30 BEST PERM HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN TO CHOOSE FROM

Looking to add some volume, texture, or a touch of drama to your hair? A perm can be a fantastic way to achieve a new and exciting look. Whether you’re going for a classic spiral perm or a modern beach wave, there’s a perm style out there to suit every taste and hair type. In this guide, we’ll explore 30 of the best perm hairstyles for women, offering inspiration and tips for choosing the perfect style for you.

BLONDE PERM HAIR WITH THIN DEFINED CURLS

It’s no surprise that permed hair is especially popular among those with loose natural textures. This treatment enhances your hair’s natural definition and texture beautifully. By leaving a gel cast on small, thin curls, you can achieve a sleek, wet look without needing to use any water.

GRAY PERM BOB WITH BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS

If you’ve reached the age of gray hair, you likely remember when perms meant super-tight curls. Thankfully, times have changed! Nowadays, you can enjoy a perm that results in beautifully textured loose waves without any of the unwanted kinks.

NATURAL LOOKING MID-LENGTH PERM HAIR

This perm offers a more natural look than traditional styles, making it a great choice for those who love big, curly hair. While frizz can be a concern, using gentle cleansers and moisturizing conditioners makes natural-looking permed hair easy to manage. Best of all, it complements all face shapes!

SIDE-PARTED LOB WITH TOUSLED CURLS

A tousled curly perm is a fun, carefree style to consider for your next look. Try parting your hair deeply to one side, allowing some curls to fall into your face for a playful peek-a-boo effect. Embrace the messiness—imperfect curls add to the charm!

ASYMMETRICAL TOUSLED PERM BOB

Women with thick, wild hair should lean into their natural texture and embrace their individuality. Permed hairstyles are a fantastic choice! Let your curly ringlets shine as your crown, cascading forward in a playful peek-a-boo style. Ash brown is beautifully complemented by white-blonde highlights that weave through each loopy curl, adding depth and dimension.

LONG LAYERED PERM HAIRSTYLE

Do you gaze at your long wavy hair and feel it lacks that extra “oomph”? This often happens because long hairstyles prioritize length over bounce and shape. A light perm can enhance your natural curl pattern while maintaining your length, giving your long brown hair a luxurious, voluminous appearance. Plus, bronze highlights add a beautiful shimmer!

TOUSLED WAVY PERM BOB

A bob haircut is an excellent base for a perm. Whether you choose a wavy perm or loose curls, you’ll enjoy a cute hairstyle that requires minimal styling. If you have a favorite product, just apply a dab to enhance your look, and you’ll be ready to shine all day!

LONG DARK WAVY HAIRSTYLE WITH HIGHLIGHTS

If you have naturally fine hair that could use some lift, consider a body wave to add extra texture and volume. If you’ve experienced tight spiral perms, you know they can shorten your hair significantly as curls spring up. Instead, opt for looser, wider curls to maintain length while still achieving bounce and visual interest. This black curly hairstyle will look healthy and shiny!

BOB WITH THIN ROOTS-TO-ENDS PERM CURLS

Not a fan of large, thick ringlets? Thin, abundant curls can give you the same volume as bigger curls. You can achieve this look with a diffuser attachment or opt for a perm for a low-maintenance style that’s easy to manage.

SHORT BOB WITH BODY-BOOSTING CURLS

The modern bob is more about waves and tousles than sleek, straight lines. A perm adds a fresh twist to this classic cropped style, while a body perm offers natural root lift that lasts all day. Keep the layers simple, as your new curls will provide all the volume you need!

LOOSE WAVE PERM

Beach wave perms and spirals instantly add volume to fine hair. If you’re aiming for a shorter look, opt for bouncy curls. For a more casual and effortless vibe, beach waves are the perfect choice!

BEAUTIFUL PERM LOB FOR GRAY HAIR

This stunning gray permed hair exudes a youthful vibe. The white side part beautifully frames the face and adds flattering height for an elongated look. Lowlights introduce a natural touch of color, enhancing the overall fullness and depth.

SHRINKING CURLS

Perfect for medium-length hair, these spiraled curls start loose and tighten toward the ends. The subtle blonde highlights add depth, making your hair appear twice as full—yes, please!

SILVER FOX PERM

Silver hair already makes a bold statement, but you can elevate it even more with a voluminous head of giant curls! This permed style, created with a large rod, results in stunning big curls that bounce beautifully all around.

MEDIUM LAYERED CURLS WITH BANGS

This medium perm features adorable, shaggy ringlets that reach the collarbone. Golden blonde highlights define each tendril, while curly bangs beautifully frame the face. Tighter curls are especially flattering on medium-layered hair.

SHOULDER-LENGTH ASH BLONDE PERM HAIRSTYLE

A short hair perm is an excellent way to boost your hair’s natural volume. Fans of tight curls are heading to salons for this style. When choosing the right length for a perm, remember that you can expect at least half an inch of shrinkage as a general rule of thumb.

LARGE LOOSE PERM CURLS

If you have a classic style and love big, loose permed looks, you’ll adore these large, bouncy curls. Loose spiral perms aren’t for the faint-hearted—you’ll want to rock this hairstyle with the confidence of an ’80s pop star! To keep your perm looking natural, gently run your fingers through your hair to separate the curls.

BLACK LAYERED PERM WAVES

Wavy perms provide a fun twist to straight hair, adding body and life to flat strands. These natural-looking, shiny locks can be parted on the side or in the middle to suit your mood. Plus, the length is perfect for styling into a bouncy ponytail or a loose, curly updo!

HIGHLIGHTED PERM LOB HAIRCUT

Perm hairstyles are both versatile and stylish. This curly perm features bouncy curls with added texture at the top. The dark roots are beautifully complemented by blonde highlights, which enhance depth and make the spirals truly stand out.

LONG BLONDE BALAYAGE SHAG WITH PERM WAVES

Every girl dreams of having permanent waves that look natural, so why not try a beachy wave perm? This style for long hair exudes shaggy, 1970s vibes, especially when paired with a bright blonde balayage. Embrace the look by letting your natural roots show—it’s all part of the charm!

THE TRADITIONAL PERM 2.0

Nowadays, women with perms are showcasing fresh ways to style them while staying on-trend. These skinny, bright blonde curls add movement, giving volume, depth, and body to shoulder-length hair while beautifully accentuating your face.

PERM BOB WITH LARGE CURLS

If you’re after a short hair perm with big curls, this pretty, slightly tousled chin-length bob is a perfect choice. Shapely tendrils frame the face, adding a sassy edge to this feminine hairstyle.

OFF-CENTER CURLY HIGHLIGHTED HAIRSTYLE

There are various types of perms, so you’re not limited to super kinky ringlets. A wavy perm at shoulder length offers a lovely option. Part your hair slightly off-center to allow those loose curls to fall naturally where they may.

BEACHY BLONDE WAVES

Nothing captures the boho beach babe vibe quite like long blonde waves! This wavy perm is ideal for anyone seeking a low-maintenance, natural look that’s full of volume and personality. TIP: Adding layers can help reduce any unwanted poof!

SPIRAL PERM STYLE FOR FINE HAIR

This modern perm is incredibly wearable and can be styled with a deep side part, which softens features and complements your look while creating a narrowing effect on your face shape. Opt for a spiral perm to achieve these classically curly tresses!

PERMED BOB

Don’t shy away from volume or texture in short, permed hairstyles! With a great cut shape, you won’t have to worry about it feeling “too curly.” Embracing this look is a fantastic way to keep your perm feeling fresh and modern.

MEDIUM PERM HAIR WITH HIGHLIGHTS

Medium-length hair offers a variety of curl pattern options, allowing for both tight and loose curls. If the curls feel too heavy around your face, you can pin back curly bangs to showcase your facial features beautifully.

OVER 40 PERM LOB FOR GRAY HAIR

Loose curls are both voluminous and flattering for most women, framing the face and neck while adding height for an overall lift. A side part, face-framing layers, and peek-a-boo bangs further enhance this effect, creating a beautifully balanced look.

SHOULDER-LENGTH MEDIUM PERM CURLS

These bouncy shoulder-length curls feel fresh and modern, far from outdated permed styles. This mane looks healthy and free of frizz, while subtle highlights add definition and texture, enhancing the overall volume and thickness.

DYNAMIC IRREGULAR PERM WAVES

Curls are anything but regular and symmetrical; their charm lies in their delightful unpredictability. A perm will give you permanent waves, and thanks to the irregularity of curls, you can enjoy a completely new hairstyle every day!

CONCLUSION

A perm can be a fun and exciting way to transform your look. With so many different styles to choose from, there’s sure to be a perfect perm for you. Whether you’re looking for something classic, trendy, or low-maintenance, consider incorporating a perm into your hairstyle routine. Remember to consult with a professional stylist to determine the best perm type and techniques for your hair. With proper care and styling, you can enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting perm.

7 BEST BIRTHDAY NAIL SET IDEAS WITH LASTING QUALITY

Calling all birthday nail enthusiasts with a birthday coming up! Ready to ditch the chip worries and rock a stunning manicure that lasts? Look no further! We’ve curated 7 of the best birthday nail set ideas specifically designed for birthday nails, ensuring both eye-catching designs and long-lasting wear. Get ready to celebrate your special day with fabulous nails that won’t quit!

OUR TOP PICKS

BEST POLISH: ESSIE GEL COUTURE LONGWEAR NAIL POLISH + TOP COAT KIT

If you’re aiming for a gel manicure look without the UV drying light, Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish is an excellent choice. This polish, which has a thick, non-dripping formula, applies like regular polish and dries to a hard, glossy finish that mimics a professional salon manicure. We wore these nails for over two weeks and experienced minimal chipping, comparable to professional gel manicures. Removal is straightforward with acetone, leaving your nails healthy and undamaged.

While lamp-cured gel polishes dry faster, Essie Gel Couture takes about 15 minutes to fully dry. However, its staying power is impressive, and we loved the vibrant colors and the well-preserved condition of our nails after removal. If you want a gel-like manicure without the need for a UV lamp, this polish is the best option.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 15 minutes
  • Lamp Included: No

BEST FOR TRAVEL: LE MINI MACARON LE MAXI DELUXE GEL MANICURE SET

The Le Mini Macaron compact kit is ideal for on-the-go manicures. We gave it top marks for ease of use, drying time, finished appearance, and nail health post-removal. Despite gel kits often being intimidating for beauty newbies, this kit from Le Mini Macaron is user-friendly and fun, even for beginners. The gel lacquer dries quickly with the included LED lamp, leaving nails glossy and hard in just one minute. However, the travel-friendly lamp is small, so you’ll need to dry your thumb separately.

While we loved the quick-drying, glossy finish, the polish began peeling within a few days and was completely gone soon after. Longer-lasting results might be achieved by using a nail-prepper product, applying thinner coats, or drying nails for a longer time. Despite the short staying power, our nails were not damaged, making this kit an excellent travel choice.

  • Shades: 2
  • Dry Time: 1 minute
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST VALUE: GELLEN GEL NAIL POLISH KIT

For a more comprehensive option, the Gellen Gel Starter Kit is a great choice. We awarded this kit perfect scores for ease of use and were impressed with the 12 included bottles of polish, various nail embellishments, grooming tools, and UV lamp. The instructions recommend drying each coat for 60 seconds under the light, but we found our nails were still tacky after a minute. Extending the drying time to 90 seconds yielded better results.

Once painted and dried, we loved the appearance of our gel manicures. The colors were vibrant, and the polish dried smooth with a glossy finish. However, the lacquer began to chip around day six and was completely peeled off by day eight, making soak-off removal unnecessary. While we wish the polish lasted longer, this feature-rich kit offers great value.

  • Shades: 12
  • Dry Time: 90 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST FOR BEGINNERS: SALLY HANSEN SALON PRO GEL STARTER KIT

If you’re new to gel nails, Sally Hansen’s beginner-friendly Salon Starter Kit is perfect for you. This kit earned a perfect score for ease of use, thanks to its simple three-step process and lightning-fast drying time. Curing your nails with the included LED lamp takes only about 30 seconds.

Once dried, our nails were smooth, super shiny, and hard without any stickiness. Although the kit comes with only one color, additional bottles can be purchased separately. Despite the promise of up to two weeks of wear, our manicures didn’t last very long. The gel began to peel when we cleaned around the house, even with gloves on. This kit may not be ideal for those who work with their hands, but it’s a great option for anyone looking to try gel nails at home.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 30 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST BUDGET: SENSATIONAIL GEL STARTER KIT

Looking for a budget-friendly option? The SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit is a solid choice. The instructions can be a bit confusing, so we recommend reading through them thoroughly before starting. While this kit wasn’t the easiest to use initially, the process should be smoother the second time around. We were pleasantly surprised by how quickly the lacquer dried with the included LED lamp, but for the best results, we suggest applying thinner layers of paint and taking your time.

The brand claims up to two weeks of wear, but we noticed chipping after about a week—slightly longer than regular polish but not as durable as a professional gel manicure. Although this affordable kit comes with only one polish color, you can purchase additional bottles individually to expand your collection.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 3 minutes
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST FOR NAIL CARE: RED CARPET MANICURE PRO 45 STARTER KIT

If you prioritize skincare, it’s important to care for your nail beds and cuticles too. This comprehensive kit includes everything from cuticle oil to sealing top and base coats, along with cleansers, foil wraps, cuticle pushers, and more. The gel hardened into a shiny gloss on our nails in just 45 seconds and stayed smooth with minimal chipping for nearly two weeks.

We did notice that the brushes were a bit uneven and frayed, making it challenging to cover all the edges perfectly. However, with a steady hand, we applied the glossy shades, confident that our nails and skin were protected. After removing the polish two weeks later, we were pleased to find our nails as strong as ever.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 45 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST OVERALL: MOROVAN NAIL KIT

Morovan’s Poly Gel Kit earned perfect scores for drying time, finished look, staying power, ease of removal, and nail integrity post-removal. We only marked it down for ease of use due to a slight learning curve. However, the instructions were thorough and easy to follow, and the illustrated how-to booklet was very helpful.

This set includes everything needed for a professional-level manicure, plus some fun embellishments and extras. It comes with eight polish shades, including six solid opaques and two ombrés. The kit also includes a primer, a dehydrator, a base coat, a top coat, an LED lamp, and various tools for grooming your nails and cuticles.

The most challenging component was the nail extensions, as the kit includes extension gel and shaping foil to help you create your desired length and shape. Once the gel was applied, the drying process was smooth and straightforward.

After two weeks, only two extensions had fallen off, and the stunning color and shine remained. When it was time to remove the polish, the gel came off easily with the help of a scraping tool. If you’re up for the challenge of DIY gel extensions and want a long-lasting manicure, this kit is an excellent choice.

  • Shades: 8
  • Dry Time: 2 minutes
  • Lamp Included: Yes

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN AT-HOME GEL KIT

STAYING POWER

One of the main attractions of at-home gel nails is their promise of professional-level longevity. The products, tools, and formulas should provide similar results to what you’d get at a salon. However, many kits we tried didn’t last more than a week. Various factors can influence this, including improper use of the kits, daily wear and tear on your nails, and not thoroughly removing natural oils from your nails before painting. For best results, carefully read all instructions and follow the manufacturer’s nail care suggestions, and consider wearing reusable gloves when cleaning and doing dishes.

INCLUDED SHADES

While some at-home gel kits come with multiple polish shades, many starter sets only include one or two. However, additional colors are often available for individual purchase, allowing you to gradually expand your collection with shades you’ll actually use. An extra bottle of white nail polish is great for classic French manicures and the trendy “glazed donut” nails.

CURING LAMP

Most kits come with a UV or LED lamp, which is essential for curing and drying gel polish. As celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein explains, “Gel polish needs a UV light to cure/dry and provides a chip-free manicure that lasts much longer than regular nail polish.” Depending on the lamp’s bulbs and wattage, each coat will take anywhere from 30 seconds to three minutes to cure. Most of our top picks, except for Essie’s Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish, include an LED/UV lamp.

REMOVAL

Gel manicures typically require soak-off removal. This involves soaking 10 cotton pieces in pure acetone, placing them on your nails, wrapping them in foil, and letting them sit for about 15 minutes. After soaking, the polish usually scrapes off easily. If you prefer not to make multiple trips to the store, consider the Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Gel Starter Kit, which includes foil wraps, gel polish remover, and more.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it! With these seven fantastic nail set ideas, you can celebrate your birthday with stunning nails that last. Whether you crave a classic French manicure, a touch of playful glitter, or a bold, eye-catching design, there’s a perfect option for you. So go forth, embrace your beautiful nails, and rock a birthday mani that shines as bright as you do!