A spiral perm is a permanent wave where the curl shape has different sizes and lengths. Having a blast from the glorious ’80s, the perm hairstyle is back in business but now with its modern twists!
Spiral curls are created by rolling the hair onto the perm rod in a vertical manner. Long locks are best for the perfect spiral perm, so it can give you major volume than a regular perm will.
Before getting a spiral perm, curly hair expert, Dennis Mero from Orlando, FL advises asking these key questions. “How many times am I going to need a perm and a haircut a year? Will I be able to color my hair? Do I need to change my hair products and routine?”
When getting a perm, “you have to learn how to take care and maintain your hair on a daily basis,” Mero says. “One of the biggest mistakes I see is women wanting to go wavy or curly because they think it’s going to be easier than having straight hair. It can be, but only when you learn how to take care and maintain your brand new hair.”
To start, Mero suggests getting a good shampoo and conditioner that suits your porosity. He says, “Your shampoo and conditioner are like your gas for your car. It can’t run without it, and it will function poorly if you use the wrong kind.”
Before your next hair appointment, check out these pictures of the most popular and modern spiral perm hairstyles.
#1: Spiral Curls with Extensions
Flaunt some spiral curls with extensions to boost the hair’s texture and shape. Extensions give maximum volume and extra length to any hair type. They’re perfect for achieving a natural, fuller body of hair and look best after the hair is dry.
#2: Long Loose Curl Spirals
Your long brown tresses may be gorgeous alone, but wait until you see them permed to. Add more texture and bounce to your hairstyle with these long loose curl spirals. That’s the kind of excitement you need in your life.
#3: Multi-Textured Perm
Multi-textured perms look the most natural as they mimic naturally curly hair, with strands that vary in size and definition. This technique can complement already curly hair to create consistency, or naturally straight hair to create a style difference. Using a styling brush like a Denman and help uniform curls when styling.
#4: Spot Perm
A spot perm is a specific placement of rods and solutions to create texture in the chosen area. A spiral perm can be created with a focus on the mid to ends of the hair. This option supports the styling of curls and waves created with a wand. Heat protection mists like Enviro 54 by Chi are a great styling aid with hold.
#5: Cold Perm
Cold perms, also known as alkaline perms, are making their way back around the hair scene as it’s a consistent form to achieve spiral perm hairstyles. Maintenance for permed hair is low as it can last 3 to 6 months and a home hair routine to help encourage the curls to perform when styled.
#6: Root Perm
A root perm is a solution for flat and limp hair. The light lift at the root aids when styling a blowout or for extended styling. Root lifting products can further support styling a spiral perm for long hair, although air drying can be an option for a low-maintenance style.
#7: Volumizing Perm
A volumizing perm is ideal for women that are seeking overall body and lift. Curls may vary by the client’s hair length and layering preference. An at-home styling and maintenance routine is ideal for showcasing the best results. Use a gel-cream formulation when styling.
#8: Pin Curl Perm
A pin curl perm is traditionally tighter and has a max definition which together, can bring longevity for the client. The look is much like a spiral perm style and can be complemented with a curly cut, a form of cutting curly hair. Style can last even longer with a cocktail of products like lotions for hydration and gel for hold.
#9: Body Wave Perm
Body wave perms allow for loose texture within the hair, keeping styling easy and low-maintenance. Salon upkeep can vary between 3-6 months and will gradually loosen in-between visits. Air drying or diffusing are popular options however, using a wand or curling iron can further enhance the waves with the added hold.
#10: Digital Perm
Digital perms are a modern look for classic curls. The key difference is that when the hair dries, the curl pattern is soft in a loose spiral perm hairstyle, allowing the hair to be manageable to style as one desires. The process changes the chemical makeup of one’s hair, so it can last for about a year.
#11: 80s Spiral Perm
An ’80s spiral perm is great for added texture and volume. Subtle layers are added to create a much more flattering shape. Modern upkeep can involve using mousse or foam for definition and moisturizing treatments for a hydrated definition. This style comes in a variety of lengths.
#12: Spiral Perm on a Layered Pixie
A spiral perm on a layered pixie gives lots of body and style to the tresses despite requiring low maintenance. Take into consideration the length on top before doing a perm. The spiral perm for short hair tends to shrink with the newly added curls, so don’t be afraid to leave it a little longer on top and cut more when needed after the perm. Easily styled with a curl cream or spray for a wash-and-go finish or use a diffuser to dry.
#13: Stacked Perm on Shorter Hair
Having a stacked perm on shorter hair can add a lot of structure to your curls and help avoid a rounder shape. Using a triangular shape will ensure you keep a longer length near the face. It’ll build weight in your curls at the back, too. A style like this would work great on rounder face shapes.
#14: Spiral Perm Bob on African American Hair
A spiral perm bob with bangs on African-American hair won’t fail to attract attention. Perm creates spiral curls on natural hair that’s guaranteed to refine a corkscrew, kinky texture. If you’re searching for a style that offers a bouncy edge, you won’t regret wearing a short spiral perm with bangs.
#15: Straight Piggyback Spirals
Don’t settle for having the usual long, black hair, and explore what spiral perms can do to give your hair a fresh vibe. These straight piggyback spirals will let you have messy beach waves with a natural-looking texture. Wear your natural hair down completely, and you’ll still make a statement.
#16: Loose Spirals for Short Hair
A perfect pairing of both a classic bob cut and perm delivers one sweet hairstyle! Your soft brown hue will be more emphasized in a loose spiral perm on short hair.
#17: Curly and Wavy Perm on Thin Hair
This is the ultimate curly and wavy perm on thin hair to boost your elegance and to add life to your long, fine locks. Textured, wavy hair is now easier to achieve!
#18: Tight Spirals on Long Hair
Since the perm thing is coming back, you should never be out of style. With tight spirals on long hair, this time, no need to choose between having a fuller black hairstyle and an added elegance. This loose spiral perm on long hair brings forth the best of both worlds.
#19: Partial Spirals for Longer Hair
A striking partial spiral perm for longer hair deserves to be shown to the world. Aim for this look by partnering your permed curls with a dark mahogany red hair color for a strong finish.
#20: Medium Side-Swept Perm
A combo of loose curls and ringlets can make a lovely hairstyle. These twists work hand in hand, creating a medium side-swept perm to jazz up your brown locks.
Oklahoma-based stylist Clarissa Mendez came up with some tips for styling a spiral perm on medium-length hair. She says, “go for the Arc Angel from Deva Curl for a frizz-free and volumized finish.”
#21: Soft Spirals on Medium-Length Hair
Forming a good body and a lot of movement means you’ve achieved those bouncy kinks. These soft spirals on medium-length hair are ready to be shown off every day. Coloring your tresses with light brown can add slight brightness to your style.
#22: Shoulder-Length Body Perm
A shoulder-length body perm that screams confidence and beauty! A spiral perm for medium hair can create loose curls that will give your blonde hair the texture and shape that it needs.
#23: Beach Wave Perm for Fine Hair
Increase the depth on your long, dark tresses for a thicker finish. This beach wave perm for fine hair is sure to put enthusiasm into your current look.
#24: Blonde Wavy Perm
Nothing surpasses the glam delivered by the combination of medium-length curls and a classic blonde. The movement and fullness in this blonde wavy perm will breathe life into your fine tresses.
#25: Big Loose Spiral Perm Curls for Thick Hair
Don’t be timid to ask for too much volume on your mid-length dense locks. These are the ultimate big loose spiral perm curls for thick hair like yours. Your brown tresses will be so full of life that suits your cheerful vibe.