The Zoomer Perm: Gen Z's Signature Hair Trend Explained
What is a zoomer perm? Learn about Gen Z's most popular hair trend, how it differs from traditional perms, costs, maintenance, and whether it's right for you.
Your dad might have had a perm in 1987. Your uncle probably still has photos he doesn't want you to see. Perms were a thing, then they weren't, and now—somehow—they're back.
But the 2025 version looks nothing like the poofy disasters of the 80s. Meet the zoomer perm: Gen Z's take on chemically enhanced curls.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the trend that's been growing 171% year-over-year in search interest. What it is, why it's happening, how to get one, and whether it's right for you.
What Is a Zoomer Perm?
The zoomer perm is a modern perm style popularized by Gen Z (born roughly 1997-2012). It creates textured, voluminous curls or waves on top while the sides are typically kept short or faded.
The key difference from vintage perms: it doesn't try to make your whole head uniformly curly. The zoomer perm is strategic. Curls where they create volume and style. Short or natural hair everywhere else.
The result is the signature look you see all over TikTok: the broccoli cut silhouette with its curly top and faded sides. For guys with naturally straight hair, the zoomer perm is how they achieve this look.
Other names for this style include:
- TikTok perm
- Korean perm (when styled in the K-pop manner)
- Textured perm
- Messy perm
- The broccoli perm
They all describe variations of the same basic concept: controlled curls on top, styled to look natural and voluminous.
Why Perms Came Back
The perm revival started in South Korea, where curly and wavy men's hairstyles never really went out of fashion. K-pop stars regularly sport permed styles, and Korean beauty trends have massive influence on global youth culture.
From Korea, the trend spread through TikTok and Instagram. Young creators in the US started getting perms and posting before-and-after content. The algorithm boosted these transformation videos. More guys saw them. More guys wanted the look.
Several factors explain the timing:
Social media visual culture. Permed hair photographs well. The texture catches light, creating depth in photos and videos. For a generation that documents everything, this matters.
Rejection of millennial aesthetics. Millennials favored sleek, controlled haircuts. Gen Z often does the opposite deliberately. Embracing curly, textured hair is a form of generational differentiation.
The effortless look paradox. The zoomer perm looks casual and unstudied even though it requires time and money to achieve. This "I woke up like this (but actually spent hours)" aesthetic resonates with current fashion sensibilities.
Gym culture influence. As fitness content took over social media, the physique-focused aesthetic expanded to include a signature hairstyle. The zoomer perm/broccoli cut combo became the unofficial gym bro uniform.
Zoomer Perm vs. Traditional Perm
If your only reference for perms is vintage photos, the zoomer perm will surprise you.
| Feature | Traditional Perm (80s-90s) | Zoomer Perm (2020s) |
|---|---|---|
| Area permed | Whole head | Usually just the top |
| Curl tightness | Often tight, uniform | Varied, often looser |
| Silhouette | Full, round | Curly top, faded sides |
| Vibe | Polished, done | Messy, casual |
| Gender | Primarily women | Popular with men |
| Maintenance | High | Moderate |
The zoomer perm is designed to look like natural curls, not a salon treatment. It's meant to be tousled, imperfect, and lived-in. This is fundamentally different from the 1980s approach of making every curl perfect and symmetrical.
The K-Pop Influence
You can't discuss the zoomer perm without acknowledging K-pop.
Korean pop stars have been rocking permed styles for years. Artists like Jungkook of BTS, members of Stray Kids, and countless others have normalized curly, textured hair for young Asian men—and, by extension, for their massive global fanbase.
The Korean perm tends to be slightly different from the Western zoomer perm:
- Often looser, more wave than tight curl
- Frequently styled with a middle part
- Less emphasis on faded sides
- Softer, more refined appearance
Both styles use the same basic perm technology. The difference is in styling and aesthetic goals. Western zoomer perms often aim for the "gym bro" broccoli look. Korean-influenced perms lean toward softer, more romantic vibes.
If you're getting a zoomer perm, decide which aesthetic you want and communicate that to your stylist. Reference photos help enormously.
Types of Zoomer Perms
Not all zoomer perms look the same. Here are the common variations:
The Classic Broccoli
Tight curls piled high on top with an aggressive fade on the sides. Maximum volume. Maximum floret energy. This is the most memed version.
Best for: Gym-focused aesthetics, making a statement, fully committing to the trend.
The Textured Wave
Looser waves rather than tight curls. Less dramatic volume, more natural movement. This is where the Korean influence shows.
Best for: Subtlety, middle-parted styles, people who want texture without extreme volume.
The Curly Mullet
Permed curls that extend longer in the back, creating a modern mullet silhouette. The party in the back is genuinely a party.
Best for: Maximum style points, standing out from the crowd, people confident in bold choices.
The Partial Perm
Only specific sections are permed—maybe just the crown for height, or just the front for framing. Less commitment, less dramatic.
Best for: Testing the waters, adding subtle texture, lower maintenance.
The Flow Perm
Medium-length hair (3-5 inches all over) with loose waves. Less contrast than the fade-plus-curls combo. More hockey player, less TikTok.
Best for: Sporty aesthetics, people who don't want faded sides, versatile styling.
Getting a Zoomer Perm: The Process
If you've decided to go for it, here's what to expect.
Before the Appointment
Research stylists. Not every salon does men's perms well. Look for someone with a portfolio showing zoomer-style results, not 80s-style results.
Hair prep. Come with clean, product-free hair. Don't wash it that morning—the day before is fine. Don't bleach or dye your hair within 2-4 weeks of the perm.
Length requirements. You need at least 2-3 inches on top to perm effectively. Longer (4-5 inches) gives more options.
Set expectations. Your stylist should do a consultation before booking. Discuss curl tightness, which sections to perm, and bring reference photos.
During the Appointment
Duration: 2-4 hours depending on hair length and perm complexity.
The process:
- Hair is sectioned and wrapped around rods
- Perm solution is applied (breaks hair bonds)
- Processing time (15-30 minutes)
- Neutralizer is applied (reforms bonds in new shape)
- Rinse, remove rods, initial styling
Pain level: None. It's not uncomfortable. The chemicals smell, but modern formulas are less harsh than vintage perms.
Immediately After
The 48-hour rule: Don't wash your hair, don't get it wet, don't put it in a hat, don't touch it excessively. The curls are setting.
Initial appearance: Your hair will look tighter and more defined right after the perm. It will relax over the next few days into a more natural pattern.
Be patient: The final result takes about a week to fully settle. Don't panic if day-one curls look different than you expected.
Costs
Zoomer perm pricing varies by location and salon tier.
Initial perm:
- Budget salons: $60-100
- Mid-range: $100-150
- High-end/specialty: $150-300
Maintenance perms (every 3-6 months):
- Usually 10-20% less than initial
- Some salons offer package deals
Additional costs:
- Haircut (if not included): $20-50
- Curl-specific products: $30-50
- Regular fade maintenance: $20-40 every 2-3 weeks
First-year total: Budget $400-700 for the perm, maintenance, products, and regular cuts.
This isn't cheap, but it's a fraction of what some people spend on other appearance-related investments. If the look is important to you, it's manageable.
Maintenance and Aftercare
Zoomer perms need more attention than natural curly hair. Here's how to keep yours looking good (see our full maintenance guide for more detail):
Daily Care
Don't wash daily. 2-3 times per week maximum. Permed hair is drier and needs its natural oils.
Use sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates are too harsh and can loosen the curl pattern over time.
Condition every wash. Permed hair needs moisture. A good conditioner is non-negotiable.
Apply curl products to damp hair. Curl cream or mousse helps define the texture. Apply to towel-dried hair, scrunch, then air dry or diffuse.
Don't brush it. Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb at most. Brushing disrupts the curl pattern and creates frizz.
Weekly
Deep condition. Use a hair mask or deep conditioner once a week to maintain moisture.
Assess your products. If curls are falling flat, you might need different products. If they're crunchy, you're using too much gel.
Monthly
Get your fade touched up. The sides grow out quickly. Maintain the contrast with regular barber visits. See our barber guide for communication tips.
Consider a trim. Every 4-6 weeks, trim any damaged ends and reshape as needed.
Every 3-6 Months
Maintenance perm. Your roots grow in straight while the permed sections stay curly. A root perm blends new growth with existing curls.
Evaluate if you want to continue. After living with a perm for a few months, you'll know if you want to maintain it or let it grow out.
Potential Issues and Risks
Perms aren't for everyone. Consider these factors:
Hair Damage
Perms chemically alter your hair structure. This causes some damage by definition. Well-done perms on healthy hair result in manageable damage. Perms on already-damaged or bleached hair can lead to:
- Excessive dryness
- Breakage
- Loss of curl definition
- Gummy texture when wet
If your hair is already compromised, wait before getting a perm. Let it recover or cut off the damaged portions.
Results Vary
Your hair's natural characteristics affect the outcome. Thickness, porosity, and virgin vs. processed hair all matter. Some hair takes perms beautifully. Some resists. A good stylist will assess your hair and set realistic expectations.
Lifestyle Changes
Permed hair requires behavior adjustments:
- Longer morning routine
- Avoiding chlorinated pools without protection
- More spending on products
- Regular maintenance appointments
If low-maintenance is your priority, perms might not be the right choice.
Growing It Out
If you decide to stop maintaining the perm, you face an awkward grow-out period. The curly permed sections slowly grow out while straight new growth comes in. For a while, you'll have a two-textured situation.
Options for growing it out:
- Cut it short and start fresh
- Gradually trim off permed sections as they grow out
- Live with the two-texture look until it's gone
None of these are terrible, but it's worth knowing that stopping isn't as simple as just... stopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Zoomer Perm Right for You?
Consider getting a zoomer perm if:
- You have straight hair and want the curly/textured look
- You're willing to invest time and money in maintenance
- You want to fully commit to the current trend
- Your hair is healthy and can handle chemical processing
- You've tried temporary methods and want something lasting
Consider skipping if:
- Low-maintenance hair is a priority
- Your hair is already damaged from bleaching or other treatments
- You change styles frequently and don't want to commit
- You're on a tight budget
Not sure? Try our AI tool to preview yourself with curly, permed hair before you commit. A few seconds with an app beats a few months of regret.
The Trend's Future
Will the zoomer perm still be cool in five years? Who knows.
Fashion is cyclical. Today's must-have is tomorrow's cringe. The zoomer perm might evolve into something else. It might disappear entirely. It might become so ubiquitous that it stops being notable.
But right now, in 2025, it's one of the defining hairstyles of a generation. If you want the look and you're willing to maintain it, there's never been a better time to get one.
Just remember: unlike your dad's perm photos, your zoomer perm will live forever on the internet.
Make sure it looks good.