How Much Does a Perm Cost? Prices in US, Canada & UK

If you are tired of your natural hair texture, a perm is the best way to go.

A perm can make the curliest hair slick straight or give pin-straight locks some body with waves and curls.

Perm rods can also be used to add a little “oomph” in thinning areas.

Needless to say, a perm is the go-to when you’re looking to revamp your hair’s texture.

But the perming process is relatively lengthy and extensive, leading many to wonder about the cost.

Keep reading to find out how much a perm costs and what factors play into the final price.

(After all, nobody wants to walk into a salon without any knowledge - especially when it comes to prices!)

What Factors Impact the Cost of Perm?

For the most part, a professional perm costs anywhere from $50 to $300, with around $100 being the average.

(A DIY perm kit can cost as little as $10. But since the perming process involves harsh chemicals, whether alkaline or cold perms, it’s not highly recommended to do on your own without experience.)

Now, that’s a considerable variation. That’s because many factors contribute to the final perm cost.

Let’s take a closer look at the three deciding factors that go into perm prices.

Hair Length/Condition

First and foremost, consider the length of your hair.

Since longer hair requires more time and product, a medium length hair perms and long hair perm cost will be higher than a short hair perm.

Keep in mind that if your hair grows quickly, you will also have to pay for your perm more regularly.

Secondly, consider the condition. Damaged hair may need added treatment before deciding which perm styles are used.

Perm Method

The type of perm also comes into play. Some perms have a perm process that is simply more time-consuming and intrusive than others.

You will need to pay for the hairstylist’s time and dedication.

Let’s break down a few common types of perms and what the cost will likely be:

• Body wave perm. The first style is a body wave perm (loose waves perm), which is typically crafted using an acid or hot perm type with a larger perm rod. This creates a flowy look rather than tight curls and costs up to $200.
• Spiral perm. Using an alkaline or cold perm, a hairstylist can give your short hair, medium, or long hair some bouncy curls of varying sizes (depending on the perm rods used - just like a curling iron). A spiral perm can easily cost up to $200, while plain curl perms tend to be a bit cheaper.
• Straight perm. If you’re sick and tired of body-ody-ody, you can opt for the straight perm style. This “reverse” perm uses a hot perm solution to relax the locks, giving you gorgeous, shiny, and straight strands. Cost can go up to $200.
• Digital. The digital perm is the newest perm solution to hit the industry. Long hair, short hair, or medium hair is covered in a chemical solution before being wrapped with digitally-controlled rods. This perm is the most expensive, ranging up to $300.

Full, Partial, or Root?

Last but not least, we have to pay attention to how much of your hair is going to be permed.

• Full. A full perm will involve, well, all of your locks. This is the most expensive as the hairstylist will need to work with every hair shaft for a well-done job. This cost goes up to $300, depending on the style and length.
• Partial. A partial perm (sometimes called a stack perm/stacked perm/multi-textured perm) only affects certain areas of the hair. For example, if you have textured hair (loose curls or wavy hair) that lacks in a specific area, you may want it touched up to match the rest of your locks. This is typically $100 or less.
• Root. Some people need a little help in the root department. If you have flat, lifeless, or thinning hair, consider volumizing your roots. This will likely be around the $50 range.

How Much Does a Perm Cost in US?

Those looking to get a perm in the US, whether a loose body wave perm or spiral perms on straight hair, can expect to pay between $50 and $300.

However, another thing to consider is the location.

Not all salons have the exact pricing across the United States.

Here’s a quick breakdown of a few prices you might find on the west and east coast.

New York

Everything tends to be more expensive in New York, especially when it comes to beauty and hair treatments.

Cold perms, hot perms, beach wave perms - whichever type of perm you’re after, add at least $50 to $150 per treatment.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is another place that may have higher prices for permed hair.

Although not as expensive as New York prices, it’s still higher than the “average.”

How Much Does a Perm Cost in Canada?

Modern perms in Canada cost around the average. Much like the US, though, the price can also vary depending on where you get your perm in Canada.

Here is a closer look at two popular places to get a perm in Canada.

Toronto

Toronto, Canada, tends to be a hot spot for beauty and hair treatments in the area.

Therefore, you can expect higher prices, whether opting for a hot spiral perm, alkaline perm (with perm lotion), or cold perms.

Typically, you should expect to pay around $50 to $100 more per treatment.

Montreal

Montreal is less expensive but may still be a bit pricier than the national average.

However, the prices won’t change drastically - maybe around $20 to $50 more.

FAQ

How long does perm last for?

A perm typically lasts up to six months before it needs to be retreated.

Of course, the actual length of time a perm lasts depends on many factors, including your natural hair type, your hair’s length, and which type of perm you went with.

Digital perms tend to last the longest, with some extending up to a year. Consider choosing this style with digital perm rods if you want long-lasting perms.

How much does a perm cost for long hair?

How much a perm costs for long hair depends on many things, such as which type of perm you choose and how much of your hair will be styled.

Most of the time, the cost should not exceed $300.

There is the off-chance that the perm is closer to $400, though. For example, the stylist may charge more if you have incredibly thick hair that is past your buttocks.