Introduction
A perm can cost as low as $50, and as high as $400.
The cost of getting a perm varies based on different factors like location, quality of products, experience of the hair stylist, etc.
A perm is a hair treatment that permanently alters your hair to give you curls or waves. With a chemical procedure that’s quite demanding, and with many modern types and styles available today that offer you a gorgeous curly look that lasts for months, it’s expected that the cost of a perm will vary.
If you’ve been wondering what to expect, this article gives you all the information you need to evaluate the expected cost.
How Much Does a Perm Cost on Average?
Generally, a hair perm costs between $50 and $200 on average. This price factors in your hair length, perm type, and salon service. However, this price could go a little lower for simple short hairstyles, costing around $30. It could also go higher, even around $400 for long, creative, and intricate styles.
The price of a perm can’t be calculated based on the hairstyles and hair length alone, as other factors play a role in determining how much you’ll be charged for a hair perm.
Some of those factors include salon location, the techniques used, and whether you want a full or partial perm. Costs could also vary because of the time commitment or any additional services. So, while you can spend between $50 and $200 on average, there are many other things to consider.
This is to give you a rough idea of what you need to factor in when determining how much your hair perm will cost.
Yet, it’s easy to break down the cost by hair length, perm style, and perm type, as these are the common factors that influence perm cost.
How Much Does a Perm Cost by Hair Length?
As I’ve mentioned in the previous section, one of the major factors that influences the cost of perm is hair length. Those with longer hair may need to pay more than those with shorter lengths. This is because hair length impacts the time needed to achieve a perm. For longer hair, it requires more product, time, and expertise. But for shorter lengths, they require fewer products, less time, and even fewer perm rods, making the cost lower.
So, how much does a perm cost by hair length? Typically, perms for short hair cost between $30 and $150, between $60 and $200 for medium-length hair, and between $80 and $400 for long hair.
| Hair Length | Perm Cost |
| Short | $30 to $150 |
| Medium | $60 to $200 |
| Long | $80 to $400 |
While short hair is the least expensive since it requires less time to prepare the hair and perm, long hair is clearly the most expensive. But there are clear reasons why long hair costs much more; the difference in the time needed for the perming process, the products used, complex techniques used, and even the demand on the stylist are some of those reasons.
Here’s a breakdown of why there’s a range in price for perm by hair length:
Products Used: Short lengths of hair do not require the use of more products, perm rods, and neutralizer. However, long hair requires the use of more products. This increase impacts the price of perm.
Time: Another thing that accounts for the difference in price by hair length is time. Stylists need more time to wash, prep, apply the solution, and style for long hair. While it might take between two and three hours to perm short hair, it can take up to five hours for those with longer hair.
Preparation: Long hair requires more time to detangle, wash, and condition before the perming process, and even styling.
How Much Does a Perm Cost by Perm Type?
Many people’s minds immediately fall back on the classic ones from the early 70s and 80s when we mention perm types; however, times have changed, and there are now many more perm types to choose from. Each of these types comes with its price tags due to the various techniques required to achieve them. While some cost less, others could be quite pricey.
Let's take a look at the perm types below and how much they cost:
1. Multi-textured Perm
One of the major perm types is the multi-textured perm. It’s a technique that offers you a natural appearance, featuring more than one variation. The process used allows you to wear many waves in your hair, including tight and loose curls. This perm choice is quite durable, lasting up to three or four months.
It costs between $40 and $250.
2. Straight Perm
Another popular type of perm is the straight perm. This technique is used to permanently straighten the hair instead of curling it. Sometimes called the reverse perm, it changes curly hair into straight hair. Straight perm is a Japanese type of perm that uses chemicals and a flat iron to perm the hair. This perm type can last between six and seven months, making it one of the most popular methods today.
Straight perm costs between $30 and $400.
3. Partial or Spot Perm
Partial or spot perms focus on specific areas of the head. It’s just as the name implies. They are not installed on the entire head. Instead, they are used to add volume to different areas of the head, targeting certain sections of the hair. This type of perm can be used to cover thinning areas or bald spots. It can last between three and six months.
Partial perm costs between $30 and $150.
4. Pin Curl Perm
Majorly seen on short hairstyles or bobs, a pin curl perm is used to enhance the movement in the hair. This type utilizes pins and curlers to achieve the style. Depending on their sizes, the curls can appear looser or tighter. The pin curl perm doesn’t require the use of chemicals like other perm types. Instead, the hair is simply wrapped with paper and held in place with a flat clip.
This technique typically costs between $70 and $250.
5. Spiral Perm
Spiral perm is another popular perm type that adds bouncy, spiral curls to the hair. It involves rolling the hair into a perm to create the spirals. It is known to add volume to the hair, making it highly sought-after. Plus, it’s a technique that can be used on any hair length.
Spiral perm costs between $100 and $250.
6. Digital Perm
Digital perm is a popular Asian perm choice that’s spread globally. Invented in Japan, this technique adds soft curls to the hair with the use of a solution and infrared heat through temperature-controlled rods. The result? Added volume at the top of the hair and natural waves or soft curls in the hair. It’s a technique that’s great for coarse hair textures, making them more defined.
Digital perm typically costs between $150 and $300.
7. Pigtail Perm
Pigtail perm offers a good solution for anyone who wants to achieve crimped waves in their hair. It involves braiding the hair into two pigtails, then applying the solution to the hair. This is to create a natural, voluminous style that can last for as long as four months. Also called braided perm, pigtail perm gives you a crimped look.
This perm costs between $80 and $200.
8. Root Perm
Here’s a technique that is getting more popular as the day goes by. As the name implies, the perm is only applied to the root, adding volume to the hair. This type of perm is not only added to curly hair, but can also be installed on straight hair. It involves using small rollers to wrap the hair and applying a solution to create more volume. These perms last up to six months without damaging the hair.
Root perm costs between $50 and $100.
9. Stack Perm
Stack perm is another type of partial perm. However, instead of choosing some sections of the hair, the stack perm targets the middle and lower sections of the hair, leaving the roots alone. This technique uses different sizes of rods to achieve waves in the hair, giving it the illusion of a layered hairstyle. It also adds volume to the hair and can be used to create more texture to the ends of the hair.
This perm type costs between $80 and $200.
| Type of Perm | Average Cost |
| Multi-textured Perm | $40 - $250 |
| Straight Perm | $30 - $400 |
| Partial/Spot Perm | $30 - $150 |
| Pin Curl Perm | $70 - $250 |
| Spiral Perm | $100 - $250 |
| Digital Perm | $150 - $300 |
| Pigtail Perm | $80 - $200 |
| Root Perm | $50 - $100 |
| Stack Perm | $80 - $200 |
What Factors Affect the Price of a Perm?
Many factors affect the price of a perm. Besides hair length and perm type, we’ve already discussed above, here are some other factors that influence the price of a perm:
1. Salon Location
Salons in high-end areas and cities typically cost more for any services rendered. Compared to small-town salons and even suburban salons, the salons in urban areas are generally more expensive. Let's say a small-town salon charges around $40 to $60 for a perm, the same service will cost a bit more at suburban salons and even higher at urban salons.
2. Additional Services
Requesting for other services like deep conditioning affect the total price of perm. Many salons also offer after-perm care and consultation, further increasing the final cost. But be sure to discuss what services you’d like to get at the salon and the cost before starting any process.
3. Maintenance Products
Maintenance is another aspect that adds to the overall cost of perm. You will need to get maintenance products to manage your waves or curls after installation. Factoring that in clearly increases the total cost.
4. Stylist Expertise
There are specific techniques that salons or hairstylists specialize in. High-end salons and professional stylists usually charge more for this experience. This is different from getting the regular perm styles at your location.
5. Hair Thickness/Condition
If your hair needs extra treatments before or after the perm, you may be informed and charged a fee for the service. Many salons also charge higher prices for those with very thick hair. This is because thicker hair takes more products and time. Clients may need to pay additional fees in such cases.
| Factor | How it Affects the Price of Perm |
| Salon Location | Urban salons charge more |
| Additional Services | Consultation, deep conditioning, and any additional services add to the total cost of perm |
| Maintenance Products | Hair care products add additional fees to the final price |
| Stylist Expertise | Stylists charge a higher fee for their specialization |
| Hair Thickness/Condition | Damaged hair may need extra treatments. Thicker hair also needs more products and time, increasing the cost of hair perm. |
How Much Are Different Perm Styles?
Are you aware that perm styles also come in different price ranges? Find some perm styles below and their average costs:
1. Body Wave Perm
Body wave perm is the best perm option for those with straight or thin hair. This is a perm style that adds more volume to the hair without making it look unnatural. It creates soft, natural waves or curls in the hair using large rollers. This styling option enhances the hair texture while also increasing the volume.
Body wave perm typically costs between $100 and $200.
2. Beach Wave Perm
Beach wave perm is achieved with the use of long, medium-sized rollers. This is to create effortless, natural waves in the hair that give the feel of a beachy style. It is a popular perm style that looks minimal, a bit messy, yet outstanding at the same time. This popular style can last for four months, and it is quite low-maintenance.
The beach wave perm costs between 150 and $700.
3. Volumizing Perm
Volumizing perm offers more volume to the hair through the use of rods and a neutralizing solution. It’s a process that adds curls or waves to the hair. But to focus on the major deal, volume, it creates loose waves or curls rather than tight, giving those with thin or straight hair more volume. Since it’s a perm style that focuses on adding body to the hair, it doesn’t last very long, staying only up to six weeks at most.
Volumizing perm costs between $45 and $250.
Is a Perm Worth the Cost?
I can tell you for certain that a perm is worth the cost. Many people love the way it boosts their confidence and offers them fantastic and flawless styles. Besides that, perm also tends to last for a long time with the proper maintenance. Some types even last up to six months without damaging the hair. With such benefits, you'll definitely be getting your money’s worth.
Conclusion
The cost of a perm is influenced by the various factors listed in this post. Factors such as hair length, perm type, style, and location play important roles in influencing the cost. Don’t forget that factoring in maintenance and hair care products increases the total cost you’ll spend. While you can go ahead and make your choice to fit into your budget, be sure to select a style you love and visit a professional salon to avoid getting disappointed or damaging your hair.
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