Okay, let's be real — perms used to terrify me.
I'm talking full-on flashbacks to the 80s disaster zone.
But then I discovered these gorgeous permed short hairstyles, and honestly? Game-changer doesn't even begin to cover it.
I've tried so many of these looks over the past year, and some absolutely saved my styling routine.
From spiral curls that actually hold their shape to textured waves that work with my stubborn hair — these are the styles that'll make you fall in love with perms all over again.
Short permed hair is everywhere right now, and I get why.
It's low-maintenance, adds instant volume, and honestly saves me so much time in the morning.
Plus, there's something so effortlessly chic about waking up with perfectly tousled curls.
No more bad hair days? Sign me up.
The Best Permed Short Hairstyles to Try
1. Textured Permed Short Hair
This is my absolute go-to for everyday wear. The texture adds so much movement without looking overdone. Perfect for round faces since it creates height at the crown.
I use a diffuser on low heat and honestly can't believe how effortless it looks. My hairdresser swears this works best on medium to thick hair.
2. Mohawk Permed Hair with Curls
Bold? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. The curls on top create this amazing contrast with the shorter sides.
I was terrified to try this at first, but it's surprisingly versatile. Great for oval and heart-shaped faces. To be honest, it makes me feel like a total rockstar at brunch dates.
3. Black Short Perm with Permanent Waves
The waves in this style are so defined and gorgeous. I love how it frames the face without overwhelming smaller features. Perfect for square faces since the waves soften angular jawlines.
My friend with naturally straight hair rocks this look and gets compliments everywhere she goes. Seriously stunning on darker hair tones.
4. Brown Permed Short Hair with Full Curls
These full curls are everything if you want maximum volume. I tried this during my brunette phase and the richness of brown hair with tight curls? Chef's kiss.
Works amazingly on fine hair because the curls create so much body. Just be prepared for some serious bounce in your step.
5. Cute Permed Short Hair for Women over 50
My mom actually inspired me to include this one. The soft curls add such a youthful glow and work beautifully with changing hair texture.
It's sophisticated but not stuffy at all. Perfect for any face shape and honestly makes styling so much easier. She gets her touch-ups every six weeks and looks incredible.
6. Spiral Perm Hair with Waves
Okay, spiral perms were intimidating until I saw how gorgeous the waves look when they grow out a bit.
The defined spirals gradually loosen into these beautiful beachy waves. Amazing for adding texture to straight hair. I use a curl cream and scrunch gently — no brushing or it gets frizzy fast.
7. Gray Pixie Permed Hair
Silver hair with curls is absolutely magical. I'm not there yet age-wise, but I've definitely considered going gray early just for this look.
The pixie cut keeps it modern while the perm adds softness. Perfect for showing off cheekbones and works especially well on fine hair that needs more oomph.
8. Textured Permed Hair with Bangs
Bangs with permed hair? I was skeptical too. But the textured waves with face-framing fringe create this effortlessly cool vibe.
Great for long faces since the bangs balance proportions beautifully. Just make sure your stylist knows how to cut bangs on curly hair — learned that lesson the hard way.
9. Messy Permed Hair
This is for my fellow lazy-girl styling enthusiasts. The "messy" look is actually carefully crafted chaos that works on literally everyone. I scrunch with sea salt spray and call it a day.
Perfect for busy mornings when you want to look put-together without actually trying. Total time-saver and surprisingly chic.
10. Bleached Short-Permed Hair
Blonde permed hair has this gorgeous ethereal quality that I absolutely love. The light color makes the curl pattern really pop. Fair warning though — bleached hair needs extra moisture treatments to keep those curls healthy.
I use a deep conditioning mask weekly and it's made all the difference in maintaining the bounce.
11. Cute Permed Short Hair for Women over 70
My grandmother recently got a perm like this and looks twenty years younger. The soft, manageable curls are perfect for mature hair that might be thinning.
It adds incredible volume and body while staying age-appropriate and elegant. Plus, it's so easy to maintain — just wash and go most days.
12. Short and Curly Permed Hair
When I say short, I mean really short. Think boy-cut length with gorgeous tight curls all over. This look is fearless and fun, perfect for showing off great bone structure.
Works amazingly on thick hair and honestly makes you feel like you could conquer the world. Not for the faint of heart, but so worth it.
13. Blonde Curly Permed Hair with Curly Bangs
Curly bangs were something I never thought I'd try, but they're surprisingly flattering. The blonde color makes everything look sun-kissed and beachy.
Perfect for heart-shaped faces since the curly fringe balances a wider forehead. I use a leave-in conditioner religiously to keep the blonde curls from getting brassy or dry.
14. Simple Centre-Parted Permed Hair
Sometimes simple really is better. The center part with gentle waves creates this classic, timeless look that works for literally any occasion.
I wore this style to my cousin's wedding last fall and got so many compliments. Great for oval faces and honestly makes styling decisions so much easier.
15. Shoulder-Length Chic Permed Hair
This is technically on the longer side of short, but the chic waves make it feel so modern and fresh. Perfect length for trying perms if you're nervous about going too short.
I love how it moves when I walk and it's long enough to pull back when needed. Great transitional style if you're growing out a pixie.
16. Gray Full Rounded Permed Hair
The rounded shape of this perm creates such a polished, sophisticated look. I'm obsessed with how gray hair takes curl — it's like it was meant to be wavy.
Perfect for adding volume to thinning hair and the rounded shape works beautifully on round and square faces. Absolutely stunning and age-defying.
17. Brunette Permed Curly Hair with Fringe
Rich brunette hair with defined curls and a soft fringe is pure elegance. The fringe softens the forehead while the curls add movement and body.
I love how this style photographs — it's so photogenic and works for both casual and formal occasions. My colorist always uses a gloss treatment to enhance the brunette richness.
18. Thick Gray Permed Hair
If you're blessed with thick hair that's going gray, this perm style is absolutely stunning. The natural volume combined with gentle waves creates this gorgeous, full look.
I've seen women in their sixties rock this style and look absolutely radiant. It's proof that gray hair can be just as stunning as any other color.
19. Short Spiral Permed Hair
These tight spirals create the most incredible texture and movement. I was nervous they'd be too much, but they actually frame the face beautifully.
Perfect for adding major body to fine hair and the spiral pattern is so defined and pretty. Just remember to use products specifically for curly hair to maintain the definition.
20. Permed Short Hair for Thin Hair
This one's specifically designed for my fine-haired friends who struggle with volume. The perm adds incredible body without weighing hair down.
I use a volumizing mousse before blow-drying and the results are amazing. Finally, a style that makes thin hair look full and bouncy. Total confidence booster, honestly.
Tips for Maintaining Your Permed Short Hair
Let me share some hard-learned lessons about perm maintenance.
First, don't wash your hair for at least 48 hours after getting the perm.
I know it's tempting, but trust the process.
Use sulfate-free shampoo and a good leave-in conditioner.
And please, for the love of all that's holy, don't brush wet permed hair.
Use a wide-tooth comb or just scrunch with your fingers.
I learned that one the hard way and ended up with a frizzy disaster.
Which Style Should You Choose?
Honestly, it depends on your lifestyle and face shape.
If you're low-maintenance like me, go for the textured or messy styles.
Want something bold? Try the mohawk or spiral options.
For mature women, the softer curl patterns are absolutely gorgeous.
And if you have thin hair, definitely consider the volume-boosting perms.
Your stylist can help you decide what works best with your natural hair texture.
Final Thoughts
Permed short hair has completely changed my relationship with styling.
These twenty styles prove that perms can be modern, chic, and absolutely stunning.
From subtle waves to dramatic spirals, there's something here for everyone.
Which one are you thinking of trying? I'd genuinely love to hear!
And remember, the best hairstyle is always the one that makes you feel amazing.