Where Culture Gets a Wicked Twist

Where Culture Gets a Wicked Twist

Perms are back! How Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reinventing an 80s classic

Let’s face it, in the world of beauty and fashion, everything old becomes new again. (Hello, low-rise jeans and butterfly clips!)

The latest revival taking the scene by storm? Perms. Yes, you heard me right—the very hairstyle that defined the 1970s and 1980s is back and bouncier than ever.

But before you picture your mom’s crunchy curls set in a fog of Aqua Net, know that today’s perm renaissance has undergone a serious glow-up, courtesy of Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Back in the 70s and 80s, perms weren’t just a hairstyle; they were a lifestyle. Rocked by men and women alike, these curls could mean anything from disco fever to boardroom ambition. The perm was a rite of passage, a social equalizer that allowed everyone from high schoolers to Wall Street brokers to get in on the wave.

It was loud, unapologetic, and totally iconic—and like all things that make a splash, it eventually fizzled out, making way for the poker-straight hair of the 90s and early 2000s. But, as any fashion historian will tell you, trends have a funny way of crawling back when you least expect it.

Enter: Gen Z and Gen Alpha. These generations have a knack for remixing the past’s greatest hits, and this time, they’re putting their spin on the infamous perm. Unlike the frizzy ringlets that haunted yearbooks past, today’s perms are softer, more natural-looking, and surprisingly effortless. You have influencers and celebrities to thank for that. Take Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles, for instance. Their tousled, just-rolled-out-of-bed curls are sending boys everywhere running to their nearest salons. And with TikTok and Instagram serving as trend accelerators, it’s never been easier to spark a hairstyle revolution.

Scroll through your feed, and you’ll find transformation videos that would make even the most cynical Gen Xer stop mid-scroll. This perm journey is especially prevalent among the tween crowd, with many TikTok transformation videos showing young boys with stick-straight hair walking into a salon only to emerge with artfully disheveled, enviable curls and an expert fade. It’s a style that’s taking over middle and high schools left and right!

@sommer_scissorhands

I got to make this little dudes vision come to life! He couldn’t stop smiling when I showed him his new hair. 💙🥰 Are you ready to elevate your style game? Boy perms are making a comeback, and they’re here to stay. Curly hair can add a unique and dimension to your overall appearance. In this post, we’ll delve into the world of boy perms, sharing fascinating facts and essential care tips to keep your curls looking fabulous. **Facts About Boy Perms:** 1. Perms are a versatile styling technique that adds curls or waves to straight hair. 2. The popularity of boy perms has grown, with many celebrities and influencers embracing this trend. 3. Perms can give your hair texture, volume, and a bold personality. 4. Different perm styles, from loose waves to tight curls, allow you to customize your look. 5. Perms can last several months, depending on your hair type and care routine. **How to Take Care of Your Boy Perm:** 1. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to maintain the integrity of your curls. 2. Moisturize your hair with leave-in conditioners or oils to prevent dryness and frizz. 3. Avoid excessive heat styling to prevent damage to your curls. 4. Regularly trim your hair to maintain the shape and health of your perm. 5. Embrace a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and maintain curl definition. . . . #BoyPerms #CurlyHair #HairTransformation #StyleInspiration #CurlPower #HairCare #PermedMen #NewLook #HairGoals #GroomingTips #PermStyles #HealthyCurls #CurlyCharm #ConfidenceBoost #CurlsForDays #HairJourney #MenWithCurls #FashionForward #TrendyHair #HairRevolution #PermMaintenance #CurlyRoutine #NaturalTexture #CurlsRock #HairGameStrong #StyleSensation #CurlyGents #Perms101 #GentlemanWithCurls #StylishMen

♬ You’ve Created a Monster – Bohnes
@chelsealampinen

Perms are back and all the pre-teen boys want them 🫠

♬ original sound – Chelsea Lampinen

It’s not just the boys either—women are getting in on the game with a specific twist: the Korean perm. This variation promises perfectly coiffed waves that lets you roll out of bed every morning looking perfectly styled. (Yes, even on days when your alarm didn’t go off.)

@willysalonbatam

Korean C-curl Perm is a soft wave that follows the natural shape of your head. It can be done on any length of hair, but it looks best on short to medium-length hair. The waves are usually loose and relaxed.

♬ original sound – willysalonbatam – willysalonbatam

The allure of the modern perm isn’t just in the aesthetics. There’s a certain nostalgia factor that appeals to a generation obsessed with reboots, retro fashion, and the analog vibes of pre-digital eras. It’s as if Gen Z and Gen Alpha looked at their parents’ old photos, had a good laugh, and then decided, “Wait, this could actually work.” And unlike the spiral-perm fiascos of yesteryear, advancements in hair technology mean less damage and longer-lasting styles. Perm solutions today are kinder, gentler, and a lot more customizable.

But here’s the million-dollar question: Is this trend here to stay, or will it disappear faster than bad chunky highlights? If history has taught us anything, it’s that hair trends are as fickle as a weather app on a rainy day. While today’s perms are enjoying their moment in the limelight, only time will tell if they’ll achieve the staying power of their 70s and 80s predecessors or if we’ll be rolling our eyes at our perm phase in a few years.

Either way, the next time you see a TikTok showcasing the miraculous transformation of stick-straight hair into fluffy, movie-star curls, know that the perm has officially reclaimed its crown. Now, all that’s left to do is sit back and see if it curls up to stay.

Till next time, be wickedly wonderful.

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Brutus
Brutus
7 days ago

So gay.

Mrs. Sunshine
Mrs. Sunshine
7 days ago

Just what everybody needs… more exposure to dangerous chemicals.

koolkool
koolkool
7 days ago
Reply to  Mrs. Sunshine

sez the methhead

Raice Bannon
Raice Bannon
7 days ago

Wrong era — The Brady Men popularized the perm not the 80’s

Owebama
Owebama
7 days ago

How incredibly stupid. Men want solft girl hair – not straw.

ArKayne
ArKayne
7 days ago

HA! That just means more embarrassing photos for your Mom to show your future BF/GF’s. 🙄

Back in the day we thought they great too. In the end, it just fried our hair from the chemicals and made us look like idjits.

It just goes to show that the “munk3y see…munk3y do” pattern of human behavior doesn’t change. The only difference is social networks have turbo charged the ‘tard world.

Mac
Mac
6 days ago

Simps & Whimps

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