Perms have come a long way since your mum’s salon days. The modern perm is less about volume overload and more about shape, structure and low-maintenance ease.
Whether it is soft waves to soften strong features or defined curls to add bounce and balance, the key is choosing a curl pattern that frames your face naturally.
It’s a clever way to style without styling, because who has time for heat tools every morning? Ahead, we share our top tips for finding the most flattering perm style for your face shape.
How to Find The Perfect Perm For Your Face
Knowing Your Face Shape
Using a simple face shape chart can save you time and effort, especially when you’re scrolling through endless Pinterest hairstyles that may only suit certain face shapes. It’s a practical way to figure out what actually works for you, not just what looks good on someone else.
It also helps set realistic expectations, so you can walk into the salon with a clear idea and walk out with curls that truly suit your features.
For a more accurate tutorial, check out this TikTok on how you can accurately learn how to check your face shape.
@gracemchoi How to find your face shape! New filter and series on how to find your face shape as well as makeup and hairstyles guides for each face shape. #faceshape #faceshapefilter #faceshape #faceshapeanalysis #beauty
Here Are The Top 5 Trending Perms For You to Consider
French Perm
Best for: Round face | Square face | Long face
Hair type: Sleek and thin hair
Credit: Rosé Official Instagram
After APT. dropped, Rosé’s voluminous curls became a signature look, redefining her on-screen presence. The soft yet bold waves framed her face perfectly, blending elegance with rebellion. They quickly became a trend, setting the tone for her style throughout the year.
How to achieve the look:
Ask for a long, layered cut with curtain bangs to naturally frame your face. This will set your hair up perfectly for the big barrel digital perm or a K-glam wave perm, giving you soft, voluminous curls that flow effortlessly.
If you are recreating the look at home, use a 38mm curling iron, curling inwards as you go and make sure you scrunch your hair at the end to keep the curls tight and nice.
Hippie Perm
Best for: Square face | Oval face | Heart-shaped face
Hair type: Medium to thick hair
Think soft waves, easy texture, and that “woke-up-like-this” feel. The hippie perm is the laid-back look taking over 2025. It’s the kind of effortless volume that looks even better as the days go by.
How to achieve the look:
For a relaxed, bohemian look, ask your stylist for long face-framing layers. Then, request loose curls, focusing on using larger rods to create soft, wavy curls with plenty of volume and movement.
If you are recreating the look at home, use a 13mm Curling iron and twist your hair into the rod, starting from the root all the way to the ends. Make sure that when you reach the end of the hair, it curls outwards.
Air Perm
Best for: Round face | Square face | Oval face | Heart-shaped face
Hair type: Fine to Thick Hair
Giselle from Aespa made waves with her iconic waves, which added volume and contrast, enhancing her stage presence. The curls framed her face, giving her performance extra drama and making her stand out on all social media platforms in 2025.
How to achieve the look:
Ask for face-framing graduated layers that reach your jawline to shape your face and blend seamlessly into your curls. Then, request loose C-style waves to add soft, bouncy curls with volume and movement at the ends for a natural, effortless look.
If you’re recreating the look at home, reach for a 32-38 mm curling iron. Start curling from the mid-lengths down, making sure the ends curl inwards for that soft finish.
Want more volume? Curl the top three inches from the roots to give your hair that bouncy, full-bodied look—or keep it as is for a more relaxed vibe.
High Layered Textured Perm
Best for: All face shapes
Hair type: Fine to thick hair
If your layered haircut isn’t quite living up to the salon photos, the secret might be in the texture. A textured perm, especially focusing on the ends, is the trick to giving those layers the lift and definition you’re looking for.
How to achieve the look:
For a voluminous, textured look, ask for high-cut layers to add lift and enhance the natural flow of your curls. Request soft, loose curls with volume at the roots and throughout, avoiding tight ringlets for a relaxed, bouncy finish.
If you’re recreating the look at home, use a 32mm curling iron for soft, voluminous curls. Start curling about 2cm from the roots, especially around your bangs, and curl outwards.
Gradually work your way down, adjusting the curl direction to match the layers of your hair. Once you reach the bottom sections, curl them outwards to create the illusion of layered texture, adding bounce and movement.
Sand Perm
Best for: Round face | Square face | Oval face | Heart-shaped face
Hair type: Fine to thick hair
The Sand Perm creates textured, beachy waves with defined curls, offering a sun-kissed, effortless look that adds volume and movement with minimal frizz. It’s a low-maintenance, chic style.
How to achieve the look:
For the perfect Sand Perm, request soft, beachy waves with natural texture and defined curls that add volume and movement. The aim is a loose, effortless look with minimal frizz and a low-maintenance style.
To recreate the look at home, use a 28mm barrel and lightly curl your hair inwards, creating a wave-like movement without forming tight curls.
How to Maintain Your Perm
Follow these easy steps to help your perm stay bouncy and fresh for longer:
- Hydration is key: Make sure to deeply moisturise your hair with a hair mask or conditioning treatment once every two days to maintain moisture and prevent frizzy or broken hair.
- Avoid heat styling: Limit straighteners and curling irons. If you must, use a heat protectant and keep the heat low to avoid undoing the perm structure.
- Sleep smart: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction. You can also loosely tie your hair in a pineapple (high pony) to keep the curls from flattening overnight.
- Use curl-friendly products: Look for styling products that define curls without stiffness—think curl creams, leave-in conditioners, and lightweight mousses.
