Yes. Boys' perms are one of the most requested services at Hair Barn. The modern look is a loose wave or curl on top rather than the tight curls of decades past.

What age can a child get a perm?

There is no fixed age, but it depends on the child's hair and on whether they can sit comfortably for the appointment. Gina will look at the hair first and tell you honestly whether it is a good idea yet.

Is a perm safe for a child's hair?

Perm solution is a chemical service, so hair condition matters. Hair that is healthy and has not been coloured or previously processed handles it best. Gina assesses the hair before starting and will say if she does not recommend it.

How long does a boy's perm take?

Usually one and a half to two hours depending on hair length and how much is being permed. It is longer than a haircut, so plan the appointment accordingly.

How long does a boys' perm last?

Typically three to five months, growing out gradually rather than all at once. Most boys come back for a trim in between.

No, though the solution has a distinct smell and the rods can feel tight while they are in. Most kids sit through it fine, especially if they know what to expect beforehand.

Does my son need a haircut before a perm?

Usually yes. Cutting the shape first means the curl falls the way it should. Gina will normally cut and perm in the same appointment.

How do I look after my son's perm?

Do not wash it for the first 48 hours, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and scrunch rather than brush when it is wet. Gina will go through the routine with you before you leave.

What should I bring to the appointment?

A photo of the look you want is the most useful thing. Something for your child to do during the processing time also helps.

Boys' & Kids' Perms in Tyler, TX

Boys' perms have come back in a big way, and they're now one of the most requested services at Hair Barn. If your son has been asking for one, this page covers what's actually involved.

What a boy's perm looks like now

Forget what the word brings to mind. The look boys are asking for is a loose wave or soft curl through the top — enough texture to give the hair movement and shape, not tight curls. It works with the longer-on-top, shorter-on-the-sides cuts that are common right now.

The point is usually practicality as much as style: hair that falls into place instead of lying flat, and a bit of body that holds through the school day without anything being done to it in the morning.

Cut first, then perm

In almost every case the haircut comes first. The shape determines how the curl falls, so cutting afterward can undo the result. Gina normally does both in the same appointment — bring a photo of the cut and the curl you have in mind and she'll work out the order.

Talk to Gina before booking

A perm is a chemical service, and whether it's a good idea depends on the child's hair. Call (903) 944-0863, describe the hair, and she'll tell you honestly whether to go ahead — including if the answer is "not yet."

What parents usually want to know

Is my son's hair suitable?

Healthy hair that hasn't been coloured or processed takes a perm best. Very fine hair can struggle to hold curl; hair that's already been through something else may not be a good candidate. Gina looks at the hair before starting rather than assuming.

How long does it take?

Roughly an hour and a half to two hours including the cut. That's a long time for a child to sit still, so it's worth bringing something to keep them occupied and picking a time of day when they're not already tired.

Does it hurt?

No. The solution has a strong smell and the rods feel tight while they're in, but it isn't painful. Kids generally do better if they know what's coming — it helps to explain beforehand that there'll be a smell and a wait.

How long will it last?

Usually three to five months. It relaxes gradually rather than disappearing at once, and most boys come in for a trim before the perm has fully grown out.

Aftercare

Don't wash it for the first 48 hours. This matters more than anything else on the list.
Use a gentle shampoo and a conditioner — permed hair dries out faster.
Scrunch when wet rather than brushing. Brushing pulls the curl out.
Let it air dry where you can.

Gina goes through all of this with you before you leave, so nobody has to remember it from a website.

Also for girls

Perms aren't only a boys' service — girls get them too, for body and wave rather than tight curl. Same considerations: healthy hair, a cut first, and an honest conversation about whether it suits the hair.

Coming in with a nervous child

Say so when you book. A quieter weekday morning is very different from a busy Saturday, and Hair Barn is a one-chair salon, so there's no crowd to deal with. If your child has been to the salon before for cuts, the perm will feel less unfamiliar.

Booking

Call (903) 944-0863. Because a perm takes longer than a cut, it's worth booking a time rather than walking in — Gina will make sure there's enough room in the day for it.

Hair Barn is at 2900 Old Henderson Hwy, Suite 5 in Tyler, serving Tyler, Whitehouse, Bullard, Lindale, Flint and Chandler. See also men's and kids' haircuts and perms and keratin treatments.