Do Gen Z boys get perms

Honestly? Yeah, Gen Z boys are absolutely getting perms. Like, a lot of them. This hairstyle—which your mom probably rocked in the 80s—is back in a big way among young dudes. It's all over TikTok and Instagram. The modern perm isn't that super tight, frizzy mess people remember. It's more like loose waves. A lived-in look. Volume and texture, that's the goal.

Why are Gen Z boys suddenly getting perms?

Social media's a huge part of it. TikTok especially. You've seen those "perm transformation" videos, right? Kid walks in with flat hair, walks out looking like a heartthrob. They go viral constantly. That visual craving is real. Plus, Gen Z just experiments more with style and beauty. Gender norms? Kinda fading. The old school buzz cut or fade isn't the only option anymore. Guys want texture now. The perm gives you something you can't really get with just a blow dryer and some product. It's a shortcut to that effortless, messy look.

What type of perm is most popular among Gen Z men?

Without a doubt, it's the loose perm. Or "beach wave perm," whatever you wanna call it. They use bigger rods so you get soft waves, not tight curls. The idea is to make it look like you just have naturally wavy hair. Some guys go for a spiral perm though—that gives more defined, corkscrew curls. Depends on your hair length and what vibe you're after. One thing though: the Gen Z perm almost always comes with a modern haircut. A mid taper or textured crop. So it looks intentional, not like you just woke up weird.

How long does a men's perm last, and how much does it cost?

Usually, a perm sticks around for 3 to 6 months. Depends how fast your hair grows, the solution they use, and how well you treat it. As it grows out, the perm stays on the ends but your roots go straight. That can look kinda mullet-y. A lot of guys get touch-ups every 4 or 5 months to keep it fresh.

Cost? Varies like crazy. Where you live, the salon, the stylist's experience—all matter. Here's a rough idea:

"The key to a good men's perm is the consultation. We don't just do 'one perm fits all.' We look at hair type, face shape, and the client's daily routine to choose the right rod size and solution. The goal is to enhance their natural hair, not to fight it." - Lisa Chen, Senior Stylist at Urban Cuts NYC.

Are there risks or downsides to getting a perm?

Oh yeah, there are risks. Biggest one? Hair damage. The solution uses chemicals—usually ammonium thioglycolate—to break and reform your hair's bonds. If they leave it on too long or your hair's already damaged, you get frizz, breakage, dryness. You really gotta see a pro who knows what they're doing. Then there's "perm shock." The result might be way curlier than you expected. Also, a perm won't do jack for really short hair. You need at least 3-4 inches to wrap around those rods properly. And the aftercare? Specific. Sulfate-free shampoo, deep conditioning treatments—that stuff costs money and takes effort.

How to care for a men's perm: A checklist

• Wait 48 hours: Don't wash or even wet your hair for two days after. Let those bonds set.
• Use sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates strip oils and make the perm loosen up too fast.
• Condition deeply: A moisturizing conditioner or hair mask once a week. Dryness is the enemy.
• Air dry or diffuse: Don't go crazy towel drying. Scrunch with a microfiber cloth or use a diffuser on low heat.
• Use a leave-in conditioner: Helps define curls and keeps frizz down.
• Don't brush: Seriously. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Brushing just ruins the curl pattern.
• Protect from heat: If you blow dry, always use a heat protectant spray. Always.

Frequently Asked Questions