In the fashion and beauty world, everything old becomes new again at some point and the latest retro look comes courtesy of the perm that sparked many hairstyle regrets back in the day. If you always wanted the 80s hair staple but were too terrified to try, then you’re in luck because the perm is back and better than ever thanks to some modernized tweaking.
It’s crucial to know some dos and don’ts before you rush to the salon to ask for an updated perm (or if you’re brave enough to do it yourself, though we don’t recommend it). The first thing to note is that perms are, well, permanent. So make sure you’re ready for the commitment. If your hair is damaged or extremely thin, the perm process is probably not for you. Salon owner Julianne Cho of Hair by Julianne says, “Your hair has to be in a good condition in order for the curl to come out pretty.”
Modern perms aim for a more natural look than their 80s predecessors. Celebrity stylist George Papanikolas says, “It’s a great look to get an air-dried finish and a great way to give straight hair a soft bend and movement without additional heat and styling time. There are also modern techniques where it can be straighter at the top half with the bend in the hair starting at the mid-length and ends. We’ve also seen a big shift away from the overstyled curling iron waves to a more natural air-dry texture.”
According to stylist/colorist Mia Loughnane, “You don’t have to think of the old frizzy 80s perms, there’s also soft beachy waves. Consult with your stylist on this as the size of the perm rod will ultimately be the end result of your curl. A larger rod will give you that soft tousled look.”
Ready to take the perm plunge? Get inspired by these celebrities who embrace curls, whether natural, temporary or via a perm.
[ Next: 45 Gorgeous Ways to Style Curly Hair Right Now ]
They're Back! Perms 2017
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Julianne Hough
The dancer/actress was an early adopter to the perm movement. She documented her hair transformation on Instagram and said that she'd been waiting years to finally get a perm.
Image: @ninezeroone
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Blake Lively
While she was pregnant with her second child, the actress opted for a full-on early 90s look that she likened to Saved by the Bell’s Jessie Spano, complete with a head full of curly waves.
Image: @blakelively
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Bella Hadid
Bella may have been experimenting with a wig or hairpieces in this photo, but the look is still all about the curls. This style is ideal to reassure those with shorter hair who are afraid that a perm will give them the dreaded poodle look.
Image: @bellahadid
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Brooke Burke
Largely known for her much longer, flowing locks, Brooke decided to switch things up and not only embrace a shorter length but also try out a soft perm. The added highlights give this look the perfect beachy feel.
Image: @riawna
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Chrissy Teigen
Big hair, don't care. Proving that her hairstyles are just as unpredictable as her social media accounts, Chrissy went all out with her curls, opting for a combination of 70s retro glam and 80s overindulgence.
Image: @chrissyteigen
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Erin Wasson
Once a supermodel, always a supermodel…even when casually lying around with no makeup and perfectly textured, tousled hair.
Image: @erinwasson
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Gigi Hadid
Model-of-the-moment Gigi Hadid channels 80s Madonna with this carefree curly updo.
Image: @gigihadid
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Vanessa Hudgens
Master of the boho look, Vanessa's long hair is perfectly suited for textured curls.
Image: @vanessahudgens
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Lady Gaga
Always one to pay homage to the past, Lady Gaga is all 70s glam rock with a little bit of 80s hair metal thrown in. Yes, this look is over the top, but sometimes you just have to go there.
Image: @ladygaga
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Khloé Kardashian
When you are part of one of the most famous families in the world, it means that all eyes are constantly on you. Khloé's softly textured hair looks effortless here.
Image: @khloekardashian
