Short hair perms are making a strong comeback, offering a variety of textures, volumes, and styles for those looking to elevate their short locks. Whether you’re looking to add a bit of curl to your pixie cut or want a fuller, bouncier style, there’s a perm for everyone.
In this guide, we will discuss 30 stunning short hair perm options, helping you decide which one suits your style and personality the best. From the classic spiral to the modern beach waves, these styles are versatile, fun, and flattering for all face shapes and hair types.
30 Short Hair Perm Styles to Rock This Year
Now we’ll discuss 30 short hair perms styles.
Classic Spiral Perm
The classic spiral perm is one of the most iconic and timeless styles in the world of perms. This style uses tightly wound rods to create defined curls that spiral down from the roots to the ends. It’s perfect for short hair because it gives volume and structure while maintaining a soft, feminine appearance.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
A spiral perm for short hair can give you added body and definition. It’s a great option for those with fine hair who want extra texture and fullness. The curls are perfect for framing your face and creating movement.
Best For
- Fine to medium hair
- People looking for lots of volume
- Those who want long-lasting, defined curls
Beach Wave Perm
If you’re after a more laid-back, natural look, the beach wave perm is for you. This style mimics the loose, messy waves that come naturally after a day at the beach. It’s softer than tighter curls, and it’s all about volume, texture, and movement.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
A beach wave perm works wonders on short hair because it adds instant volume without being too heavy or tight. It’s a versatile style that works for different occasions, from casual outings to more formal events.
Best For
- Mediu
- Those seeking a low-maintenance style
- Individuals looking for relaxed, natural texture
Curly Bob
The curly bob is a chic and modern look that’s perfect for short-haired women. Whether you go for a slightly rounded bob or an asymmetrical style, adding curls to your bob cut can give it a playful and voluminous finish.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
This style enhances the natural movement of your hair, making it look fuller and bouncier. The curls can help define the bob shape and add a touch of glamour.
Best For
- People with round or oval face shapes
- Those who want a sophisticated but fun look
- Anyone looking for volume and texture in a short style
Textured Pixie
A pixie cut can feel sleek and stylish, but adding texture to your pixie with a perm can take it to the next level. The textured pixie is a fun, edgy look that works well for short hair and adds plenty of personality.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
This perm creates soft curls or waves that complement the pixie cut, adding volume and movement. It’s ideal for those who want to keep their short hair while making it look more dynamic and full of life.
Best For
- Those with straight or fine hair
- Individuals looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish cut
- People who want more volume and definition in their pixie
Loose Wave Perm
The loose wave perm is a softer, more relaxed version of traditional curls. This perm adds a slight wave to your hair, giving it volume and movement without being too tight.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
For short hair, the loose wave perm offers a natural, effortless look. It’s a great way to add texture to your hair without overwhelming your face with tight curls.
Best For
- Anyone with medium to thick hair
- Those who want volume but don’t want tight curls
- People looking for a more natural, tousled style
Stacked Perm Bob
The stacked perm bob is all about layers. The back of the hair is styled with a more intense curl, while the top layers are left looser. This style creates an illusion of fullness and height, making it perfect for short-haired women who want volume.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The stacked bob creates a beautiful, rounded shape that gives body and texture to the hair. The curls in the back create fullness and a flattering silhouette, which is especially great for women with fine or flat hair.
Best For
- Those looking for a more structured, rounded style
- Anyone with fine or flat hair
- Individuals who want a classic yet modern perm
Curly Mohawk
For those who want to push the boundaries with their short hair, the curly mohawk is an edgy and bold choice. The sides of your hair are shaved or cut short, while the top is styled into voluminous curls.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The mohawk perm is daring and makes a strong statement. The contrast between the shaved sides and the curly top creates a striking and attention-grabbing look.
Best For
- Individuals with bold personalities
- People who want a high-fashion, dramatic style
- Those looking to make a unique statement with their hair
Digital Perm
A digital perm is a high-tech process that uses heated rods to create loose, defined curls. This perm is popular in Japan and is known for giving natural-looking waves that last for months.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The digital perm works well on short hair because it adds softness and natural flow. The curls are less defined than a traditional perm, which gives the hair a more effortless, beachy vibe.
Best For
- People who want long-lasting curls
- Those looking for natural-looking waves
- Individuals with straight or fine hair
Afro Perm
For those with naturally curly hair who want to amp up the volume and definition, the afro perm is the way to go. This style creates a full, rounded shape that exudes confidence and style.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The afro perm is a perfect fit for short, naturally curly hair. It creates a fuller, rounder look that highlights the texture of the curls.
Best For
- Naturally curly or coily hair types
- People who love voluminous, bold styles
- Those looking for a statement hairstyle
Body Wave Perm
A body wave perm is all about creating soft, voluminous waves that add body to your hair. The waves are looser and less defined than traditional curls, giving a more flowing look.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The body wave perm is ideal for short hair because it adds volume without making the curls too tight or heavy. It’s a great way to give short hair a fuller, more textured look.
Best For
- Individuals with medium to thick hair
- People looking for volume without tight curls
- Those who want a more natural wave without frizz
Afro Perm Style for Natural Hair
The afro perm is a great option for those who want to enhance their natural curls. By adding a perm to your afro, you can create more volume and shape while keeping the authenticity of your natural texture.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
This style works wonderfully on short natural hair because it defines curls and adds significant volume without compromising the natural curl pattern.
Best For
- Naturally curly or coily hair types
- People who want more volume and definition in their afro
- Those looking to keep their natural curls while adding texture
Permed Bob with Bouncy Curls
If you love the bob cut but want to add a little more oomph, a permed bob with bouncy curls is a fabulous choice. The curls add volume and give the bob a more lively and dynamic look.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
This style gives short hair a youthful and bouncy feel. The curls add movement, making the bob look fuller and more dynamic.
Best For
- Those with fine or flat hair
- People who want a modern, playful bob
- Anyone seeking volume and texture without tight curls
Shoulder-Length Perm Hair
A shoulder-length perm is a great option for those who want to add waves or curls to medium-length hair. This style offers a balance between volume and texture, perfect for everyday wear.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
While shoulder-length hair is not too short, it still benefits from the extra volume and bounce that a perm provides. The loose curls or waves can create a soft, feminine look with just the right amount of movement.
Best For
- Those with medium to thick hair
- People looking for a versatile, everyday style
- Individuals who want added body and texture to shoulder-length hair
Curly Mohawk Permed Style
A curly mohawk perm adds curls to the top while maintaining the bold look of a mohawk. This is a great choice for those who want to experiment with short, curly styles.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The curly mohawk adds both height and volume to short hair. It’s an exciting, unconventional look that adds flair and uniqueness to your appearance.
Best For
- People with adventurous, bold personalities
- Those who want to stand out with their hairstyle
- Anyone looking for a punk-inspired style with curls
Wavy Perm for Older Women with Short Hair
As we age, our hair can lose its natural volume and texture. A wavy perm is a great way to restore body and movement to short hair without creating tight, overwhelming curls. The gentle waves offer a fresh, youthful appearance that works wonderfully on short cuts.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
This perm style is perfect for older women because it provides texture and volume without being too heavy. The soft waves add a sophisticated touch that’s easy to maintain.
Best For
- Older women looking for volume
- Those seeking a low-maintenance, age-appropriate style
- Anyone wanting natural movement in their short hair
Short Permed Hair with Caramel Highlights
A short perm paired with caramel highlights creates a stunning contrast that adds dimension to your hair. The curls help showcase the highlights, giving your hair a lively, sun-kissed look.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The perm adds volume and body, while the highlights brighten up the curls and add depth. This style is perfect for those who want to enhance their short hair with extra warmth and radiance.
Best For
- Those with medium to dark hair
- People who want to add warmth and brightness to their curls
- Anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet striking look
Asymmetrical Pixie with Permed Curls
An asymmetrical pixie cut with permed curls is an edgy and modern style. This look features shorter lengths on one side and longer on the other, with soft curls to add texture and volume.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The asymmetry of the pixie creates visual interest, while the curls add a playful and voluminous touch. This style works well on those who want something different from a classic pixie cut.
Best For
- Those looking for a bold, modern hairstyle
- People who enjoy experimenting with asymmetrical cuts
- Anyone who wants a combination of texture and edge
Rounded Bob with Natural-Looking Curls
The rounded bob with natural curls is a timeless and elegant style that can be customized to fit a variety of hair types. This look involves soft curls that complement the rounded shape of the bob, adding volume and fullness.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The rounded bob enhances the natural curl, giving your hair a fuller, more sophisticated appearance. It’s an ideal option for those who want defined curls without looking overly styled.
Best For
- Those with medium to thick hair
- People looking for a polished yet playful style
- Anyone who enjoys a rounded, classic bob cut
Body Wave Perm for Shoulder-Length Hair
A body wave perm works wonderfully on shoulder-length hair, creating soft, voluminous waves that add texture without too much curl. The body wave is less defined than traditional curls, giving it a more relaxed, natural look.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
For shoulder-length hair, this perm adds subtle texture and fullness. It’s great for people who want volume without tight curls or frizz, giving them a more natural, flowing appearance.
Best For
- Those with medium to fine hair
- People who want soft, beachy waves
- Individuals looking for volume without tight curls
Layered Perm
A layered perm is a fantastic way to add depth and texture to your short hair. The layers of curls are strategically placed to create movement and volume, giving you a fuller, more dynamic look.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
Layering adds shape to your hair, and the perm helps define the curls. This style is perfect for those who want volume and dimension without an overly bulky look.
Best For
- People with fine or flat hair
- Those looking for added depth and fullness
- Anyone wanting a more textured, layered look
Short Tight Curls
Short tight curls create a fun and voluminous style that’s perfect for those who love a bold, curly look. This style adds intense curl definition and works especially well for curly or coily hair.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
This perm creates tight, bouncy curls that bring tons of volume and texture to short hair. It’s a great option for those looking to embrace their natural curl pattern with a little more definition.
Best For
- Naturally curly or coily hair
- People who want a bold, statement-making style
- Anyone seeking volume and definition in their curls
Permed Pixie Mullet
The permed pixie mullet is an unconventional style that pairs the classic pixie cut with a slightly longer back and permed curls. This edgy look is all about contrast—short at the front, long and voluminous at the back.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
This style gives you the best of both worlds: the sleek, chic appearance of a pixie with the fun, wild curls of a mullet. It’s bold and attention-grabbing, making it ideal for those who want to stand out.
Best For
- People with a fearless attitude toward style
- Those who want a fun and quirky look
- Anyone who enjoys the contrast of short and long hair
Sleek Body Wave Pixie
The sleek body wave pixie is a refined, modern take on the classic pixie cut. The body waves add texture without overpowering the cut, creating a sleek, polished look that’s easy to maintain.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
This style gives a sophisticated finish with just the right amount of wave. It’s perfect for short-haired women who want texture without sacrificing the clean lines of a pixie cut.
Best For
- Those with fine to medium hair
- People who want a polished, elegant pixie
- Anyone seeking a sleek, low-maintenance style
Short Perm with Caramel Highlights
A short perm with caramel highlights brings a soft, natural touch to your curls. The highlights brighten up the curls and add contrast, creating a sun-kissed, dimensional look.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The perm adds volume and texture to short hair, while the caramel highlights bring warmth and light. This style is perfect for anyone who wants to enhance their curls with a bit of color.
Best For
- Those with medium to dark hair
- People who want warmth and radiance in their curls
- Anyone looking to freshen up their short curls with color
Curly Mohawk with Fade
The curly mohawk with a fade combines bold curls on top with a sharply faded side. This edgy style is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair while maintaining a modern and fashionable look.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The fade keeps the sides of your hair low-maintenance, while the curls on top add volume and texture. This combination is perfect for someone who enjoys edgy, high-fashion hairstyles.
Best For
- Individuals with bold personalities
- Those seeking a low-maintenance yet unique style
- Anyone looking for a stylish, dramatic cut
Loose Curl Perm
A loose curl perm offers a more relaxed look compared to tight curls. This style is all about soft, flowing curls that give your hair volume without being too intense.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
The loose curls add body and texture without overpowering short hair. It’s a great option for those who want the benefits of a perm but with a more natural, effortless appearance.
Best For
- People with fine to medium hair
- Those looking for volume without tight curls
- Anyone who enjoys a more natural, relaxed style
Textured Perm on Short Afro
A textured perm on a short afro adds definition and volume to natural curls. This style enhances the natural texture, giving the hair a fuller, more defined appearance.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
A textured perm on a short afro works perfectly for those who want to highlight their natural curl pattern while adding more volume and definition.
Best For
- Naturally curly or coily hair
- People who want a more defined, voluminous afro
- Anyone seeking a bold, statement-making look
Big and Soft Curls
Big, soft curls are perfect for those who want a glamorous, voluminous look. This perm style adds bounce and body to short hair, creating a fuller, more dramatic effect.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
Big and soft curls are ideal for short hair because they give the hair movement and volume without weighing it down. It’s a fun, romantic style that’s easy to maintain.
Best For
- People with medium to thick hair
- Those looking for soft, romantic curls
- Anyone who loves voluminous, bouncy hair
Half Up Half Down Curls
The half up, half down curl style offers a playful, versatile look. By curling the bottom half of your short hair and leaving the top half sleek, this style creates a fun contrast while maintaining a balanced shape.
Why It’s Great for Short Hair
This style works well for short hair because it adds volume to the lower part of your hair while keeping the top sleek and controlled. It’s an easy way to show off your curls while keeping your hair out of your face.
Best For
- Anyone who enjoys playful, yet controlled styles
- Those with medium to thick hair
- People seeking a cute, versatile perm look
Final Thoughts
Perms for short hair are an excellent way to add volume, texture, and a whole new style to your look. Whether you prefer the softness of beach waves, the structure of a spiral perm, or the boldness of a curly mohawk, there’s a style for every personality and hair type. With the right cut and a little curl, short hair can be transformed into a whole new style that’s easy to manage and looks fabulous.
Also Read:
- 23 Stylish Chin-Length A-Line Bobs to Try Now
- 32 Best Silver Blonde Haircuts For 2025
- 25 Best Curtain Bangs Haircut Ideas To Make You Look Awesome
Lawrence is an expert in men’s hair, hair colors, and haircuts, with a focus on styles that suit all ages. He also shares valuable tips for older women, helping them embrace beauty with confidence.
