How Much Does a Perm Cost?

Perm can cost between $30 - $600+. The cost of getting a perm varies due to factors such as the perming method, style, hair length, hair volume, the type of salon, and its location. These factors can impact the final price.

👉The perming process is simple. It basically involves applying curl-defining products (setting lotion) to your hair, using perm rods, and using heat to help create the curl pattern.

As simple as the process looks, it requires a great level of detail to get your desired result. Your hair texture, length, and the style you wish to achieve will affect the price. Also, the quality of the product used by the hairstylist.🤔

To achieve a precise and long-lasting perm, you may want to visit a salon/hairstylist who is knowledgeable in perms and pays attention to detail.

With all of these considerations, the big question is - how much does a perm cost?

In this quick guide, we will walk you through how much it costs to get a perm (considering all of the factors already listed) and what to expect when getting a perm appointment.

How Much Perm Costs for Different Hair Lengths?

One of the major factors that affects the price of a perm is the hair length. The longer your hair, the higher the price for getting a perm.

Why does the length of hair affect the price of getting a perm?

It is simply because long hair requires more products, styling time, and technique. These will impact the price of getting the hairstyle done.

Alright, let’s look at a simple chat that shows the estimated price range for getting a perm based on your hair length.

As we have established many times, the cost of getting a perm varies depending on the length of your hair. However, regardless of your hair length, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 - $200 for a perm.

This also depends on the location of the salon, the expertise of the hairstylist, and the technicality of the technique used. Short hair tends to be on the low side of the price range, while long hair is on the higher side.

Does the Perm Method Affect the Price of a Perm?

Yes, the perm method can affect the price of a perm. The more money it will cost the salon to help you achieve your desired perm hairstyle, the more money you will pay.

There are different perm methods. We have the traditional cold perm and the digital hot perm method. Both methods are used to create beautiful perm curls. Let’s look at the differences between these methods.

Traditional Cold Perm Method

The traditional perm involves wrapping sections of your hair around perm rods and applying a chemical solution to break down the hair’s natural structure and make the strands stick together.

The price of getting a traditional perm done varies based on the factors we already mentioned earlier.

The traditional/cold perm method can be easily achieved at home with the right hair tools and products.

Check the following video to see how to do perm set at home.

Digital Hot Perm Method

Unlike traditional perm, digital perm uses specially designed hot rods that create long-lasting, natural-looking waves. The major difference between the digital and traditional perm method is the use of heat and hair products.

While the digital perm method requires the use of heat, traditional perm methods require more hair products.

Choosing your preferred method depends on what you wish to achieve and what is most important to you. Are you after well-defined perm curls, or is the health of your hair a bigger consideration for you?

Nonetheless, digital perms are usually more expensive than traditional perms and can cost between $150 - $300+.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the differences between a traditional and digital/hot perm method:

We included all the information in this table to give you an idea of the two categories of perming methods. So, if you are going with the traditional/cold perm or the digital/hot perm, you would understand the process the stylist would undergo.

Understanding the process will give you an idea of which to go for and the general cost for getting it done. So, for example, if a method requires more time and resources, then it won’t be surprising if it costs more.

4 Factors that Affect the Price of a Perm

Aside from the length of your hair and the perm method you choose, other factors like:

● The location of the salon

● The thickness of your hair

● The expertise of the hairstylist

● The choice of a perm hairstyle

Let’s look at these other factors in detail to give you more context on how these factors can influence the price of getting a perm.

1. The location of the salon

A salon in an urban area will charge a higher price for getting a perm done, even if they use the same method as the rural salon. The buying power of people in a specific location/the commerciality of the location affect how prices are set.

If you live in a rural area, you may pay less for a perm. Before deciding to choose an urban or rural salon, you may need to research their method before making an appointment.

Here’s an overview of what to expect for different locations:

a. Rural/ small town salons: $40 - $100

b. Suburban salon: $60 - $150

c. Urban salon: $100 - $300+

2. The thickness of your hair

The thickness of your hair requires more hair products and time to achieve your desired curls. That is due to the process of perming the hair.

When perming the hair, the hairstylist will add some chemicals that break down the structure of your hair strands for easy manipulation. The hairstylist will need to use more of these hair products if you have thick hair.

It doesn’t matter that you have short hair. If you have short, thick hair, you may still have to pay more to get your hair permed.

3. The expertise of the hair stylist

The expertise of the hairstylist also influences the price you will have to pay. The higher the level of expertise and experience of the stylist, the higher the price. The less experienced the hairstylist, the cheaper it will cost.

Here’s an idea of the price based on the expertise level and experience of the hairstylist:

a. Junior hairstylist: $50 - $100

b. Senior Hairstylist: $80 - $150

c. Expert level hairstylist: $120 - $250+

4. The choice of a perm hairstyle

The type of perm hairstyle that you want to wear also affects how much you will pay. Soft/loose curls may cost less, while tight and more defined curls, like beach waves, may cost more.

Trendy Perm Hairstyles You Can Wear in 2025

1. Loose Beach Wave Perm($40-$200)

Just as the name sounds, the beach wave perm features soft, wavy curls that resemble the waves of the beach. This perm hairstyle is a top choice because it gives off that effortless beauty.

That look of having a good hair day without looking like you just left the salon.

2. Spiral Perm($45-$250)

Spiral perm is a great perm style option that works best for shoulder-length hair or longer. This perm hairstyle involves vertical tight curls that are spiral-shaped. The spiral perm is used to achieve the natural texture of a type 4 natural hair curl.

The spiral perm is a top choice because of its durability. The tight curls tend to last longer than other perm curls.

3. Body Wave Perm($40-$200)

The body wave perm is great for people who want to add volume to their natural hair. It creates a relaxed look because the curls are loose. Hairstylists often use large rollers to achieve these curls.

4. Root Perm($30-$150)

Root perm is like a partial perm. That is because many people just get the perm at the root of the head (usually, 2 to 4 inches away from the scalp). The major upside of getting this perm volume and reduced hair damage.

Because the perm curl is mostly at the root, it creates an illusion of volume. It also helps to reduce the occurrence of hair damage because the chemicals/heat are applied to the strongest part of the hair ( the roots). Other fragile parts of the hair are least impacted.

5. Layered Perm on Long Hair

Layered cuts are usually beautiful. It is a top perm hairstyle choice because of how it allows you to wear long hair without the inconvenience of too much volume. That is because different sections of the hair are in different lengths.

The difference in length creates a balance of length and volume.

That’s It!

Perming your natural hair is a great way to experiment with wearing different hair textures. Whether you have short or long hair, you can wear a good-looking perm hairstyle that matches your personality.

If you are trying to avoid using chemicals to achieve perm curls, you can get human hair extensions with your favorite perm curl pattern.

Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments section.