A spiral perm is a permanent wave where the curl shape showcases a variety of sizes and lengths. With a nostalgic nod to the fabulous ’80s, the perm hairstyle is making a comeback, now with contemporary twists!
Spiral curls are crafted by rolling the hair onto the perm rod in a vertical fashion. Longer tresses are ideal for achieving the ultimate spiral perm, providing you with significantly more volume than a regular perm will.
Before opting for a perm, curly hair specialist, Dennis Mero from Orlando, FL recommends posing these essential questions. “How many times will I need a perm and a haircut each year? Will I be able to dye my hair? Do I need to adjust my hair products and routine?”
When receiving a perm, “you must learn how to care for and maintain your hair daily,” Mero advises. “One of the most common errors I observe is women who desire wavy or curly hair, thinking it will be easier than managing straight hair. It can be, but only if you acquire the skills to care for and maintain your gorgeous new locks.”
To begin, Mero recommends investing in a quality shampoo and conditioner that match your hair’s porosity. He states, “Your shampoo and conditioner are like the fuel for your car. It can’t operate without it, and it will perform poorly if you use the incorrect type.”
Before your upcoming hair appointment, browse these images of the trendiest and most contemporary spiral perm hairstyles.

#1 Elegant Partial Spirals for Extended Length Hair
A stunning partial spiral perm for extended length hair warrants a place in the spotlight. Achieve this look by pairing your permed curls with a rich mahogany red hair color for a striking finish.

#2 Textured Wave Perm
Textured wave perms provide a natural appearance by imitating the look of naturally curly hair, with strands that differ in size and definition. This method can enhance existing curls for added consistency or transform naturally straight hair for a distinctive style. Utilizing a styling brush like a Denman can help achieve uniform curls during styling.

#3 Localized Perm
A localized perm is a specific placement of rods and solutions to create texture in the selected area. A spiral perm can be crafted with an emphasis on the mid to ends of the hair. This choice enhances the styling of curls and waves created with a wand. Heat protection mists like Enviro 54 by Chi are an excellent styling aid with hold.

#4 Textured Perm for Short Hair Styles
Having a textured perm on shorter hair can add a lot of definition to your curls and help avoid a rounder shape. Using a triangular form 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 wonderfully on rounder face shapes.

#5 Spiral Perm Bob for African American Hair
A spiral perm bob with bangs on African American hair is sure to turn heads. The perm creates beautiful spiral curls on natural hair that are perfect for enhancing a corkscrew, kinky texture. If you’re looking for a style that delivers a lively flair, you won’t regret opting for a short spiral perm with bangs.

#6 Curly Spirals on Lengthy Hair
As the perm trend resurfaces, you should always be in vogue. With curly spirals on lengthy hair, this time, there’s no need to compromise between sporting a bouncier hairstyle and embracing sophistication. This relaxed spiral perm on lengthy hair presents the finest elements of both options.

#7 Effortless Spirals for Short Hair
A beautiful blend of a classic bob cut and perm creates one stunning hairstyle! Your soft brown hue will be even more highlighted.

#8 U-Cut with Long-Lasting Spiral Curls
A hairstyle featuring a U-cut with long-lasting spiral curls is now in trend. Spiral hairstyles are currently making a comeback, and they can be more appealing than ever. Using tubes and a cold wave solution, this stunning style can be achieved. After the process, you can wash your hair, apply the necessary products, and then you’re ready to go. A U-cut shapes the perimeter of the curl pattern, giving more length at the back and some framing on the face. Do not confuse a U-cut with a V-cut that has a steep angle; a U-cut is a softer version. It works well with minimal layers or graduation.

#9 Defined Spiral Pin Curl Perm
This defined spiral pin curl perm is ideal for those wanting tightly coiled spirals in a chic bob. Suitable for medium to thick hair, the style boasts natural-looking, well-defined curls that impart volume and texture. The delicate reddish-brown highlights elevate the curls’ depth. This low-maintenance hairstyle is perfect for heat-free styling and offers a sophisticated yet effortless look.

#10 Twisted Curls with Additions
Show off some twisted curls with additions to enhance the hair’s texture and silhouette. Additions provide incredible volume and added length to any hair type. They’re ideal for creating a natural, fuller body of hair and look their best once the hair is dry.

#11 Stunning Brown-Blonde Ombre Hair
The beauty of brown-blonde ombré hair is truly captivating. A longer special rod is used for spiral perms to handle more hair. This rod helps to create the look of a perfect ringlet. This hairstyle is an excellent wash-and-go style, making it versatile all year round. During colder months, you can use a diffuser to make the drying process quicker and preserve a lovely curl by minimizing touch while you dry. Lastly, waiting until hair is 100% dry before touching will eliminate frizz.

#12 Loose Body Wave Perm
Body wave perms create a relaxed texture in the hair, making styling effortless and convenient. Salon maintenance can range from 3-6 months and will gradually relax between appointments. Air drying or diffusing are popular techniques; however, utilizing a wand or curling iron can further define the waves with extra hold.

#13 Sleek Piggyback Spirals
Don’t settle for having the ordinary long hair, and explore what spiral perms can achieve to give your hair a rejuvenated vibe. These sleek piggyback spirals will let you have carefree beach waves with a naturally beautiful texture. Wear your natural hair down completely, and you’ll still turn heads.

#14 Enhancing Volume with a Perm
A volumizing perm is perfect for women looking to add body and lift to their hair. Curls can vary based on the client’s hair length and layering choices. An effective at-home styling and maintenance routine is essential for achieving optimal results. Utilize a gel-cream formulation for styling.

#15 Chilly Perm
Chilly perms, often referred to as alkaline perms, are making a resurgence in the hair scene as a reliable method to achieve spiral perm hairstyles. The upkeep for permed hair is minimal as it can last between 3 to 6 months, with a home hair care routine to help maintain the curls when styled.

#16 Free-Flowing Curl Spirals
Your beautiful long brown locks may be stunning on their own, but just wait until you see them curled. Add more dimension and life to your hairstyle with these free-flowing curl spirals. That’s the thrill you deserve in your life.

#17 Root Volume Perm
A root volume perm is an effective solution for flat and limp hair. The gentle lift at the root assists in achieving a stylish blowout or longer-lasting hairstyles. Root lifting products can further enhance styling, although air drying serves as a great option for effortless looks.

#18 Layered Pixie with a Perm
A perm on a layered pixie provides ample body and stylish flair to the hair while maintaining low maintenance. Consider the length on top before opting for a perm. The spiral perm can shrink with the newly formed curls, so don’t hesitate to leave it a tad longer on top and trim more if necessary after the perm. Easily styled with a curl cream or spray for a wash-and-go look or use a diffuser to dry.

#19 Voluminous Loose Spiral Curls for Thick Hair
Don’t hesitate to request abundant volume on your mid-length dense locks. These are the perfect voluminous loose spiral perm curls for thick hair like yours. Your brown tresses will be so vibrant that complements your cheerful vibe.

#20 Contemporary Digital Perm
Digital perms provide a fresh take on traditional curls. The main distinction is that when the hair dries, the curl pattern remains soft, making it easy to style as preferred. The technique alters the chemical structure of one’s hair, allowing it to endure for approximately a year.

#21 Stylish Medium Side-Swept Perm
A blend of loose curls and ringlets can create a beautiful hairstyle. These twists complement each other, forming a medium side-swept perm to enhance your brown locks.

#22: Relaxed Permed Spiral Curls
The stylist will use long tube rods and endpapers to secure your hair into a spiral during a perm treatment. The technique is ideal for achieving beautiful ringlet curls and promotes an effortless wash-and-go look. After 48 hours of getting the style, you can wash your hair. Then, apply a styling gel or cream and let it air dry or diffuse.

#23 1980s Spiral Perm
A 1980s spiral perm is perfect for enhancing texture and volume. Subtle layers are incorporated to achieve a much more appealing shape. Contemporary maintenance may involve utilizing mousse or foam for definition and hydrating treatments for a well-defined look. This style is available in various lengths.

#24 Elegant Blonde Wavy Perm
Nothing compares to the allure offered by the blend of medium-length curls and a timeless blonde. The movement and volume in this blonde wavy perm will infuse vibrancy into your fine locks.

#25 Sleek Spiral Perm for Long Bob
Transform your long bob with a sleek perm to give it a fresh appearance. A spiral perm is ideal for hair of uniform length, as it produces beautifully defined ringlets. If your hair is fine and straight, this technique is a fantastic option to introduce texture. I recommend using spongy spiral rods to achieve trendy, cascading curls without adding unwanted volume. Keep your curls looking their best by letting your hair air dry and avoiding combing afterward.

#26 Textured Curly and Wavy Perm for Fine Hair
This is the perfect textured curly and wavy perm for fine hair to enhance your elegance and breathe life into your long, delicate locks. Creating wavy hair has never been simpler!
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