The Modern Man’s Guide to Perms in Singapore
Ever felt like your hair looks a little flat, or like your style looks a little uninspired? A perm might be what you need. Perms are a great way to add texture, lift, and personality, helping your hair hold its shape throughout the day.
Men’s perms are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, especially among those looking for a hairstyle that feels both stylish and easy to manage. In this guide, we explore recent men’s hairstyle trends, what to consider before getting one, and simple tips to help you maintain your curls.
Key Takeaways
- A men’s perm can add texture, volume, and movement, making hairstyles easier to maintain and style throughout the day.
- Modern men’s perms range from subtle waves to defined curls, allowing styles to be customised based on hair length, face shape, and personal preferences.
- Popular perm styles include short hair perms, Korean wave perms, shadow perms, curly undercuts, and textured pompadours.
- Understanding factors such as hair length, face shape, and daily styling habits can help you decide if a perm is the right choice for you.
- With proper styling and aftercare, a men’s perm can last several months while maintaining its natural-looking shape and texture.
Popular Men’s Perm Styles in Singapore Right Now
Modern men’s perms are incredibly versatile. Some men prefer subtle waves that add texture, while others enjoy more defined curls that bring a stronger sense of personality.
Here are some of the popular types of perms for men in Singapore right now.
1. Japanese Perm
If you are trying a men’s perm for the first time and are open to a slightly more defined look, the Japanese perm is a great option to consider. This style focuses on creating more visible texture and structured curls, giving the hair a stronger sense of shape and character compared to softer wave styles.
The curls are typically more defined, which helps the hairstyle stand out while still looking intentional and well put together. It pairs well with clean fades or tapered sides, allowing the textured top to take focus. Overall, the Japanese perm suits those who prefer a sharper, more fashion-forward look with a slightly edgier feel.
2. Korean Wave Perm
The Korean perm is one of the most recognisable men’s perm styles today. Popularised by the Hallyu wave, this hairstyle creates soft waves that frame the face and give men’s hair a relaxed, natural flow. It creates soft waves that frame the face and give the hair a relaxed, effortless feel. This style works best with medium-length hair where the waves can fall naturally around the fringe. Many people also combine it with curtain bangs or layered cuts to create a look that feels effortlessly stylish.
3. Layered C-Curl Perm
The layered C-curl perm is a popular, natural-looking option that focuses on adding volume and soft texture rather than obvious curls. It creates gentle bends, especially around the fringe and ends, giving the hair a clean, polished shape that is easy to manage. This makes it a great entry-level perm for men trying it for the first time.
It works well for round faces by creating a more elongated look, and for square faces by softening sharper features. As the curls are subtle, the effect typically lasts around one to two months, but many prefer it for its low-maintenance feel and effortless finish.
4. Curly Undercut
If you prefer something bolder, the curly undercut offers a strong contrast that really highlights the curls. The sides and back are kept short or faded, while the top is left longer and permed to create defined waves or curls. This men’s perm style works especially well for men with thicker hair, as the curls add even more volume and shape.
5. Curly Pompadour
The curly pompadour gives a fresh twist to a classic hairstyle. Traditionally, a pompadour relies on styling products to build height and structure. With a perm, the curls naturally add volume and depth. The top is styled upwards and slightly back, while the sides remain tapered or neatly cut. The curls help your hairstyle hold its shape more easily, making it look full without needing too much effort each morning.
6. Permed Mullet
The mullet has quietly made its way back into modern hair trends, and the permed version adds even more personality. The front and sides are usually shorter and cleaner, while the back keeps more length and texture. It might sound like a bold choice, but it can look surprisingly stylish when done well. For men who enjoy experimenting with their hairstyle, the permed mullet is a fun way to show a bit more individuality.
Is a Perm Right for You? Key Considerations Before Booking
A men’s perm can be a great way to give your hairstyle more texture and movement, but it helps to think through a few things first. Everyone’s hair is different, so understanding what works for your hair type and lifestyle can help you get the best result.
1. Your Hair Length and Texture
Hair length plays an important role when it comes to perming. The stylist needs enough length to wrap sections of hair around perm rods in order to create consistent curls or waves.
Hair texture also affects how well a perm holds. Thick or slightly coarse hair usually responds well to perming because it can maintain curl patterns more easily. On the other hand, very fine hair may require gentler solutions or looser curl techniques to prevent excessive dryness. A professional hairdresser will assess your hair’s condition and recommend the most suitable approach.
2. Your Face Shape and Features
The right men’s perm style can enhance your facial features and help balance your overall look. Since curls add both texture and volume, the placement of that volume can make a noticeable difference.
- Long or Rectangular Face: Styles with a soft fringe or loose curls around the forehead can help shorten the visual length of the face. Shadow perms or Korean-style waves often work well for this.
- Square Face: Men with stronger jawlines may benefit from softer curls or waves that add movement around the top and sides. This helps balance sharp facial angles and creates a more relaxed appearance.
- Round Face: Adding height and volume at the top of the head can help elongate the face slightly. Styles like a curly pompadour or textured top with faded sides can work well here.
- Heart-Shaped Face: For wider foreheads and narrower chins, styles with balanced volume through the sides and top can help create a more even look.
An experienced stylist at a men’s hair salon will also consider factors such as your hairline, hair density, and natural hair growth patterns. This ensures the final style not only suits your face shape but also feels comfortable and easy to maintain.
3. Your Styling Routine
Although men’s perms can make daily styling easier, they still require some simple care. For instance, you will need to apply a light styling product after washing your hair or spend some time shaping the curls with your fingers. This helps maintain definition and prevents the hair from looking frizzy or messy.
That said, having a perm already gives your hair built-in structure and volume. Instead of trying to create lift with heat tools or heavy products every morning, you are simply enhancing what is already there. For many people, this actually shortens their daily styling routine.
4. Your Style Goals
Before getting a men’s perm, think about the look you want to achieve. Some men enjoy defined curls that stand out and add personality to their hairstyle. Others may simply want subtle waves that give their hair more texture and prevent it from looking flat.
Being clear about your goals allows your men’s hairdresser to choose the most suitable perm technique and curl pattern. It is also helpful to bring a few inspiration photos to your appointment. From there, your stylist can adapt the look to suit your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle, ensuring the final result feels natural and easy for you to maintain.
Living with Your Perm: Style, Care, and Confidence
Getting a men’s perm is just the beginning. How you style and care for your curls plays a big role in how your hair looks day to day and how long the curls last. With a few simple habits and the right products, maintaining your perm can be fairly straightforward.
How to Style Permed Hair for Men
1. Use a Curl-Defining Product
Choosing the right styling product can make a big difference in how your curls look and hold throughout the day. Lightweight wax, curl creams, or mousse can help define your curls while keeping them soft and natural. These products enhance the curl pattern without making the hair feel stiff or sticky. It’s best to avoid heavy gels, as they can weigh curls down and make the hairstyle look flat rather than textured.
2. Style While Damp, Not Wet
Timing matters when applying styling products. Hair that is too wet can dilute the product and cause curls to separate unevenly. Instead, wait until your hair is about 70–80% dry before applying your styling product. This helps the curls hold their shape more effectively while also reducing frizz. Many people find that lightly scrunching the hair at this stage helps bring out the curl pattern more naturally.
3. Use Fingers Over Combs
When it comes to styling a men’s perm, less is often more. Combs and brushes can pull curls apart and make the hair appear frizzy or overly fluffy. Use your fingers instead to gently lift, separate, and shape the curls without disturbing their natural structure. This method works especially well around the fringe or crown where you may want to add a bit more texture or movement.
4. Air-Dry or Blow-Dry with a Diffuser
Whenever possible, letting your hair air-dry is often the simplest way to maintain your curl pattern. Air-drying allows the curls to settle naturally without excessive heat, which helps reduce frizz and keeps the texture looking relaxed.
If your hair is slightly longer or you want to add a bit more volume, you can use a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment. The diffuser spreads airflow more evenly, helping the curls keep their shape while drying. Whichever method you choose, avoid rubbing your hair aggressively with a towel, as this can disrupt the curl pattern and create frizz.
Maintenance and Aftercare Essentials for a Men’s Perm
1. Avoid Washing Too Soon After the Perm
After getting a men’s perm, it is important to give the curls time to fully set. Most stylists recommend waiting at least 48 hours before washing your hair. Washing too soon may weaken the newly formed curl pattern and cause the curls to loosen prematurely. During this period, try to keep your hair dry and avoid excessive touching or styling.
2. Use a Sulphate-Free, Moisturising Shampoo
Permed hair tends to need a little more moisture than untreated hair. Using a sulphate-free shampoo can help protect the hair’s natural oils and prevent the curls from becoming dry or brittle. These gentler formulas cleanse the scalp while maintaining hydration, which helps the curls stay defined and healthy-looking.
3. Deep Condition Weekly
Regular conditioning is essential for keeping permed hair soft and manageable. In addition to your usual conditioner, using a hydrating hair mask once a week can help replenish moisture and strengthen the hair. Deep conditioning treatments can also help prevent dryness and keep the curls feeling smooth rather than rough or frizzy.
4. Minimise Heat Styling
While occasional heat styling is fine, frequent use of high heat can weaken the curl structure and dry out the hair. If you do use heat tools such as a blow dryer or straightener, applying a heat protectant spray beforehand can help reduce potential damage.
5. Book Regular Touch-Ups or Treatments
A perm typically lasts between two and five months, depending on factors such as hair growth, hair texture, and maintenance routine. As your men’s perm grows out, the curls may gradually loosen or shift in shape. Regular trims help keep the hairstyle looking tidy, while occasional salon treatments can maintain the overall texture and health of your hair. Some people also choose root touch-ups to keep the volume consistent as new hair grows in.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I perm and dye my hair at the same time?
It’s possible, but doing both treatments together isn’t recommended for all hair types. Perming and getting a new hair colour are chemical processes that can weaken the hair when done too closely together. If your hair is already dry, damaged, or colour-treated, your stylist may suggest spacing the two treatments a few weeks apart to protect your hair’s integrity. A proper consultation will help determine the safest approach based on your hair’s condition.
2. Is it okay to go swimming with permed hair?
Yes, you can swim with permed hair, but it’s important to take protective steps. Chlorine can strip moisture and cause frizz or dryness, especially in chemically treated hair. Before entering the pool or ocean, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to form a barrier. Wearing a swim cap offers the best protection. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water and follow up with a hydrating conditioner.
3. What happens if I want to go back to straight hair?
Over time, your curls will naturally loosen as your hair grows out and the perm fades. If you want to return to straight hair sooner, you have a few options: you can grow it out and trim gradually, use straightening tools with heat protectant, or opt for professional treatments like rebonding. However, it’s essential to consult your stylist before making the switch to avoid overlapping harsh chemical processes that could lead to breakage or dryness.
4. How long does a men’s perm last?
A men’s perm typically lasts between two and five months, depending on your hair type, haircut, and maintenance routine. As your hair grows, the curls will gradually loosen, which often creates a softer and more natural transition over time. Regular trims at a hair salon in Singapore and good aftercare can help maintain the shape of the style and keep the curls looking defined for longer.
Elevate Your Hairstyle at Picasso Hair Studio
Whether you prefer subtle waves that give your hair more body or defined curls that add personality to your look, a men’s perm can be a simple way to refresh your hairstyle. With the right technique and styling approach, curls can help your hair hold its shape more naturally while offering greater flexibility in how you style it day to day.
At Picasso Hair Studio, every perm begins with a personalised consultation. Our stylists will take the time to understand your hair type, face shape, and style preferences before recommending the most suitable approach. With more than 13 types of perm services available, our team focuses on creating customised looks that feel natural, flattering, and easy to maintain.
Make an appointment with us today.
Picasso Hair Studio