6 Must-Dos for Guys with Permed Hair

You just got a perm, now what? Here’s what they don’t tell you: guys with permed hair need to tweak their grooming and styling routines to keep those curls in top shape. If you want to rock your new ’do with confidence, avoid rookie mistakes with these six must-dos for post-salon care. 

Knowing how to look after permed hair is key to making it last longer and keeping your mane healthy. A perm rewires your hair’s structure, exposing it to chemicals that can leave it dry and brittle. Below are helpful tips to follow if you’re new to curly hair.

The perming solution takes hours, sometimes days, to fully set. Any external disruption can compromise the chemical bonds and mess up the shape of your curls. So, hold off on brushing, styling, and washing your hair for the time being.

The downtime varies based on the type of perm and your hair type. Generally, for a Korean perm, a waiting period of 72 hours is recommended. To be on the safe side, it’s best to wait a full week.

Because the harsh perm chemicals alter your hair’s internal bonds, it becomes more vulnerable to damage. Use the wrong haircare products, and you end up with frizz and breakage – two problems all guys with permed hair know too well.

Look for products packed with moisture, like the 3-in-1 Dove Men+Care Body, Face & Hair Wash Clean Comfort. Infused with MICROMOISTURE technology and nourishing ingredients, it keeps permed locks – as well as your face and body – hydrated.

If you have permed hair, air-drying is the way to go. Because the chemical solution leaves your hair more porous and fragile, using a hair dryer can further strip away essential moisture. Air-drying not only spares your hair from heat damage, but it also helps shape your waves.

First, pat your head with a microfiber towel to remove any excess water, then leave it to dry naturally. If your hair is thick and you’re in a rush, attach a diffuser to your blow dryer and set it to low heat. This speeds up drying while minimizing damage.

A fine-tooth comb might be practical for people with straight hair, but it can shred and tear textured hair. For guys with permed hair, a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush works best. Look for materials like wood, bamboo, nylon, and silicone, as plastics can cause static and more tangles. Most importantly, be sure to comb or brush your hair only while it’s still wet.

To make your perm last longer, the secret is to plop your hair before bedtime using a long-sleeved T-shirt or a microfiber towel.

First, coat your damp strands with a curl-enhancing cream (a must-have for guys with permed hair) while scrunching them. Next, flip your head upside down and use the T-shirt or towel to wrap your hair into a turban. This keeps your curls neatly in place, absorbs excess moisture, and prevents friction against your pillow — all of which helps your perm stay defined and frizz-free.

Growing your hair out can weigh down your permed waves. To prevent this, visit your barber for a trim every four to six weeks. Ask them to cut off the bare minimum if you’re planning to go full-blown John Wick. This will help get rid of dead ends and keep your mane healthy.

Looking for some curl inspo? You’re in luck – permed hairstyles for men are hotter than ever, offering everything from soft, romantic waves to bold, statement-making cuts. Think Timothée Chalamet’s effortlessly tousled curls or V’s sexy permed mullet. Whether you want something subtle or eye-catching, here are a few standout styles to choose from.

Beach waves give you that effortless, just-rolled-out-of-bed look without going overboard. They’re easy to style, low-maintenance, and the perfect way to ease yourself into curly hair.

Seen recently on all of your girlfriend’s favorite oppas and K-pop biases, the permed mullet is the cooler, sexier take on the old-school mullet. Also known as the “wolf cut,” it’s short on the sides and long at the back, with soft, wispy curls framing the nape for effortless texture and movement.

Envious of Timothée Chalamet’s effortless curls? Sure, he’s got the genes, but you can still get the vibe. Pair a shaggy, layered cut with a fluffy boy perm to get the same textured volume and tousled look.

A fade on the sides and back keeps your curls focused on top, creating a clean, modern, and edgy silhouette. Choose a mid-fade for a balanced look or a high fade to really make those curls pop.

Guys with permed hair may need to invest more thought into their grooming practices and master new styling routines, but the results are well worth the effort. Not only do they get instant volume and texture, but a perm also opens a whole new world of hairstyle options.