Men's Perms Appointments

Men’s perms are the men’s hair trend that’s actually growing

The textured-top-with-shorter-sides look that’s been quietly building across men’s grooming for the last few years often involves a perm — even when it doesn’t look like one. We do men’s perms regularly at Wisteria Avenue, and the demand has been particularly strong with clients in their twenties and thirties.

The look itself: textured curl or wave on top, shorter sides, a modern cut shape. The perm gives the top section structure that styling alone can’t produce — and crucially, the structure stays put without daily styling. Most men find their morning routine actually gets simpler after a perm, not more complicated.

How does a men’s perm work?

Most men’s perms involve perming just the top section of the hair, with the sides cut shorter either before or after. The contrast between the textured curl on top and the cleaner sides is what gives the look its modern edge. We plan the cut and perm together at consultation — the cut shape and the perm pattern need to work as one design.

The perm itself uses smaller rods than a women’s beach wave, which produces a tighter texture that suits shorter hair lengths. The processing is similar — rods in, lotion on, neutraliser, finished — but the wrapping is concentrated on the top section only. The whole appointment typically runs two to two and a half hours including the cut.

Will I need to style permed hair every day?

Less than you’d think. The perm gives the hair structure on its own — a small amount of product (a curl cream, light pomade or sea-salt spray) helps define the texture, but you won’t need a hairdryer, brush or curling tool. The hair air-dries into the perm pattern.

This is the part most men’s perm clients don’t expect: the routine becomes shorter, not longer. Wash, towel dry, a small amount of product, and you’re done. For clients used to spending ten or fifteen minutes styling their hair in the morning, the time saving is genuinely noticeable.

How long does a men’s perm last?

Typically three to four months — slightly shorter than perms on longer hair, because shorter hair grows out faster relative to its length. Most men’s perm clients schedule the perm to coincide with a haircut: when the perm starts to drop and the unpermed roots become visible, it’s often around the same time as the next trim, so both can be refreshed together.

Is a men’s perm right for me?

Most men we see for perms fall into one of three groups: men whose hair won’t hold a curl or wave from styling tools; men who want the textured-top look but don’t want to spend twenty minutes on it every morning; or men who’ve previously paid for repeat blow-dries and want the same look as a permanent solution. If any of those describes you, a consultation is a useful next step. If you’re not sure, a consultation is the right way to find out.

Men’s perms at Wisteria Avenue start from £95, often falling at the lower end of our perm pricing range because men’s hair is generally shorter. We confirm specific pricing at consultation.