Get the Perfect Look: Perm or Beach Waves for Hair?

Posted on July 18th, 2025

Learning about your hair's potential is important when it refers to choosing between perms and beach waves. It's not just about fashion; it's about recounting your personal style through hair textures that bring your vision to life. In case you're moving toward the classic allure of a perm or the relaxed elegance of beach waves, the journey begins with assessing your current hair type and how it can be elevated to match your aspirations.

Understanding Perms and Beach Waves

In hairstyling, perms and beach waves offer distinct ways to achieve texture and movement, each delivering different effects depending on your goals. When considering which is best for you, think about what fits your lifestyle and how often you're willing to style your hair. Here are some helpful comparisons:

• Perms provide long-lasting texture and are great for those looking to cut down on daily styling time.

• Beach waves offer flexibility with a temporary look that can change easily, perfect for those who like to switch up their style often.

• Perms work well for adding body and volume to thinner hair, while beach waves suit a wide range of hair types, including already wavy or slightly curly hair.

Both styles bring unique beauty to the table, and selecting the right one depends on your hair type, your styling habits, and the overall look you’re going for. Either way, both options can enhance your natural features and provide a fun change that reflects your personal flair.

The Variety of Perms: Beach Waves and Others

Perm styles have evolved far beyond the classic tight curls, offering more nuanced options that suit modern style preferences. Among these, the beach wave perm stands out for those who desire soft, flowing waves with a naturally tousled appearance. This technique uses larger rods and gentler solutions to produce a looser wave pattern, which makes it ideal for achieving the effortless look commonly associated with a day at the beach.

Another option is the body wave perm, designed for those seeking subtle structure and fullness rather than highly defined curls. This technique also uses larger rods, even more so than a beach wave perm, and results in waves that gently improve their volume and lift.  Let’s break down the differences between these two popular perm styles:

• Beach Wave Perm:

  • Uses soft solutions and larger rods

  • Creates casual, loose waves

  • Perfect for those wanting a relaxed look with light texture

• Body Wave Perm:

  • Adds body and volume with gentle curves

  • Enhances natural wave patterns or adds fullness to fine hair

  • Often chosen for its versatility and soft finish

• Traditional Perm:

  • More defined curls

  • Suitable for those who want long-lasting structure and volume

  • Typically involves tighter rods and stronger chemical solutions

Each option serves a different purpose, and considering how each aligns with your goals will help you make the right choice. Even if you lean toward relaxed movement or a boost in volume, modern perm styles offer something for everyone.

Benefits and Suitability for Different Hair Types

Every hair type has its own characteristics, and choosing between a perm and beach waves should start with recognizing your hair’s texture, density, and how it reacts to styling. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, each style brings specific benefits depending on how you want to enhance your natural look. Here’s how different hair types can benefit from perms and beach waves:

• Straight Hair:

  • Perms can add much-needed volume and create long-lasting curls or waves

  • Beach waves give a temporary injection of texture without heavy commitment

  • Both styles help eliminate the need for daily heat styling

• Wavy Hair:

  • Body wave perms can define existing texture and reduce frizz

  • Beach waves emphasize natural movement while adding polish

  • A light perm may also add uniformity to uneven wave patterns

• Curly Hair:

  • Loose perms can redefine curl shape and bring uniformity

  • Beach waves are less common for naturally curly hair but can soften tighter curls into looser patterns with careful technique

  • Perming techniques can also be used to relax curls if desired

The decision depends on how defined or low-maintenance you want your style to be. People with finer hair may appreciate the volume and hold that a perm can provide, while those with naturally wavy hair may enjoy the bounce that beach waves offer without committing to chemicals. 

Process and Maintenance: What to Expect

Being familiar with the process behind perms and beach waves can help you feel more confident about your choice. Both require a salon visit and a bit of aftercare, but the experience and upkeep differ slightly depending on the treatment you choose. Beach wave perms follow a similar process but use larger rods and a gentler solution to create a looser, more relaxed pattern. While the technique is similar to traditional perms, the results look more natural and soft.

After either treatment, maintenance becomes the focus:

• Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours to let the wave set properly.

• Use sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to help preserve the integrity of your new texture.

• Deep condition weekly to maintain hydration and prevent dryness.

• Apply curl-enhancing products like mousse, leave-in conditioners, or styling creams to shape and define your curls or waves.

• Avoid heat styling tools in the first few days and limit their use in general to keep your new style intact longer.

Beach waves created with heat tools or braiding techniques at home require less maintenance but need refreshing more often. Regular use of hydrating products and lightweight hold sprays can help extend the look between washes.

How to Achieve Beachy Waves at Home

Creating beachy waves at home is a fun way to change your look without a salon visit. While it might take some practice, a few techniques can help you achieve those relaxed, tousled waves that feel effortless and stylish. To get started, pick the method that best suits your comfort level and hair type:

• Braiding damp hair: Divide your hair into sections and braid before bedtime. By morning, you’ll have soft, natural-looking waves without any heat.

• Curling iron or wand: Use a large-barrel tool and alternate the direction of each curl to avoid uniformity. Leave the ends out for a more relaxed finish.

• Sea salt or texturizing spray: Apply to damp hair and scrunch with your hands to add grit and body.

• Foam rollers or flexi rods: Roll damp hair and let it dry overnight for heatless waves with more definition.

• Twist and pin: Twist small sections of damp hair and pin them in place until dry for a more sculpted look.

Here are a few tips for styling and maintaining your waves at home:

• Use a heat protectant before any hot tools

• Avoid brushing out the waves—use your fingers to separate and style

• Finish with a light hold spray to lock in the shape without making it stiff

• Alternate your shampoo routine with hydrating products to keep waves shiny and bouncy

• Let your natural texture work in your favor—don’t force perfection

These methods allow you to experiment with different styles and develop a go-to look that feels natural and easy. The flexibility of at-home styling gives you room to personalize your waves and match them to any mood or occasion.

Related: Humidity Hacks: Keep Your Hair Frizz-Free with these Tips

Conclusion

Deciding between perms and beach waves comes down to personal style, hair type, and how much time you're willing to spend on daily upkeep. Both options offer beautiful texture and volume, creating new ways to express yourself while highlighting your natural features. With advancements in technique and product quality, achieving your dream look has never been more approachable or personalized.

At In/Style Hair Salon, we take immense pleasure in creating breathtaking looks for our clients. With expert precision, we will craft your hair into a masterpiece that reflects your unique personality and style. Prepare to be captivated by the ethereal waves that will enhance your natural beauty and leave you feeling like a true goddess.

Let us help you bring your hair goals to life. Call us at (860) 693-8909 or email [email protected] to schedule your appointment. From subtle waves to full transformations, In/Style Hair Salon is your trusted partner in creating looks that turn heads and make you feel confident every day.