Intrigued by a looser perm? Keep scrolling to find out all the info and inspo you need for this look.
What is a loose perm?
We’ve created a collection of loose perm styles to inspire you to try a curly style, so read on and get inspired: A perm stands for permanent wave or curl. This is when specific chemicals are applied to the hair, which changes the structure of the hair, resulting in a wavy or curly pattern. Most commonly, perms are known and super curly and frizzy styles, but loose perms are making a comeback and they’re bigger than ever! If you want to achieve a loose perm, make sure to ask your stylist to use bigger rollers.
Best Loose Perm Curly Hairstyles
From short curls to highlighted styles, there are many ways you can show off your permed hairstyle.
1. Short Curls
While perms can often be fun and flirty, pairing a loose perm with a bob is a recipe for a chic and grown-up style. This style is also great because it’s low maintenance and involves minimal styling effort.
2. Messy Waves
A soft and easy look like this is a prime example of how many perm options there are out there. This look is trendy and easy in the best way and offers a more modern, looser alternative to the classic tight perm we’re accustomed to.
3. Classic Ringlets
This is likely more in line with what you imagine when you picture perm styles. Classic ringlets are always a good idea. Remove product build-up while keeping hair hydrated by using Dove Amplified Textures Hydrating Cleanse Shampoo and Dove Amplified Textures Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner.
4. Go Long
A long tight style like this is a great way to fake natural-looking curls and the longer strands will weigh the curls down for an even looser perm. The added texture will also create more volume in your strands if that’s something you’re hoping to achieve.
5. Chestnut Highlights
Highlight your perm with a subtle sheen of beautiful chestnut-colored highlights. These warm highlights will help add brightness and shine to your strands, which will compliment your curls beautifully.
6. Low Curls
Perm just the bottom for a simple and chic look. Adding curls just to the ends of your hair is also a great way to achieve a minimal effort, easy-to-style look. By leaving the top of the style straight, you can concentrate the curls just on the ends of the style.
7. Extra Volume
As with most looks, there are a number of ways you can style a perm. Consider adding more volume to your look by spraying TRESemmé One Step Volume for Fine Hair at your roots.
8. Super Loose
Go for a super loose wave and add some subtle texture to your long strands. Adding subtle texture makes such a difference, and helps you create that go-to beachy look without using heat every day!
9. Silvery Waves
Work a few trends into your look by trying messy silvery waves for a mermaid-esque look that we can’t recommend enough. These super loose waves offer your hair some subtle texture without totally doing away with your natural base texture.
10. Side Bangs
If you’re thinking about trying out a perm because you’re in it for the texture, then ask your stylist to add short layers to your haircut. Side bangs will add even more depth and dimension.
11. Keep It Long
Loose waves are often paired with longer haircuts, but this look is proof that tighter (yet still loose) curls work too. By incorporating some layers into your hairstyle, the curls will be even bouncier because they won’t be weighed down!
12. Extra Large Curls
Alternatively, you can opt for large beautiful curls. This type of curl is perfect for those who want a little bit of texture without dealing with super curly strands. These large curls are glamorous, chic, and classic all at the same time.
13. Honey Blonde Curls
Draw attention to your gorgeous curls by coloring them in a light and vibrant honey blonde hue. This shade is perfect for adding warmth to your hair. Plus, it’s great for summertime.
14. Turned-In Curls
A perm style that incorporates curls that turn towards your face instead of away will help you achieve more of an Old Hollywood glam vibe. A deep side part is the perfect finishing touch to an Old Hollywood glam style.
15. Frizzy (In a Good Way)
I think women everywhere breathed a collective sigh of relief when frizzy hair became an on-trend and socially acceptable styling option. Wear your loose perm long and natural to achieve this look.
16. Winter Ready
If it’s wintertime when you get your perm, consider pairing it with a dark gloss for a bold, warm hue. Keep your color fresh between touch-ups by using TRESemmé Gloss Dark Brunette Color Depositing Conditioner after shampooing. All you have to do is replace your regular conditioner with this product when your color needs a little bit of a re-fresh.
17. Curling Iron Curls
If you usually spend a significant part of your mornings with your curling iron then you’ll be thrilled when you get this perm. It’s an easy alternative to curling iron curls that give the exact same results.
18. Brushed-Through
This technique works on any hair length and will change up the look of your perm in an instant. Simply brush through your curls for an alternate texture. The results will be these 3-dimensional waves that have tons of dimension.
19. Subtle Highlights
Give your perm a slight upgrade by adding small glimmering highlights. Highlights will help add dimension and interest to your color and overall look! Talk to your stylist about choosing the right color to offer flattering dimension.
20. ‘S’ Curls
Ask your stylist for an ‘S’ curl perm and rock this jaw-dropping look for days. This curl pattern has gained so much popularity and can normally be achieved with a flat iron. Thanks to your loose perm you won’t need to use heat to achieve the trendy ‘S’ curl.
21. Very Loose Perm Waves
A super-soft perm like this will add some texture and a hint of the wave to even the straightest hair. This type of perm truly works for any occasion! Wear the style in a deep side part to add instant volume at the roots and show off your new texture.
22. The Blonde Bob
A blonde bob is a chic way to add instant interest and style to any look. This classic look isn’t going anywhere for a very long time. These small-to-midsized curls will give your hair that “naturally curly” look.
23. The Perfect Curl
These medium-sized curls will make thick hair look even thicker and give your hair the perfect doll-like impression. Use a teasing comb to add volume, texture and dimension to your beautifully curly style.
24. Messy Blonde Bob
If you’re getting tired of a short style and are desperately waiting for it to grow out then consider getting a loose perm to add some texture. This can help bring new life and interest into your hair while growing it out.
25. Flat-Brimmed Hat
Now that you’ve got the fab loose perm–why not give it a fun hair accessory? Flat-brimmed hats are a total vibe, they add a level of style but are still super casual. Trendy hats are a perfect way to accessorize your outfit and draw attention to your new texture.
26. Deep Side-Part
Add volume without any product by creating a deep side part. This is a great way to change how you frame your face and looks stunning with some loose waves. These curls are loose enough to mimic soft waves in a more subtle style.
27. Caramel Infused
The rich, caramel color of your dreams paired with the curled style of your dreams. What more could you want in a look? These caramel hues are flattering on a range of skin tones and offer easy dimension to your look.
28. Copper-Orange Medium Perm
Go the extra mile with a copper orange color that can’t be missed. This combo is wild and will make you look extra fierce! There’s nothing better than a fresh hair color paired with new texture.
29. Scarf Headband
Show your loose perm off with a delicate, scarf headband style. Soft curls go beautifully with hair accessories–you have an instant put-together look with this combo! Like a hat, a headband is an easy way to accessorize.
30. Faded Pink Curls
If you’re also itching to add a wearable yet fun pop of color to your loose perm, why not go for a pink look? If you aren’t ready to take the plunge into a full head of pink hair, consider this dip-dyed ombré effect.
31. Micro-Bob
A micro bob is an intimidating cut to go for in the first place, but we promise you won’t regret adding a loose perm. These curls will ensure that you always have a good hair day and lots of volume.
32. Platinum Blonde Perm
A color like platinum blonde craves a bold style to give it more dimension. To keep your hair from getting brassy, use Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Shampoo and Conditioner.
33. Ombré
When your loose perm has moved down to about halfway, give it some life by creating an ombré effect. This color placement renews the curl and will also make the ombré look fire, all day, every day.
34. Almost Faded
As a loose perm’s fade is inevitable, there’s no need to be bummed. The last phase of your perm is a beautiful wavy texture. It’s very relaxed and gives you a beachy texture that can be hard to create on your own. Whether you’re showing off a loose long curl or opt for a permed bob style, there’s so many ways you can sport your loose curly strands.
