A short hair perm creates waves, curls or added body by chemically reshaping your hair's structure. Our stylists wrap your hair around rods, apply perm solution to alter the internal bonds, then neutralize to lock in the new shape — giving you texture, volume and movement that lasts for weeks. Perfect if you want to add life and bounce to shorter styles without daily styling.
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What happens during your perm appointment
The service takes around 75 minutes and follows a careful process to create your new curl pattern:
- Your stylist sections your hair and wraps it around rods (the size determines how tight or loose your curls will be)
- Perm solution is applied to break down the hair's bonds so it can hold the new shape
- After processing, a neutralizer is applied to reset the bonds and lock in the curls
- The result is softer, defined curls or waves with increased body and movement
We offer free 15-minute consultations for new clients, so if you're not sure whether a perm will suit your hair or lifestyle, pop in for a chat with one of the team first.
Who is a short hair perm right for?
Short hair perms work beautifully for clients looking for texture, lift at the roots, or defined curl rather than dramatic length. They're ideal if you:
- Want volume and body without heat styling every day
- Have naturally flat or fine hair that needs a boost
- Love the look of waves or curls but don't have the natural texture
- Prefer a wash-and-go style with built-in movement
That said, previously bleached, heavily coloured or damaged hair may need extra care or may not be suitable for stronger perming formulas. A quick consultation helps us assess your hair's condition and recommend the best approach.
Aftercare: keeping your curls looking fresh
Your perm needs a little TLC in the first few days to let the curl pattern fully set:
- Don't wash your hair for 48 hours after the service — this gives the new shape time to lock in
- Avoid tight ties, clips or anything that creases the hair during the first week
- Skip swimming and heavy styling products that can distort the curl
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and condition regularly to keep hair hydrated
- Weekly deep conditioning treatments help reduce frizz and keep curls bouncy
- Air-dry or diffuse on low heat rather than rough towel-drying or brushing aggressively
Perms are temporary — your curls will gradually loosen as your hair grows and as you wash and style. But with good aftercare, you'll get weeks of gorgeous texture and movement from your short hair perm.
