Perm Filter: What Would I Look Like With a Perm?
A perm changes your hair for months, so see it first. Pick a perm style below, from soft beach waves and body waves to spiral curls and a men's curly perm, upload a selfie and the AI puts the curls on your own face in about 10 seconds. Switch to Male for perm styles for guys.
How to See Yourself With a Perm
Three steps and about 30 seconds. No app and no sign-up for your first try.
Pick a Perm Style
Choose waves or curls, short or long. Switch to Male for perm styles for guys.
Upload a Selfie
Face the camera in soft daylight, hair pulled back so your hairline shows.
Compare the Curls
Try a loose wave and a tighter curl on the same photo. The difference is obvious side by side.
Types of Perms to Try On
Every perm is defined by its curl size and where it sits. Tap one to see it on your photo.
Women's perms
Beach Wave Perm
Loose, uneven waves that look air-dried. The most natural perm.
Try it on →
Body Wave
Big, soft S-waves for volume without obvious curl.
Try it on →
Spiral Perm
Defined corkscrew curls from root to tip on long hair.
Try it on →
Curly Bob Perm
Bouncy curls on a chin-length bob.
Try it on →
Curly Shag Perm
Curls with choppy layers: the perm behind the wolf cut trend.
Try it on →
Short Perm
Tight curls on a pixie for texture you can wash and go.
Try it on →Perms for guys
Stylist advice
Would I Look Good With a Perm?
Curl size, length and your face shape decide whether a perm flatters you. Use these pointers, then check them in the preview.
Round Face
Keep volume off the cheeks: longer body waves or spirals that start below the chin add length. Avoid tight curls on a chin-length bob.
Long or Oval Face
Perms that add width are your friend. Curly bobs, curly shags and curls with bangs all balance a longer face.
Square or Heart Face
Soft, loose waves around the jaw soften angles. A beach wave perm with face-framing layers is the safe bet.
Fine Hair
A body wave adds fullness without frizz. Very tight curls on fine hair can look thin, so preview a looser pattern first.
Thick Hair
Thick hair holds a spiral perm well but can turn bulky. Ask for layers so the curls don't form a triangle.
Guys
Most men's perms keep the sides short and put texture on top: a curly crop, a wavy crop or loose curls with a fade. Switch the catalog to Male to compare them.
Perm, Body Wave or Natural Curls?
The words get mixed up. Here's what each one means at the salon.
| Look | What it is | Lasts | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body wave | A perm on large rods for loose, soft S-waves | About 2–3 months | Fine or flat hair that needs volume |
| Beach wave perm | Looser, uneven waves that look air-dried | About 2–3 months | Medium to long hair |
| Spiral perm | Vertical rods for corkscrew curls from root to tip | About 3–6 months | Long, thick hair |
| Men's perm | Curls or waves on top, usually with short sides | About 2–3 months | Straight hair that won't hold texture |
| Curling iron or wand | Heat styling that washes out | One day | Testing the look before a perm |
Already curly? See natural curly cuts in the curly hair filter.
Before You Get a Perm
A perm is chemistry, not styling. Plan for these before you book.
- 1Expect shorter hair. Curls take up length. Hair can look several inches shorter once it's curled, so compare lengths in the preview.
- 2Skip a perm on freshly bleached hair. Lightened hair is already weakened; ask your stylist to check its condition first.
- 3Wait 48 hours before washing. The curl sets over the first two days.
- 4Switch to sulfate-free products. A curl cream and a diffuser keep the pattern defined and cut frizz.
- 5Plan your exit. A perm grows out rather than washing out, so you'll trim it away over a few months.
- 6Bring your preview. Show your stylist the curl size you liked on your own photo; it's clearer than "loose" or "tight".
Perm Filter FAQ
Try the Curls Before the Chemicals
Pick a perm, upload a selfie and see it on you in seconds. Your first one is free.
Ready to see how it looks on you?