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MUSE HairStyles Institute
Badenerstrasse 575a8048 Zürich
Perms 2026: Costs, Trends & Tips for Beach Waves
August 7, 2026
5 minutes
The perm is making a major comeback in 2026 – not as a frizzy 80s hairstyle, but as a 'modern perm' for natural beach waves. Whether for more volume, gentle curls, or as a trendy men's hairstyle: modern techniques are gentler and more versatile than ever. Find out here what costs you should expect in Switzerland and how to perfectly care for your curls.
Key Facts About Perms
An overview of the most important facts about modern perms:
- Durability
- A modern perm usually lasts 3 to 6 months before it naturally drops out.
- Time required
- You should plan for 2 to 3 hours for a professional salon treatment.
- Ideal hair length
- Medium-length hair down to the shoulders is best, as curls tend to straighten out faster in heavy hair.
- Hair condition
- Healthy, uncoloured hair achieves the best results; heavily bleached hair often requires a gentler technique.
- Men's trend
- Under the term 'merm' (perm for men), the perm is also extremely popular among men in 2026.
These guidelines will help you better estimate the effort required for your new hairstyle.
Important Perm Terminology
Modern Perm / Soft Perm
A modern approach using larger rollers. The result is natural, soft waves (beach waves) instead of small ringlets.
Digital Perm
A technique from Asia where the rollers are heated electrically. This allows for precise temperature control and ensures even, shiny curls.
Alkaline Perm (Cold Wave)
The standard method for normal to thick hair. It has a strong reshaping power but is slightly more damaging to the hair structure.
Acid Perm
A gentler variant with a lower pH value. It is particularly suitable for fine, sensitive, or slightly damaged hair.
Choosing the right method depends heavily on your hair structure and the desired result.
Which Perm Suits You?
Modern Perm (Beach Waves)
Ideal if
You want natural, soft waves and a casual look.
Cost / Duration
100–150 CHF / approx. 2.5 hours
Risks / Disadvantages
Drops out faster in very long or heavy hair.
Suitable for
Ideal for medium-length, healthy hair. Should only be done by a professional hairdresser.
Root Perm
Ideal if
You have fine hair and want more volume at the crown without curling the lengths.
Cost / Duration
80–120 CHF / approx. 2 hours
Risks / Disadvantages
Must be renewed regularly as the hair grows.
Suitable for
People with fine, flat hair who want more fullness.
Merm (Men's Perm)
Ideal if
You have short to medium-length top hair and want more texture or curls (often combined with a fade cut).
Cost / Duration
60–100 CHF / approx. 2 hours
Risks / Disadvantages
Curls can lose their bounce with incorrect styling (e.g., brushing too hard).
Suitable for
Fashion-conscious men aiming for a sporty or surfer look.
5 Steps to the Perfect Perm
A perm requires preparation and the right aftercare so that the curls last a long time and the hair remains healthy.
1
Book a consultation with a hairdresser
Have your hair structure analyzed by a professional. Healthy, uncoloured hair is best. A perm is often not recommended for heavily bleached hair.
2
Plan enough time
The chemical process of rolling, applying the reducing agent, processing time, and neutralizing takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on hair length.
3
Observe the 48-hour rule
Do not wash your hair for the first 48 hours after your appointment. You should also avoid hair ties or tying it back tightly so the shape can set.
4
Use special care products
A perm strips moisture from the hair. Use moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and regular keratin treatments to strengthen the hair structure.
5
Plan a touch-up
Since the curls will drop out over time, you should schedule a touch-up appointment after 3 to 6 months.
With the right care, you will enjoy your new head of curls for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perms
Here you will find the most important answers regarding the costs, durability, and care of modern perms.
Prices vary depending on the salon, hair length, and technique. For a classic full-head perm in Switzerland, you should expect costs between 80 and 150 CHF. Partial treatments (e.g., only on the crown) are often cheaper.
With good care, a professional perm lasts about 3 to 6 months. Unlike older methods, modern, gentle waves drop out naturally over time instead of growing out stiffly and unnaturally.
Every chemical procedure stresses the hair, as the disulfide bonds are broken and reset. However, modern products are significantly gentler than in the past. Intensive care with moisturizing treatments is still essential afterwards.
This is risky. Bleaching already heavily stresses the hair structure. An additional perm can lead to hair breakage. Be sure to discuss this with your hairdresser beforehand; often, a gentle acid perm is used, or the treatment is advised against entirely.
Medium-length hair (about shoulder-length) is best. With very long hair, the curls straighten out faster due to their own weight. Great, voluminous results can also be achieved with short hair (e.g., a bob) or men's hairstyles.
Do you have further questions? A professional hairdresser will be happy to advise you individually on your hair structure.
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