Soft curls are having a real moment for guys who want more texture without daily heat styling, and a curly perm is one of the most reliable ways to lock in that look for months. From subtle waves to tight coils, men are pairing perms with modern cuts like fades, undercuts, and mullets.
Below you will find twenty of the most popular curly perm looks for men, each with notes on who they suit and how to style them. The goal is curls that feel confident and modern rather than costume-like.
Tight Spiral Curly Perm For Men
A tight spiral curly perm delivers the most pronounced curl pattern, with corkscrew-like curls that spring away from the scalp for big volume. It is high impact and tends to draw attention, so it suits guys comfortable with a strong statement.
It works on both short and medium lengths, though curls appear smaller and more tightly packed on shorter hair. It is great for transforming very straight or limp hair into something bold and full. Because the curls are tighter, they need more moisture and gentle handling to fight frizz.
Use a sulfate-free curl shampoo, rich conditioner, and a leave-in product, then air-dry without brushing. Bold and eye-catching, it is a Pinterest scroll-stopper. Ask your stylist for smaller rods and a defined pattern.
Curly Perm Mullet For Men
The curly perm mullet mixes retro attitude with modern texture, giving you short hair at the front and sides plus longer, permed curls in the back. The front is usually cut into a simple crop while the sides are tapered or faded for a cleaner edge.
The back is left longer and permed into defined curls that sit around the neckline. It stands out and is perfect if you like bolder hair choices. It works especially well on straight hair that looks boring in a standard short cut.
Use curl cream on the longer back section and keep the front controlled with a light paste. Edgy and expressive, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for medium curls with movement rather than tight ringlets.
Curly Undercut Perm For Men
The curly undercut perm gives you a bold contrast: tight sides and back with a full, textured top full of volume. The sides are clipped short, sometimes to a skin fade, while the top is long enough to wrap on rods.
This combo works well if you have fine or average-density hair and want it to look thicker, since the short sides make the top appear fuller. It suits guys who like sharp, clean lines with movement and softness up top. Apply a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair, then scrunch and let it dry.
For a polished finish, pinch a few curls with a little styling cream to separate them. Sharp and modern, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for a tight undercut or mid fade with enough length to curl.
Curly Perm With Fade
A curly perm with a fade hits that sweet spot between sharp and relaxed. The fade can be low, mid, or high, gradually blending from almost bare skin into longer permed curls on top. That gradual transition keeps the cut clean and structured.
The curls add a softer, playful texture up top. It flatters a wide range of face shapes, especially if you want to elongate your face or highlight cheekbones. Use a curl cream or soft-hold gel, scrunch into damp hair, and avoid over-touching.
If you have naturally straight hair, this perm gives reliable shape day after day, which Pinterest loves. Ask for your preferred fade height and medium-sized curls. Natural and bouncy.
Curly Perm Mohawk For Men
The curly perm mohawk combines shaved or very short sides with a central strip of longer, permed hair from forehead to nape. It is edgy and expressive, perfect for something more alternative that is still surprisingly wearable.
The curls add softness and texture to the traditionally sharp mohawk silhouette, making it feel modern rather than harsh. Shorter curls stand up more, while longer ones cascade along the center. Apply curl cream or mousse to the mohawk section, scrunch upward, and diffuse for lift.
The short sides need little beyond regular trims to keep the contrast sharp. Bold and structured, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for a wide enough central panel for curls.
Long Curly Perm For Men
A long curly perm brings serious drama and personality, perfect if you want your hair to be the main feature. Hair falls from below the jaw to past the shoulders, then the perm transforms those lengths into defined, voluminous curls.
It works best on relatively healthy, strong hair, since longer strands can get dry after a chemical treatment. It suits oval, rectangular, or heart-shaped faces very well. Use a moisturizing routine, leave-in conditioner, and curl cream, then scrunch and air-dry.
Regular trims every few months prevent split ends and keep the shape from looking heavy. Dramatic and free-flowing, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for layering that removes bulk while keeping length.
Korean Curly Perm For Men
Korean curly perms have become hugely popular thanks to K-pop and K-drama trends, perfect for soft curls that frame the face in a romantic way. The cut keeps some length on top and around the sides, with layered pieces falling over the forehead and temples.
The result is a full, fluffy shape that moves when you walk without feeling heavy. It suits straight to slightly wavy hair best and softens slimmer faces or longer jawlines. Apply a lightweight curl cream on damp hair, loosely twist small sections, and air-dry.
You can gently push the curls forward for a curtain effect around the face, which Pinterest loves. Ask for layered length and soft curls. A natural, stylish finish.
Loose Wavy Perm For Men
If you like that just-came-from-the-beach vibe without tight ringlets, a loose wavy perm is the way to go. Instead of strong, springy curls, it creates soft S-shaped waves that bend and flow while keeping the roots mostly straight.
It is ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair that wants movement you can still run your hands through. The loose wave works especially well on medium-length hair. Apply a light sea-salt spray on damp hair, scrunch from the ends up, and diffuse gently or air-dry.
It pairs nicely with a subtle taper on the sides. Effortless and relaxed, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for larger rods focused on the mid-lengths and ends.
Curly Perm Wolf Cut For Men
A curly perm wolf cut blends shaggy layers and a slight mullet shape with lots of texture for a wild, lived-in look that still feels intentional. It features shorter layers at the crown, longer front pieces around the face, and more length toward the back.
When permed, those layers turn into an explosion of curls that still create a cohesive silhouette. It works best on medium to thick hair and suits a messy, rock-inspired aesthetic. Apply a moisturizing curl cream to damp hair, scrunch all over, and embrace a slightly imperfect finish.
You do not want neat, defined curls here since a bit of chaos is the charm. Wild and cool, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for strong layers and extra back length.
Curly Perm Quiff For Men
A curly perm quiff is ideal if you like height and volume at the front, with curls that sweep upward and slightly back. The sides and back are tapered or faded for a clean outline while the top stays long enough to create a lifted, voluminous front once permed.
The curls add a textured twist to the classic quiff with more character and movement. It works best for straight or fine hair that struggles to hold volume, thanks to the built-in lift. Apply curl cream from roots to ends, then blow-dry with a diffuser while pushing the front up and back.
Finish with a small amount of flexible-hold product. Lifted and textured, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for more length at the front and medium curls.
Medium Length Curly Perm For Men
Medium length curly perms are great for curls that are noticeable and expressive without going full long hair. Hair sits between eyebrow and jaw level when straight, then the perm adds lots of volume and bounce.
This length lets you play with different looks: pushed back, forward in a curly fringe, or parted to one side. It is especially good for thicker hair that needs a clear shape. Use a hydrating routine, work in curl cream, and add light gel or mousse for hold.
Air-drying keeps the pattern intact, or diffuse on low for root volume. Versatile and expressive, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for soft layers so curls do not form a triangle.
Curly Fringe Perm For Men
A curly fringe perm focuses the curl action up front, making a textured front section the focal point. The sides and back can be shorter with a taper or fade, but the key is that the front layers are permed into soft curls falling over or above the eyebrows.
It is great if your natural hair sits flat at the front or your straight fringe always splits. It can also balance features by drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. Apply a light curl cream to the fringe, scrunch gently upward, and let it dry undisturbed.
Keep the rest more relaxed with lighter product. Fresh and framing, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for a perm only on the front or top section.
Curly Top Taper Perm For Men
A curly top taper perm keeps things neat and professional while still giving you plenty of texture on top. The sides and back are tapered gradually, staying longer around the temples and neckline than a fade, which softens the shape.
The hair on top is left longer and permed into curls that add height and dimension. It is perfect if you need a cut that works at the office but still looks stylish on weekends. Work a little curl cream into damp hair, scrunch, and air-dry or diffuse.
It flatters most face shapes, especially round and square. Polished and versatile, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for soft, controlled curls that sit up and slightly forward.
Curly Perm Comb Over For Men
For men who like a polished look with the dimension of curls, the curly perm comb over is a sharp yet textured option. The sides and back are tapered or faded while the top is permed, then parted to one side and combed over.
Unlike a straight comb over, this version uses curls for a softer, more modern finish that never looks stiff. It works particularly well for thinning hair on top, since the curls create visual fullness. Apply curl cream or soft-hold gel, create a side part, and guide the curls over as they dry.
Refine the front by twirling a few curls with your fingers. Refined and modern, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for a side-part friendly cut with enough top length.
Short Curly Perm For Men
A short curly perm is a great entry point if you are curious about curls but do not want a huge change. Hair stays short on the sides and slightly longer on top, then gets permed into soft, even curls that sit close to the head.
It works especially well for straight or slightly wavy hair that falls flat, since the perm adds root lift and a rounded shape without much product. Oval, square, and heart-shaped faces tend to pull it off easily. Use a curl cream or light mousse on damp hair, scrunch, then air-dry or diffuse.
Easy and natural, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for more length on top with small to medium rods. A modern, low-maintenance start.
Curly Perm Edgar Cut For Men
The curly perm Edgar cut takes the bold, straight-edged fringe of the classic Edgar and mixes it with curls on top for a striking contrast. The front features a defined horizontal line above the eyebrows, while the sides and back are faded or tapered close.
The top is left longer, and after the perm those curls sit behind or slightly over the fringe for depth and texture. It is edgy and best if you like stand-out cuts that highlight your eyes and structure. Keep the fringe neat with light cream, then use curl cream on top and scrunch.
Let the curls dry naturally behind that straight line. Sharp and current, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for an Edgar front with a fade and a permed top.
Curly Perm Textured Crop For Men
The curly perm textured crop gives you a short, modern cut with lots of movement on top and clean edges around the sides and back. The crop stays relatively short but leaves a little more length on the crown for texture.
Once permed, those top sections turn into tight or medium curls that add an almost tousled surface. It is great if you want curls without longer hair or a dramatic change. It works particularly well for fine or thinning hair, creating the illusion of thickness.
Apply a small amount of curl cream or sea salt spray, then lift and scrunch the top while keeping the sides neat. Minimal and cool, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for a perm only on the crown.
Curly Perm Bob Cut For Men
A curly perm bob cut hits around chin length and gives you a rounded, balanced shape with curls all around. This length is great if you want something longer and more expressive than a crop, but not as dramatic as shoulder-length hair.
The ends sit around the jaw, framing your face and softening strong features. When permed, the curls create movement and make the bob feel dynamic and masculine. It is especially good for straight, thick hair that hangs heavy, since the curls break up the weight.
Use a curl-friendly conditioner, add curl cream, and scrunch the mid-lengths and ends. Expressive and balanced, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for soft interior layers so curls stack nicely.
Natural Look Curly Perm For Men
A natural look curly perm is designed to mimic what natural curls would look like on you, with a softer pattern and less of an obvious just-got-a-perm vibe. The cut follows your hair’s existing shape and uses subtle layering so curls fall in a relaxed way.
The perm focuses on loose to medium curls with a bit of size variation, which keeps things from looking too uniform. It is ideal if you want volume, texture, and movement without a high-fashion statement. Use gentle, moisturizing products and a curl cream, then mostly air-dry and scrunch occasionally.
It works for a wide range of hair types and face shapes. Easy and understated, it is a Pinterest favorite. Ask for soft curls and a shape that grows out well.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right curly perm as a man comes down to balancing how bold you want your look with how much daily styling you are willing to commit to, from high-impact spirals and mohawks to more subtle loose waves and natural-look perms.
Whichever look you are drawn to, go into your appointment with clear photos, a realistic idea of your starting point, and honest questions about maintenance. Talk openly with your stylist about your lifestyle so they can tailor curl size, cut, and products to fit your reality.
