Hey there, curl enthusiasts! If you've been scrolling through Pinterest lately, you've probably noticed spiral perms stealing the spotlight. As a hairstylist who's been creating these bouncy, head-turning curls for years, I'm here to walk you through the trendiest spiral perm styles and answer all your burning questions—including a few insider tips I've picked up along the way. Let's dive in!
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Think of it as a perm's cooler cousin! Unlike traditional perms that create waves or loose curls, a spiral perm uses vertical wrapping around rods to form tight, corkscrew-like spirals from root to tip. Then you'll get defined, bouncy coils that last for months.
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Picture this: soft, wispy bangs paired with perfectly coiled spirals. It's like the best of both worlds—a touch of edge and a whole lot of sweetness. Pro tip from my chair: If you have a round face, ask your stylist for longer, side-swept bangs to balance the curls.
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For my free-spirited babes, this one's a dream. These loose, flowing spirals give off major "I woke up like this" energy. I always recommend this style for fine-haired clients—it adds volume without weighing hair down.
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Shoulder-length spirals are a chef's kiss for low-maintenance glam. One of my besties, Sarah, swears by this cut: "It takes me 5 minutes to scrunch in mousse, and I'm out the door looking polished!”
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Want to make those curls pop? Add subtle highlights! I love using caramel or honey tones to create depth. Trust me, the sun will catch every twist and turn, it's magic.
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Bold, voluminous, and unapologetically retro. This is my go-to for clients with thick hair craving drama. Fair warning: Be ready for compliments—and maybe a few '80s throwback jokes!
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If mermaid vibes are your thing, this is it. These relaxed, uneven spirals mimic ocean waves. But please skip the diffuser here—air-dry with sea salt spray for that authentic beachy texture.
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Ombre + spirals = a match made in hair heaven. The color gradient draws eyes downward, making your curls look endless. Bonus: Root regrowth is way less noticeable!
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Short hair queens, rejoice! This bold style packs personality into every springy coil.
As a stylist, here's my simplified breakdown. If you have confidence in yourself, you might as well try DIY!
✨ Prep: Hair is washed (no conditioner!) to open the cuticle.
✨ Wrap: Sections are wound vertically around narrow perm rods—the tighter the wrap, the springier the curl.
✨ Process: A perm solution breaks down hair bonds, followed by a neutralizer to lock in the shape.
✨ My golden rule: Never skip the strand test! Overprocessed curls are a nightmare to fix.
Typically 2–6 months. But let's get real—it depends on you! My curls last 4 months because I baby them with sulfate-free shampoo and silk pillowcases. Fine-haired friends might see loosening around 8 weeks, but hey, that's what texturizing sprays are for!
Regular perms are horizontal wraps that create loose waves or varied curls. Spiral perms are vertical wraps that create a uniform, defined spirals. I always show clients photos of both—some want subtle texture, and others crave that "Wow!" spiral effect.
In the U.S., expect $80–$300+. Why the range? My shoulder-length perm runs 150, but my colleague in NYC charges 150, and my colleague in NYC charges 250 for the same service. Pro tip: Don't cheap out—skilled stylists are worth every penny to avoid fried ends!
Fresh out of the salon, they're glossy and structured, but with modern, uniform spirals! Over time, they soften into relaxed, romantic coils.
As someone who's both styled and sported spiral perms, I can vouch for their transformative power—nothing beats that post-salon confidence boost! Just remember: Communication with your stylist is key. Bring inspo pics, ask questions, and don't forget to tag us in your curl selfies. Ready to take the plunge? Your spiral era awaits!
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