Services
What's the shortest hair can be to perm? | Abingdon | Didcot | Wantage | Oxfordshire
Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.
CALL: 01235 534705
EMAIL: [email protected]
4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA
Hair Salon Opening Times
Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:
10 am
3:30 pm
11:30 am
7:30 pm
10 am
6 pm
9 am
4:30 pm
Perming Short Hair in Abingdon
Perms are one of our most popular services and they are a highly effective way to apply texture, volume and long lasting curls. Regardless whether you’re looking for something soft, natural or an 80’s throwback, perms can be tailored to suit your hair type and personal style. That being said perms aren’t for everyone and certain lengths of hair won’t be able to achieve your desired curl size whereas shorter hair lengths won’t be able to achieve any perm whatsoever.
In our daily blog, all things perms and more specifically the optimum length of hair to perm, the minimum required length and whether it’s best to perm with short hair or whether there’s a case to be made for waiting a short time until your hair grows.
If you are considering something different, visit our perm service page. Finally, if you’re new to the salon and not sure how to get the most value from your next appointment, need a consultation or would value a conversation before booking, call or send a WhatsApp message on 01235 534705.


Shorter Hair Perm FAQ's
Can any length of hair be permed?
The short answer (no pun intended) is that hair needs to be a certain length to avoid it being too short to achieve a perm. While it’s true that perms can look different and be tailored to your hair type, texture and you personal perming preferences, it does need to be of a desired length initially. The easiest measurement for perming is whether your desired perm rod, which are key to perming hair can wrap your current length of hair around it to achieve a curl. If the hair is too short, the rods won’t hold properly, leading to an uneven or unpredictable result.
The key factor in whether a perm will work on your hair is how much of your hair can be wrapped around the rods. If your hair is extremely short (less than a few inches) it may not have enough length to form a defined curl or wave over even the smallest sized perm rods. It’s too worth noting that perms are almost always determined by length, texture and resistance.
Here’s the most popular types of terms.
What's the shortest hair can be to perm?
Objectively smaller curls are more achievable on much shorter hair. Assuming a smaller curl, hair needs to be at least 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 cm) long to be permed. Whilst that is by no means a guarantee, this typically allows shorter hair to wrap around the smallest perm rods at least once, which is the minimum needed to create a curl or wave. Here are some examples of what might be achievable:
- Tighter curls: Smaller rods will achieve aa tighter curl and these are often for shorter hair the sole option. For men, here are some shorter perm options.
- Looser/natural curls: Longer hair types (a minimum of 4-5 inches) will allow for a looser and more natural curl pattern.
- Spiral perms: These are best suited for medium to long hair, as the rods are placed vertically and need more length to create the effect.
Can short hair achieve any type of perm?
Not every perm technique is suitable for short hair. While traditional perms can be adapted for shorter styles, some methods like beach wave perms or spiral perms require a certain amount of length to create the right effect. Short hair can still benefit from a perm, but the final look will depend on how much hair you have to work with and there will be limitations on your final outcome.
If your goal is a very specific type of curl or wave, speaking to your stylist will help determine if your current hair length is suitable or whether you need to let it grow a little more.
How long do I need to wait for my hair to grow?
If your hair isn’t quite long enough to be permed yet, the good news is that hair grows at an average rate of half an inch every month so if your Stylist is advising you of your need for an additional inch, sit tight for two months. What is essential medium term is regular haircuts to maintain your overall hair health whilst addressing splits (which are not your friend when perming!).
Conclusion
Perms are highly effective when it comes to adding volume, texture, and lasting curls to your hair and your hair length is critical to this. While some very short hairstyles may be just long enough to achieve a curl, you may require longer hair to achieve your desired look if you seek looser waves like a beach wave or a spiral perm. Typically hair that is at least 5 inches in length is the entry-level requirement necessary.
If you’re ever in doubt speak to a perm specialist and they will be able to better advise as to the required growth. However to align expectations, working to half an inch of hair growth each month can help with anticipated growth against your desired perm.
Bleach hair? Here’s whether you can perm bleached hair.
If you are feeling lost in what could work best for you, leave it to us. Our consultations work through any question you might have, logistics and we too make recommendations based upon your lifestyle and hair type.
Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.
CALL: 01235 534705
EMAIL: [email protected]
4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA
Opening Times
Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:
10 am
3:30 pm
11:30 am
7:30 pm
10 am
6 pm
9 am
4:30 pm
Want to know more about short hair perms?
Complete the below and a staff member will contact you at the earliest opportunity with further information about how we can help you with your hair extensions appointment. Any questions, call or send a WhatsApp to the salon on 01235 534705 or book your appointment online.
Want to know more about perms on short hair?
As one of the best hair salons for shorter hair perms in Oxfordshire, we would love to discuss your plans with you! To book your hair appointment or consultation, get in touch with Wisteria Avenue Hair Salon by booking online or calling us on 01235 534705.
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Our Latest Hair Trends Blog
Our hair trends blog looks at the latest hairdressing trends, hair styles, hair colours, gents haircuts, ladies haircuts, perms, seasonal styles and much, much more!
For regular updates and blog postings, check out our recent blogs.