male perms last only a few months, planning can help you maintain your curls seamlessly.

In addition, your stylist can analyze your needs and determine when it is best to come in for a touch-up of your perm.

They can also give you a set of guidelines to care for your perm properly and help you achieve the best results.

You will most likely notice your perm fading at the roots, so to keep your volume and definition, scheduling your touch-up appointment promptly can revive your roots.

In addition, your hairstylist will have an easier time touching up a perm when you schedule promptly.