A good perm doesn’t just change how your hair looks, it can change how you feel about styling your hair altogether. But with so many types of curls and techniques out there, how do you know which one will actually suit you?
The answer depends on two key things: how much effort you’re willing to put in to maintain your curls post-perm, and which curl pattern best enhances your natural features. From low-maintenance waves to sculpted curls tailored to your face shape, choosing the right perm is all about finding the right balance between your lifestyle and your look.
Here’s a breakdown of the best perm methods and curl types, and how to choose the one that works with you, not against you.
Perm Methods: What’s Best for Your Lifestyle?
Choosing between Cold and Digital perms often comes down to how much effort you want to put into styling every day, and how you want your hair to behave over time.
Cold Perm – For low-maintenance styling
If you’re after curls that hold their shape with minimal fuss, a Cold Perm is your best bet. This traditional method creates tighter, more structured curls, perfect if you want definition, body, and lasting volume without having to re-style every morning.
✔ Great for shorter hair or those who want a bold curl
✔ Holds its form for longer periods
✔ Best if you prefer air-drying or minimal styling
✔ Ideal for those who don’t regularly heat-style their hair
Cold perms work well for people with busier schedules who still want that “done” look daily, no curling iron necessary.
Digital Perm – For flexible, heat-friendly styling
If you love that effortless, bouncy texture but want something more natural-looking and flowy, the Digital Perm is your go-to. Using heat, it creates soft, loose curls that are smooth when dry and more defined when styled.
✔ Ideal for medium to long hair
✔ Curls look more natural and smooth when dry
✔ Requires a bit of styling with product to enhance waves
✔ Great for those who enjoy hair styling but want to cut down time
Digital perms are perfect if you want something modern, wearable, and versatile, especially if you enjoy brushing through soft waves or tying your hair up without worrying about curl shape distortion.
Curl Patterns: What Suits Your Face Shape?
When it comes to curl styles, the trick is to choose a pattern that enhances your natural beauty, and helps balance your proportions.
C-Curl Perm – For round and square face shapes
The C-Curl is all about subtle inward curves at the ends of your hair. It’s clean, elegant, and incredibly flattering for rounder or wider face shapes. Why? Because it softens your jawline and adds vertical shape, creating a slimming effect without overwhelming your features.
✔ Perfect for straight or slightly wavy hair
✔ Frames the face gently
✔ Adds polish without looking too “done”
✔ Easy to style, even for first-time perm wearers
If you’re looking for volume with refinement, think classy, Korean-inspired ends, the C-Curl Perm is your match.
S-Curl Perm – For oval or heart-shaped faces
The S-Curl creates looser, wave-like curls with a relaxed, tousled finish. These soft, natural bends add width and texture in all the right places, balancing sharper jawlines or longer foreheads beautifully.
✔ Ideal for medium to long hair
✔ Gives that effortlessly chic, just-out-of-bed (but better) look
✔ Perfect if you want volume and softness without tight curl
If you love movement and texture but don’t want something too “curly,” the S-Curl is the sweet spot.
Korean Perm – Universally flattering, especially on longer faces
Inspired by Korean beauty trends, the Korean Perm offers soft waves or structured bends with a refined, youthful edge. It’s versatile enough for most face shapes, but especially suits longer or rectangular faces by adding volume at the sides, which visually balances proportions.
✔ Gorgeous on both short and long hair
✔ Softens angular features and elongates round ones
✔ Offers multiple styling options: from sleek to casual
✔ Grows out gracefully with no harsh lines
Whether you want dreamy curls or subtle bends at the ends, the Korean Perm can be tailored to you, and that’s why it’s so loved.
Beach Wave Perm – For oval, heart, and diamond face shapes
The Beach Wave Perm is your go-to if you’re craving laid-back, lived-in texture. Loose and airy, these waves bring lightness and movement to your hair, making them a great match for more symmetrical or angular faces.
✔ Works best on medium to long hair
✔ Adds volume without bulk
✔ Great if you love undone, textured hairstyles
✔ Minimal upkeep, grows out without looking awkward
If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up that “just back from the beach” vibe, this is it.
Perming Your Hair at NK Hairworks
At NK Hairworks, we personalise every perm to each individual. From choosing the right perm method to adjusting the curl tightness and direction, we tailor the entire experience to your hair type, face shape, lifestyle, and even your morning routine.
We also prioritise hair health. Our stylists use high-quality solutions and advanced techniques that preserve your hair’s strength and shine, while ensuring a beautiful, lasting curl. And with post-perm care guidance and treatment options available in-salon, we’re with you even after your transformation is complete.
There’s a perm for every kind of lifestyle, face shape, and personality, and the best one is the one that feels the most you. Whether you want soft face-framing waves, defined curls, or something light and voluminous, a well-done perm can completely refresh your style and simplify your everyday routine.
Not sure where to start? Book a consultation with one of our stylists at NK Hairworks. We’ll help you discover the perfect combination of perm method and curl pattern tailored just for you.
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