black and gold hairstyles

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.

21 ADORABLE LOW-MAINTENANCE PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLES FOR SUMMER

Every Black girl knows the joy of a great protective hairstyle. Not only do they shield your hair from damage, but they also let you look fabulous while doing it! Choosing the right protective style is a big deal because you’ll likely wear it for a couple of months. So, finding a style that’s both stunning and practical is essential.

This post highlights some fantastic protective hairstyle ideas for summer that are light, low-maintenance, and easy to handle. When the weather heats up, you don’t want a style that requires too much fuss, which is why I’m a huge fan of protective styles for the season!

CHUNKY BUTTERFLY LOCS

Butterfly twists really have been gaining popularity! It’s great how styles can grow on you—sometimes it just takes a bit of time to appreciate their unique charm. They’re definitely a fresh and fun option for protecting your hair while staying stylish. Have you tried them out yourself, or are you still contemplating?

STITCH TRIBAL BRAIDS

Absolutely, cornrows and stitch braids are both such powerful styles! And that’s a great tip about protecting those baby hairs—keeping your edges intact is crucial for long-term hair health. Do you have a favorite way to style your cornrows or stitch braids?

CORNROWS WITH A FAUX PONY

Braiding cornrows into a faux ponytail offers the perfect blend of intricate detail and voluminous style. If you’re ready to play with color, you can weave it into the cornrows or add a vibrant ponytail for a chic color-block effect. Either way, you’re sure to turn heads!

PASSION TWIST

Passion twists definitely add a fresh and vibrant twist to traditional styles! They have that perfect blend of texture and movement that makes them stand out. Have you tried them out or are you planning to?

FAUX FISHTAIL BRAID

Not all faux ponytails are the same, and Tracee Ellis Ross took it to the next level with this stunning fishtail braid, adding both length and texture. For an ultra-sleek, shiny look, use a hair pomade like Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey. It’ll tame flyaways effortlessly and leave your hair looking radiant.

KNOTLESS BOX BRAIDS

Knotless box braids are such a game-changer! They’re definitely a more comfortable and gentle option for your hair. Plus, they look great and can be styled in so many ways. Have you found any particular styles or variations of knotless braids that you love?

FULANI BRAIDS

Enhance the texture of your Fulani braids by styling them with defined baby hairs. With endless parting options—like overlapping braids or geometric patterns—the beauty of this protective style is that you can keep returning to it for a fresh, glowing look without ever feeling repetitive.

JUMBO BRAIDS

Jumbo braids are so popular because they let you spend less time in the salon and require less hair! Plus, they’re absolutely adorable and give off major summer vibes—or is that just me?

BOX BRAIDS

Box braids are a top pick for protective styles for a reason. Not only are they low-maintenance, but they’re also incredibly versatile and never dull. For added flair, try larger sections—this amps up the drama, reduces braiding time, and keeps upkeep simple.

CURLY CORNROWS

This layered cornrow style by celebrity stylist Susy Oludele and Aeon Elliott is anything but ordinary. The curl pattern adds a fun and elegant twist to the classic straight-back cornrows, while the red highlights give it a vibrant pop of color.

FAUX LOCS

“Another great way to put a cool spin on box braids or faux locs is combining textures and curl patterns with extension hair,” says Brown. If you’re looking to elevate your look, try incorporating different colors—don’t shy away from bold contrasts—for a modern twist on this classic protective style.

FULANI BRAIDS WITH BEADS

Solange elevated her Fulani braids by adding beads that nearly cover the entire length. Channel her iconic style by coordinating your accessories—like a statement mask—with your braids for a bold, futuristic vibe. “Shook” doesn’t even begin to describe it!

FINGER-WAVE CORNROWS

Koudou drew inspiration from Beyoncé’s Lion King red-carpet look to craft these striking finger waves. Typically ending at the nape, the added extension offers extra length and the versatility to drape over your shoulder or wrap into a low ponytail or bun. Versatility is always a win!

FLAT TWISTS

This style combines flat twists and Bantu knots, showcasing that there’s no single way to rock protective styles. It’s ideal for when you’re torn between styles. Choose twists laid to the side like these, or go for a straight-back approach.

PLAITED UPDO

Elevate your braids with this stunning updo, crafted by Koudou. Inspired by Yoruba royalty, this look not only leaves you in awe but also honors the ancestors who pioneered intricate, innovative patterns to care for their natural hair. It’s a true celebration of heritage and beauty.

WAVY BANTU KNOTS

These Bantu knots strike the perfect balance between playful and chic with their curved parts and chunky, braided knots. It’s a great reminder that changing up your parting can instantly reinvent a timeless classic.

LOCS WITH HIGHLIGHTS

“Color is such a great way to give your box braids or faux locs a fresh look,” says hairstylist Cristiana Cassell, Chloe Bailey’s warm, highlighted locs were created in collaboration with hairstylist Sparkle. The neutral tones are ideal for fall but can effortlessly transition into winter months.

LONG PONY

Not all protective styles need braids—sometimes the simplest options, like a low bun or a long ponytail, can be just as effective. Elaine Welteroth shows that adding a touch of volume can elevate these go-to looks, turning a standard ponytail into something extraordinary.

FLORAL BOX BRAIDS

Combine box braids into larger sections and add floral accents for an instant update to your protective style. This look is great for fall, but you can easily transition it to winter by swapping the florals for golden rings. The beauty of this style lies in its limitless versatility.

HAIR WRAP

“An overlooked protective style is wearing a scarf,” says Lindsey. “Pulling your hair back into a loose ponytail or plaiting your hair, then wrapping a scarf in a chic style, is definitely an easy protective style that can be worn all year round.” The best part is that you can effortlessly switch up your look by experimenting with different colors and patterns based on your mood.

BRAIDED HEADBAND

Yvonne Orji from Insecure adds a touch of regal elegance to protective braid styles by draping one braid across the forehead like a crown.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, cute low-maintenance protective hairstyles offer both style and practicality, making them perfect for busy days or just keeping your hair healthy and protected. From jumbo braids and versatile box braids to chic Bantu knots and sleek faux ponies, there’s a range of options to fit every mood and occasion. Experimenting with colors, patterns, and accessories can add a personalized touch, ensuring your look remains fresh and exciting.