How much do perms cost?

Author: Breanne Simonis  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 8, 2025

If you have shorter hair, a perm can cost between $30 and $150. Short-hair perms are the least expensive because they take less time and product. For medium-length hair perms, you can expect to pay between $60 and $200; perms for long hair can range from $80 to $400.

How long do perms last?

A perm typically lasts three to six months, depending on the type of perm you get, your hair type and how well you take care of it. A traditional perm that produces a uniform curl pattern can last 3-6 months, depending on how fast your hair grows and how you treat it.

What is the average cost of a hair perm?

Perms for short hair can cost $30 to $150, medium-length hair can cost $60 to $200, and perms for long hair can cost $80 to $400. Short hair is the least expensive since it uses the least amount of product and the least amount of time to prep and install the perm rods.

What hair cannot be permed?

Hair Type: Some hair types, particularly very coarse, thick, or resistant hair, may not hold a perm well. Fine or overly processed hair can also struggle to maintain curls.

Is 3 inches of hair enough for a perm?

The minimum length of hair suitable for a perm is typically around 2 to 3 inches. Hair shorter than this may not hold a curl well, as there isn't enough length for the curl to form properly. Additionally, very short hair can make it challenging to get an even curl pattern.

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Is it bad to get a perm every 3 months?

Wash your hair first with shampoo, add leave-in conditioner, and blow-dry it before straightening it. Is it bad to get a perm every 3 months? Most perms last 3-6 months, so if you need a touch-up at month 3, it may be safe to do so.

What hair length is best for a perm?

Ideally your hair should be shoulder-length or longer for a perm to look its best, but you can perm hair that's up to 2 inches long - this is the minimum hair length for a perm, because it's just long enough to be wrapped around a perming rod.

What is the most natural-looking perm?

The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.

How damaging is a perm?

The perming process breaks structural bonds within your hair, making it more vulnerable to dryness, chemical penetration, and breakage [1]. At worst, perms and hair relaxers can lead to hair becoming so dry and brittle that it breaks off in bulk, jeopardising the thickness and appearance of your hair.

What I wish I knew before getting a perm?

5 Things to Know Before Getting a Perm
  • Perms work best on healthy hair. ...
  • There is a perm learning curve. ...
  • You can't just color your hair whenever you want. ...
  • You'll have to minimize exposure to water. ...
  • Consider your current haircut carefully.

What is a spiral perm?

A spiral perm is a popular choice for hair that's shoulder-length or longer and involves rolling the hair onto a perm vertically to establish a spiral shape. Results will depend on the type of rod and chemicals used during the process, but spiral curls are generally very tight, twisted and bouncy.

How long does a perm take in a salon?

The entire process can take 2 to 4 hours, depending on your hair length, type, and the complexity of the desired style. This detailed approach ensures you achieve beautiful, long-lasting curls or waves.

What is cold perm?

A cold perm, also known as a cold wave perm, is a chemical treatment that permanently alters your hair structure to create curls or waves. During the process, a stylist applies a perming solution to your hair, and then wraps it around rods that determine the size and tightness of your curls.

Why don't salons do perms?

“Perming doesn't get taught to hairstylists like it did in the 80s, so the technique has kind of died out a bit,” says Hersheson. “It's really important that the person you go to understands perms. You also need someone who will tell you not to have it done if your hair isn't in the right condition.

What is a perm called now?

A permanent wave, commonly called a perm or permanent (sometimes called a "curly perm" to distinguish it from a "straight perm"), is a hairstyle consisting of waves or curls set into the hair. The curls may last a number of months, hence the name.

How to sleep with permed hair?

Keeping your permed hair safe overnight might be the most difficult task yet. Regular cotton pillowcases can cause friction that damages your hair. Sleep on a satin pillowcase instead to give your hair the freedom to move without damage. You could tie your hair up in a loose bun, braids, or do the plop method.

Who should not get a perm?

But those with damaged, dry, chemically processed, and colored hair should proceed with caution when considering a perm. Otherwise, perms are a hairstyling hack for a range of benefits for your hair. From changing hair's texture to styling and adding volume and body, these are the pros of permed hair.

How expensive is a perm?

The average cost of a perm ranges from $40 to $200, but most people will pay around $80, which is a wide price range as there are many different options and factors. The overall cost of a perm haircut depends on your hair length, the type of perm, and whether you choose a partial or full perm, long or short hair.

What destroys a perm?

Don't use products that contain parabens, sulphates, or alcohol as these can ruin your perm.

What is the alternative to a perm?

Luckily, there are ways to get bouncy curls, soft waves, or gorgeous waves without causing any harm. If you've been wanting a head full of gorgeous curls without the damage, using rag curlers, foam curlers, a curling iron, or scrunching your hair could be the perfect options for you.

Are perms still a thing in 2025?

As we step into 2025, the world of hairstyling is witnessing a resurgence of perms, with modern twists that cater to diverse hair types and personal styles. At Charles Ifergan Salons, our expert stylists are embracing this trend, offering a variety of perm styles designed to enhance texture, volume, and individuality.

What face shape suits a perm?

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Perm

Your face shape will also come into play when selecting a perm style – oval faces look great with body waves while heart-shaped faces suit loose curls best.

Do perms work on fine hair?

The solution penetrates the hair shaft and alters the bonds that determine the shape and texture of the hair strands. “A permanent wave solution or 'perms' are great for those who have fine, thin hair as a volumizing solution,” explains cosmetologist Karyne Tinord.

How big does your hair have to be to get a perm?

"Generally, two inches is the minimum length of hair for a perm because it is enough to be wrapped onto the perm rod. The perm result varies on the length of the hair for example, if you have 2-3 inch long hair, a super slim sized rod can fit there but your curls will be super tight.

Should you get a perm before or after a haircut?

Some stylists prefer to cut hair before the perm to remove excess length and weight. Others prefer to cut after the perm to remove any dry or damaged ends and to shape the style.

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