Not every man wants his hair to be perfectly straight, and not everyone naturally has enough texture to create the hairstyle they want.

That is where a modern men’s perm can make a noticeable difference.

Unlike the tightly curled looks many people associate with older perm styles, modern perms can be designed around softer waves, controlled movement and added texture. The goal is not necessarily to create obvious curls. It can simply be about giving straight or flat hair more shape so that styling becomes easier and the haircut has more character.

If you are searching for a men’s perm in Scarborough, however, there is more to consider than choosing a photo from social media and asking for the same look.

Your hair length, density, condition, natural growth pattern and preferred haircut all affect the final result. The right consultation can help determine whether a perm is appropriate and what type of texture will actually work with your hair.

Crown Barber at Scarborough Town Centre offers Perming for Men as part of its wider hair service menu, alongside regular haircuts, fades, beard grooming, colour services and styling. The shop is located on the ground floor near Walmart at Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Dr.

This guide explains what you should know before booking a modern men’s perm and how to prepare for the service.

What Is a Men’s Perm?

A men’s perm is a professional chemical hair service designed to change the natural shape or texture of the hair.

During a traditional perm service, hair is wrapped around rods or other tools and treated with a chemical solution that allows the hair to take on a new shape. The size and placement of the rods influence the resulting pattern.

That means a perm does not have to mean tight curls.

A professional can work toward different results depending on the desired style, including:

• Loose waves
• Soft curls
• Defined texture
• More movement through the top
• Additional body and volume
• A more noticeable curl pattern

The final appearance depends on the hair and technique rather than simply the word “perm.”

That is why a consultation is important.

If you show a barber a photograph of a textured hairstyle, the useful question is not only “Can you make my hair look like this?”

It is also:

What needs to happen to my current hair to create something similar?

Why Modern Men’s Perms Look Different From the Classic Perm

The word “perm” can create an outdated image.

Many people picture uniform, tightly wound curls that look the same from the roots to the ends. Modern men’s styling is often more flexible.

Current texture focused looks tend to emphasize movement and a more natural appearance.

A loose wave can make straight hair look more dynamic without turning it into a head full of tight curls.

Natural Texture Is Often the Goal

Modern styling is less about making every strand follow exactly the same pattern.

Instead, the goal may be to create texture that works with the haircut.

For example, a client with relatively straight hair might want:

• More movement through the top
• Easier styling in the morning
• A softer textured fringe
• More volume without excessive height
• Waves that complement a fade
• A hairstyle that looks less flat

This is very different from simply asking for “curly hair.”

The desired texture should match your haircut, face and everyday styling habits.

Who Should Consider a Men’s Perm?

A men’s perm may be worth discussing if your natural hair is relatively straight or lacks the texture required for a particular hairstyle.

It can also be useful for someone who likes the appearance of wavy or curly hair but does not naturally have that pattern.

However, not every head of hair is automatically a good candidate.

Straight Hair That Falls Flat

If your hair tends to sit close to the scalp and quickly loses shape, added texture can change how it behaves.

A perm can create movement that gives a haircut more styling possibilities.

Instead of spending significant time trying to manufacture waves with a curling tool or styling product, the hair itself has more texture to work with.

Hair That Is Difficult to Style

Some people have enough length but struggle to create a hairstyle that stays in place.

Texture can sometimes make styling more manageable because the hair has more natural movement.

That does not mean a perm eliminates styling completely.

You will still need to understand how to dry, condition and style the hair after the service.

Men Who Want a Different Look Without a Major Length Change

Changing texture can create a noticeable transformation without necessarily requiring a dramatic haircut.

You may keep a similar overall length while changing how the top behaves.

That can be particularly useful when your current haircut is fine but your hair lacks the movement needed to create the look you want.

When a Men’s Perm May Not Be the Right Choice

A professional consultation should also include situations where a perm may not be advisable.

Chemical services can affect the hair, so the existing condition matters.

The American Academy of Dermatology warns that coloring and perming can make hair dry and brittle and recommends caution when perming to reduce the risk of long lasting damage.

If your hair has already been heavily processed, severely dry or significantly damaged, adding another chemical service may not be the best immediate choice.

Heavily Damaged Hair

Hair that has already experienced substantial chemical or heat damage may be more vulnerable to breakage.

This is particularly important if you regularly bleach, colour, straighten or chemically process your hair.

The AAD recommends spacing chemical services and taking steps to reduce hair damage.

A good professional should look at the condition of your hair rather than treating the requested service as an automatic yes.

Very Short Hair

Length matters because the hair needs to be workable during the perming process.

If the top is extremely short, there may not be enough length to achieve the texture you have in mind.

That does not mean short hair can never be permed.

It means the desired result needs to be realistic for the available length.

Hair With Multiple Chemical Treatments

If you have recently had another chemical service, tell your barber.

Do not assume that a recent colour or straightening service is irrelevant.

Your barber needs to know what has already been done to your hair before deciding whether another chemical process makes sense.

How Long Should Hair Be for a Men’s Perm?

There is no single universal length requirement because the appropriate length depends on the technique and desired result.

However, the hair generally needs enough length to be wrapped and manipulated.

If you want loose waves through the top, you will typically need more workable length than someone seeking a subtle texture.

This is one reason it is useful to have a consultation before booking.

A picture may show the final style, but it does not tell the barber how much length was required to create it.

Your Haircut Matters Too

The haircut underneath the texture affects the overall result.

A modern men’s perm can be paired with different approaches to the sides and back, including shorter tapered or faded areas while leaving more length on top.

Crown Barber specifically offers fade cuts, fade cuts with beard, wash and styling services and men’s perming among its available services.

That means the haircut and texture can be considered together rather than treating them as completely separate decisions.

Men’s Perm With a Fade: Why the Combination Works

One of the most useful combinations for modern textured hair is longer texture on top with shorter sides.

The contrast helps the texture stand out without making the entire hairstyle appear bulky.

For example, a client might choose:

Hair approach	Result
Textured top + short sides	Strong contrast and defined silhouette
Loose waves + taper	Softer and more gradual appearance
Curly top + fade	More dramatic texture
Medium textured top + longer sides	Fuller and more relaxed style
Textured fringe + short sides	Modern forward styled appearance

The best combination depends on your hair density and face shape.

A fade is not automatically the right answer for every perm.

The important part is creating balance.

What Happens During a Men’s Perm?

The exact process can vary depending on the hair and the technique used, but the appointment generally involves several stages.

1. Consultation

This is where you discuss what you want and the barber assesses your hair.

Bring reference photos if you have them.

But also explain what you like about the photo.

Do you want the curl?

The volume?

The messy texture?

The fringe?

The movement?

These details help the barber understand the actual goal.

2. Hair Assessment

Your barber needs to consider the current condition of your hair.

Previous colour, bleaching, chemical treatments and excessive heat styling can all affect how hair responds.

If your hair is not in suitable condition, the professional may recommend waiting or adjusting the plan.

3. Hair Preparation

The hair is prepared according to the selected technique.

The way the hair is sectioned and wrapped contributes to the final texture.

This is why professional execution matters.

4. Processing

A chemical solution is used to alter the hair’s structure so it can take the desired shape.

Timing matters.

The AAD specifically recommends caution when perming and notes that excessive stinging or burning while a perm solution is being used should not be ignored.

5. Neutralizing and Finishing

After the appropriate processing stage, the hair is neutralized and styled.

The final haircut and styling help reveal how the new texture works with the overall look.

The finished result may look different once the hair has been washed and styled at home, which is another reason aftercare matters.

Does a Men’s Perm Damage Hair?

A perm is a chemical treatment, so it can affect the condition of the hair.

The answer should not be presented as either “perms always damage hair” or “modern perms never cause damage.”

Neither statement gives you useful information.

The American Academy of Dermatology explains that perming can contribute to dry and brittle hair and recommends caution to prevent long lasting damage.

How your hair responds can depend on factors such as its existing condition, chemical history, processing and aftercare.

Healthy Hair Before the Service Matters

If your hair is already dry or fragile, talk to your barber before proceeding.

The AAD also recommends reducing damaging styling practices and using conditioner after shampooing to help protect the hair.

A professional service should begin with an honest assessment rather than a promise that every requested look can be achieved safely.

How to Prepare for a Men’s Perm

You do not need a complicated preparation routine.

But you should arrive ready to discuss your hair honestly.

Tell Your Barber About Previous Chemical Services

Mention:

• Recent hair colour
• Bleaching
• Previous perms
• Chemical straightening
• Relaxing treatments
• Other significant processing
• Frequent heat styling

Even if the treatment was several weeks or months ago, it can be useful information.

Bring Reference Photos

Bring two or three examples rather than twenty unrelated styles.

Ideally, choose images showing approximately the texture you want from different angles.

Also be realistic.

Your hair may not produce exactly the same result because density, length and natural growth patterns differ.

The photo should guide the consultation rather than become a guarantee of an identical result.

Think About Your Daily Routine

Ask yourself how much styling you are actually willing to do.

A hairstyle that looks great in a photograph may require regular product and styling.

If you want a low effort routine, tell your barber.

Your desired look should work with your lifestyle.

How to Care for a Men’s Perm After the Appointment

The appointment is only the beginning.

Aftercare affects how the hair looks and feels over time.

Be Gentle With Wet Hair

Hair can be more vulnerable when wet.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends handling wet hair carefully and minimizing unnecessary pulling or rough brushing.

Rather than aggressively rubbing your hair with a towel, gently wrap it to absorb excess water.

This is a small habit that can make your regular routine less stressful on the hair.

Do Not Overuse Heat

Heat styling can contribute to hair damage.

The AAD recommends limiting excessive heat and using lower or medium heat settings where appropriate.

If your perm already gives you the texture you want, you may not need to recreate that texture every morning with a hot styling tool.

That is one of the practical advantages of having texture built into the hairstyle.

Condition Regularly

Conditioning is especially useful for hair that has been chemically treated.

The AAD recommends using conditioner after shampooing and notes that leave in conditioner can be helpful for permed hair.

A leave in product can also help with detangling and frizz depending on your hair type and the product you choose.

How Often Should You Get a Men’s Perm?

There is no universal schedule.

A perm changes the existing hair, but newly grown hair will reflect your natural texture.

As the hair grows, the difference between the treated and untreated sections becomes more noticeable.

That means the timing of another service depends on:

• How quickly your hair grows
• How much new growth you have
• How much texture you want
• Your hair condition
• Your preferred haircut
• How the existing perm still looks

Do not automatically repeat the chemical service simply because a certain number of weeks has passed.

Your barber should consider the condition of your hair before another treatment.

Can You Colour Your Hair After a Perm?

This is an important question if you regularly change your hair colour.

Chemical services can place additional stress on the hair, so timing matters.

The AAD recommends spacing out chemical services rather than stacking them too closely together. Its guidance notes that if someone wants both colouring and a perm, the perm should be done first and the colour service should follow after an appropriate interval.

That does not mean everyone should follow an identical schedule.

Your hair’s condition and the specific services involved matter.

Always tell your stylist what you are planning before booking multiple chemical services.

Men’s Perm vs Natural Waves

A common reason people consider a perm is that they want the texture they see in naturally wavy hair.

But a perm and natural waves are not the same thing.

Natural waves come from your hair’s existing structure and growth pattern.

A perm changes the shape of the treated hair.

The benefit of a perm is control over the kind of texture you want to introduce.

If your natural hair is straight but you want a wavy hairstyle, a professional perm may provide a way to achieve that texture without relying on a curling iron every day.

Men’s Perm vs Daily Heat Styling

Suppose you currently use a curling iron or another heat tool to create waves.

A perm changes the starting point.

Instead of beginning with straight hair every morning, you begin with hair that already has texture.

That can simplify styling.

However, it does not mean you should stop caring for the hair.

You still need appropriate washing, conditioning and styling habits.

The AAD recommends reducing excessive heat exposure because repeated heat can contribute to hair damage.

For someone who regularly recreates waves with heat, discussing a professional texture service may be worthwhile.

Choosing the Right Texture for Your Face and Hair

The best perm is not necessarily the curliest one.

Texture should support your features and haircut.

For example, a softer wave may create a relaxed appearance, while tighter curls can make the hairstyle much more prominent.

Your hair density also matters.

Thick hair can behave differently from fine hair.

A barber with experience in different hair types can adjust the approach accordingly.

Crown Barber’s team includes barbers with different areas of experience. Its team page describes Haxen as specializing in modern fades, classic cuts and precision styling, while Lucas has more than 20 years of experience in colour, highlights and chemical services. Jatinder is described as specializing in fades and sharp line ups.

That combination of haircutting and chemical service experience is useful when the goal is a complete transformation rather than simply adding curl.

What Should You Ask Before Booking a Men’s Perm?

If you have never had a perm before, do not hesitate to ask questions.

A professional consultation should leave you with a clear understanding of what is realistic.

Consider asking:

Will my current hair length work for the texture I want?

This helps avoid unrealistic expectations.

Is my hair healthy enough for a chemical service?

If you colour or bleach your hair, this question becomes even more important.

What type of curl or wave would work with my haircut?

The answer should consider both the top and sides.

How much daily styling will the finished look need?

This helps ensure the hairstyle fits your routine.

What should I use at home?

Ask about shampoo, conditioner and styling products appropriate for chemically treated hair.

When should I consider my next appointment?

Instead of following a generic schedule, ask what makes sense for your particular hair.

How Much Does a Men’s Perm Cost at Crown Barber?

Crown Barber’s current pricing page lists Perming for Men at CA$120 and up. The final price can depend on the service and individual hair requirements, so it is sensible to confirm the current price when booking.

The shop also offers a wide range of related services, including regular haircuts, fade cuts, beard services, wash and style, colour, highlights and head massage.

You can explore the full Crown Barber services before deciding how you want to combine your haircut and texture service.

Why a Consultation Is More Important Than the Inspiration Photo

An inspiration photo shows you the destination.

It does not show the condition of the person’s hair before the appointment.

It does not tell you how much natural density they have.

It does not show their previous chemical treatments.

And it does not tell you how much daily styling goes into maintaining that photograph.

That is why a good consultation should consider more than the final inspiration photo.

For a men’s perm in Scarborough, the better approach is to discuss your actual hair first and then decide what version of the style is realistic.

This is particularly important because chemical services should be approached carefully when hair is already processed or fragile. The AAD recommends caution with perming and other chemical services to help prevent excessive dryness and breakage.

Is a Men’s Perm Right for You?

A modern perm can be a practical option if you want more texture, movement or volume and your natural hair does not provide it.

It may be worth considering if:

• Your hair is naturally straight
• Your hair tends to look flat
• You want more texture on top
• You like modern wavy or curly hairstyles
• You want to reduce reliance on daily heat styling
• You are willing to follow an appropriate aftercare routine

It may not be appropriate if your hair is significantly damaged or if you are currently undergoing multiple chemical treatments.

The decision should be made after assessing your actual hair rather than following a trend blindly.

Final Thoughts on Men’s Perms in Scarborough

The modern men’s perm is much more versatile than the traditional image of a perm suggests.

It can be subtle.

It can be wavy.

It can be textured.

It can be curly.

And when paired with the right haircut, it can completely change how your hair behaves.

But the best result begins before the chemical service.

It begins with an honest consultation.

Your hair length, condition, density, previous treatments and daily styling routine all matter. A professional barber should help you understand what is realistic and recommend an approach that works with your hair rather than simply copying an online photograph.

Crown Barber offers Perming for Men at its Scarborough Town Centre location alongside modern fades, men’s haircuts, beard services, styling and other grooming options.

If you are considering a men’s perm in Scarborough, you can explore Crown Barber’s services or book through Crown Barber’s online appointment system.

Crown Barber is located at Ground Floor, near Walmart, Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Dr, Scarborough, Ontario M1P 4P5. Walk ins are also welcome according to the salon’s contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a men’s perm good for straight hair?

A men’s perm can be particularly useful for straight hair when the goal is to add waves, curls or additional texture. The exact result depends on the hair’s length, density, condition and the technique used. A consultation is important because the same perm approach will not produce the same result on every head of hair.

2. How long does a men’s perm take?

The appointment length can vary depending on hair length, density, the desired texture and the overall service. A simple textured look may require a different process from a more defined curl pattern. It is best to ask the barber for an estimated appointment time when booking rather than relying on a generic duration.

3. Can I get a fade with a men’s perm?

Yes, a textured or permed top can be combined with shorter sides such as a fade or taper. This combination creates contrast between the textured top and cleaner sides. Crown Barber offers both fade services and men’s perming, so the haircut and texture can be planned as part of the same overall look.

4. Can I perm hair that has been coloured?

It depends on the condition of the hair and the type of colour service previously performed. Chemical treatments can increase the risk of dryness and breakage, so your barber should know about previous colouring, bleaching or other processing before recommending a perm. The American Academy of Dermatology advises spacing chemical services and taking precautions when perming treated hair.

5. How should I maintain my hair after a men’s perm?

Use gentle hair care, condition regularly and avoid unnecessary heat and rough handling. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends conditioner after shampooing, minimizing excessive heat and handling wet hair gently. A leave in conditioner can also be useful for permed hair depending on your hair type and styling needs.

Book Your Men’s Perm in Scarborough

Ready to add texture and movement to your hairstyle?

Visit Crown Barber at Scarborough Town Centre for a professional consultation and discuss the type of texture you want before booking your service.

View Crown Barber Services | Check Current Prices | Book an Appointment

For information, contact crownbarber via email or call us at 416.551.9610.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for general educational purposes only and may be subject to change. The views expressed are those of the author and do not constitute professional advice. Readers are encouraged to use their own judgment and seek guidance from qualified professionals before making any grooming or personal care decisions. Crown Barber Studio is not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this article. For personalized advice, please feel free to contact us directly.