Perms for Different Hair Textures: What Works and What Doesn’t
Key Takeaways
- A perm hairstyle should complement one’s natural hair texture for the best results.
- Straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair react differently to perms, requiring tailored approaches.
- Selecting the right root perm or volume perm can enhance natural beauty without excessive damage.
- Consulting a professional at a hair salon in Singapore ensures a long-lasting, healthy perm.
A perm hairstyle women love is one that enhances natural beauty while maintaining hair health. However, not all perms work for every hair type. The outcome of a perm depends heavily on hair texture, as different hair structures react uniquely to the perming process.
Choosing the right perm style can mean the difference between achieving beautiful, bouncy curls or ending up with frizzy, damaged strands. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, understanding how your hair type responds to a perm will help you make the best decision.
Understanding Different Hair Textures
Before diving into specific perms, it’s essential to understand the different hair textures and how they naturally behave:
- Straight Hair – Lacks natural waves or curls and struggles to hold volume.
- Wavy Hair – Features gentle waves that may lack definition.
- Curly Hair – Has well-formed curls that can range from loose to tight.
- Coily Hair – Consists of tight, springy curls that are naturally voluminous.
Each texture reacts differently to a perm hairstyle women opt for, making it crucial to choose a style that complements your hair’s natural tendencies. For those with wavy or curly hair, we often recommend a “texture correction” (soft rebonding) at the roots before perming. Don’t let the word “rebonding” scare you, it isn’t about making your hair pin-straight. Instead, the goal is simply to smooth out the natural curls at the top so they blend seamlessly with the permed curls at the bottom. Without this step, you may end up with two different curl patterns, your natural ones on top and permed ones below, which can look uneven.
Perming Straight Hair
What Works:
For those with straight hair, the best perms are volume perms or soft waves that add body and movement. These styles help create a more natural look and prevent the hair from appearing flat. Root perms can also be used to lift the hair at the scalp, adding extra volume.
What Doesn’t Work:
Tight curls or overly structured perm hairstyles for women may look unnatural on straight hair. The lack of natural texture makes it harder for tight curls to blend seamlessly, often resulting in an artificial appearance. Additionally, heavy chemical treatments can weaken straight hair, causing breakage or excessive dryness.
Perming Wavy Hair
What Works:
For wavy hair, perms should focus on enhancing the natural waves for better definition and bounce. A loose perm hairstyle for women with wavy hair can opt for will create a soft, effortless look while maintaining the hair’s natural movement.
What Doesn’t Work:
Too much curl can lead to frizz or limp waves. If the perm is too tight, it can disrupt the natural wave pattern, making the hair look over-processed. The key is to work with the existing texture rather than completely altering it.
Perming Curly Hair
What Works:
Curly-haired individuals can benefit from perms that define and refine their curls. A volume perm can help enhance natural curls, making them more uniform and polished. Looser curl perms can also soften tight curls for a more relaxed look.
What Doesn’t Work:
Overly aggressive perming can lead to excessive frizz and damage. Curly hair is naturally drier than straight or wavy hair, making it more prone to breakage. Using the wrong perm technique can strip moisture from the hair, leaving it brittle and difficult to manage.
Perming Coily Hair
What Works:
A well-executed perm on coily hair can create defined, bouncy curls while maintaining the natural texture.
However, since coily hair is already very curly, a perm may not always be the best option. In some cases, it is better to make use of the natural curls and opt for a keratin treatment to gently relax the curl pattern. With the right haircut and proper blow-dry technique, relaxed coily hair can achieve a polished look that closely resembles a fresh perm without the need for additional chemical processing.
What Doesn’t Work:
Extremely tight or small curls can cause breakage and excessive dryness. Coily hair is already highly textured, so adding an intense curl pattern can make the hair difficult to maintain. Instead, perms should focus on structure and definition rather than drastic changes.
A perm hairstyle women choose should complement their natural hair type for the best results. Understanding how different hair textures respond to perms can help you achieve a look that enhances your features without compromising hair health.
If you’re considering a root perm or volume perm, visiting a professional hair salon in Singapore can make all the difference. At Picasso Hair Studio, we specialise in personalised perm styles tailored to your unique hair texture.
Book a consultation with us today and discover the perfect perm for you!



Picasso Hair Studio