Adding texture and volume to short hair without daily heat styling is easier than ever with modern perms. Today’s perm treatments are designed to be long-lasting and low-maintenance, making them a great option for achieving playful and voluminous hairstyles. Here’s a guide to some of the best short perm styles to inspire your next salon visit.
1. Undercut Pixie with Curly Perm

A permed pixie with soft curls in a vibrant copper shade is a striking choice, especially for thick hair. This style lets you show off the texture and volume a perm can bring to a short, edgy cut.
2. Thick Curly Mullet with Wavy Perm

Perms work beautifully with mullet or pixie cuts. By using perm rods, you can lift the hair at the crown, creating height and fullness, while bangs add an extra touch of charm to the look.
3. Curly Hair Perm

Perming curly hair is a fantastic way to enhance natural curls or add tighter spiral curls for definition. For maximum volume, part your hair to one side, or try a short undercut for a modern, edgy vibe.
4. Short and Shaggy Perm Bob

A shaggy bob with varied layers creates a balanced and flattering look. With longer pieces around the face and shorter layers on top, this style minimizes bulk, especially in thick hair, for a refined silhouette.
5. Modern Wavy Perm for Fine Hair

An A-line bob provides a wonderful base for a perm. Mixing coil sizes throughout the hair can give finer strands a fuller, more textured appearance, showcasing the unique wave pattern beautifully.
6. Beach Wave Perm on a Short Bob

A beach wave perm offers soft, tousled waves, creating that effortless, sun-kissed texture. Although it doesn’t last as long as traditional perms, it brings a carefree and flirty vibe to short bobs.
7. Wavy Undercut Pixie with Curly Bangs

When adding a perm to a short cut with bangs, consider opting for longer bangs or loose curls to avoid any awkward styling. If you have short bangs, let them grow a bit before perming for the best results.
8. Cute Short Bob with Loose Curls

If you prefer a tousled, playful look, try a loose perm with a bob and layered bangs. This relaxed style adds movement and volume while framing the face in a flattering way.
9. Iconic Spiral Perms for Short Hair

Spiral perms work wonders for short hair, giving it a defined and bouncy texture. This perm style can add both volume and dimension to naturally curly hair, enhancing your unique curl pattern.
10. Delicate Perm for Straight Hair

A digital perm is an excellent choice for straight, hard-to-style hair. It creates soft, natural-looking waves that add body and volume, transforming fine, flat strands into a textured look.
11. Afro Perm Style for Natural Hair

Afro perms can bring out the beauty of natural coils and add volume to short haircuts. This style not only celebrates your hair’s texture but also shapes it for a striking silhouette.
12. Permed Bob with Bouncy Curls

A short bob with springy curls is a standout style. Add golden blonde highlights for an extra pop of color, giving this look a youthful and fun twist.
13. Shoulder-Length Permed Hair

Loose waves and layers on a shoulder-length cut can create a fuller appearance, making thin hair look thicker. The gentle texture of a medium-length perm highlights the shape of a classic lob.
14. Curly Mohawk Permed Style

For those who love a bold look, a curly mohawk with an undercut is an eye-catching option. The volume and texture of the curls create a dramatic effect that’s sure to turn heads.
15. Stunning Spiral Perm Hairstyle

While perms can be risky for color-treated hair, a skilled stylist can help you achieve stunning curls even on dyed hair. Just ensure you use quality products to maintain the health of both your color and curls.
16. Wavy Perm for Older Women with Short Hair

As hair tends to thin with age, a beach wave perm can bring volume and vitality to a short hairstyle, especially for women over 50. This gentle wave pattern offers a youthful, fresh look.
17. Short Permed Hair with Caramel Highlights

Adding highlights to a short perm can bring depth and dynamism. Caramel highlights on a curly style create a lively, sunlit effect that adds warmth and dimension.
18. Asymmetrical Pixie with Permed Curls

A curly pixie is full of character and charm. This style is low-maintenance, but proper conditioning is key to keeping your curls healthy and long-lasting.
19. Rounded Bob with Natural-Looking Curls

Choosing the right cut for your face shape can make a huge difference. A rounded bob with soft curls works well for round faces, especially with layered cuts and light bangs.
20. Body Wave Perm for Shoulder-Length Hair

A body wave perm offers loose, natural waves that work well on shoulder-length cuts. Avoid tight curls to keep the look soft and flowing.
21. Permed Pixie Mullet

A pixie mullet with permed curls has an edgy vibe. Adding a styling product for a wet-look finish brings even more flair to this bold, fashion-forward hairstyle.
22. Root Perm for Short Thin Hair

A root perm is ideal for creating volume at the roots, especially on thin hair. Combined with a rounded pixie bob, this look can add height and dimension, making it perfect for longer face shapes.
23. Chic Gray Hair Perm

A modern perm can add texture and body to gray hair, making it a stunning style choice for older adults. A curly pixie with side-swept bangs is both sophisticated and full of personality.
24. Tight Curls with Curly Bangs

For a bouncy, low-maintenance look, tight curls on a short cut are perfect. While this style requires a specific hair routine, the result is shiny, lively curls that stay beautiful for weeks.
25. Charming Permed Bob

A short, permed bob with undefined curls adds a touch of playfulness, especially for those with oval or long face shapes. This style combines texture with a charming, carefree feel.
26. Gorgeous Blonde Perm Style

For natural-looking curls, opt for a modern perm with a gentle heat process. These delicate, defined waves are soft and elegant, making them perfect for blondes looking for an effortless look.
27. Thin, Tight Curls in Short Hair

For a low-maintenance yet pretty hairstyle, tight curls on short hair are perfect. Be mindful that curls will shorten your hair, so leave a bit of extra length if you want to maintain a specific cut.
28. Loose Waves on Relaxed Natural Hair

For relaxed hair, a loose perm offers a change in texture while allowing for more style variety. Roller sets work well with this type of perm, giving you flexibility to explore different looks.
29. Short Stacked Bob with Spiral Curls

Spiral curls add an alluring twist to a stacked bob. With its natural volume and simple styling, this look is ideal for those who want a striking yet easy-to-maintain hairstyle.
30. Playful Curly Shag on Medium Hair

A curly shag with a volumizing perm brings extra body and bounce to your hair, creating a lively, playful style with minimal styling effort.
Thanks to modern hairstyling techniques, achieving the curls and volume you desire is now easier than ever. These short perm styles offer a range of choices for different hair types, lengths, and textures, so don’t hesitate to book a session with your stylist and try one of these beautiful looks!