13 Trending Asian Perm Styles for Men That Look Expensive
1 of 13 — The Soft Perm Heartthrob
Is an Asian perm right for men who want soft, easy texture?
Yes — an asian perm adds loose S-waves to 3–4 inches of top length over tapered sides, so hair looks styled even when air-dried.
Face Shape
Square and oval faces gain the most as waves soften sharp angles; round faces should skip side volume. A Korean perm gives a flatter wave, while a comma hair perm curls only the fringe.
Grooming Kit
Wahl Magic Clip (5049-400), Denman D3 brush, sea-salt spray (4 sprays).
Maintenance
MEDIUM — barber every 4 weeks, 3 minutes daily styling, about $35 monthly, plus $70–120 for a perm refresh every 5 months.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “Asian perm with a mid taper, #2 on the sides, 3.5 inches on top, curtain fringe, clean neckline.”
Next, we sharpen the sides with a burst fade.
2 of 13 — The Burst Fade Outlaw
Is the burst fade haircut men love actually low maintenance?
Yes — this burst fade haircut men favor curves tightly around the ear, then drops toward the nape, leaving 2–3 cm of texture on top. An asian perm on top adds movement if you want it.
Face Shape
Oval and diamond faces suit it as the curve sharpens cheekbones; very oblong faces should skip tall tops. Want length at the back? Choose a drop fade.
Grooming Kit
Andis Master clipper (01557), Wahl 5-Star Detailer (8081), matte clay (pea-sized amount).
Maintenance
MEDIUM — barber every 2–3 weeks, 4 minutes daily styling, about $45 monthly.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “Burst fade around the ear, #1 fading to #3, 2.5 cm on top point-cut for texture, sharp lineup.”
Prefer curls on top? A two block perm hair look is coming.
3 of 13 — The Skin Fade Closer
Is a high skin fade too bold for everyday wear?
No — a high skin fade starts near the temple and blends from bare skin to 3–4 inches of textured quiff, so it reads sharp rather than aggressive. It works best on thick, straight hair.
Face Shape
Round faces gain the most because tight sides add vertical lines; narrow oblong faces should avoid it. A burst fade is the softer alternative, and an asian perm on top softens it further.
Grooming Kit
Andis Envy Li clippers, Wahl Detailer Li trimmer, matte paste (dime-sized amount).
Maintenance
HIGH — barber every 2 weeks, 5 minutes daily styling, about $60 monthly; unlike perm hair men routines, there is no curl upkeep.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “High skin fade from the temple, zero to #1 blended up, 3.5 inches on top, textured quiff, crisp lineup.”
Next, a fade that drops lower behind the ear.
4 of 13 — The Drop Fade Drifter
What makes a drop fade different from a regular taper?
A drop fade arcs behind the ear and dips lower at the nape, adding shape to a 3-inch textured fringe. It suits straight to wavy hair.
Face Shape
Diamond and oval faces gain definition from the curve; round faces should keep the top higher. Choose a high skin fade for stronger contrast.
Grooming Kit
Wahl Magic Clip (5049-400), Andis T-Outliner (04710), sea-salt spray (3 sprays).
Maintenance
MEDIUM — barber every 3 weeks, 4 minutes daily styling, about $40 monthly; a comma hair perm on top adds about $90 every 5 months.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “Drop fade curving behind the ear, #1 to #3, 3 inches on top left textured, clean nape.” Want waves later? Add an asian perm.
Tempted by curls? The next cut skips clippers for perm texture.
5 of 13 — The Everyday Perm Hero
Which perm hair men options suit low-maintenance mornings?
Yes — a medium-curl perm on 4 inches of top length with a low taper gives instant volume in 3 minutes, and perm hair men with thick hair get the longest-lasting curl.
Face Shape
Oblong faces gain width from the curls; round faces should keep volume on top. A Korean perm gives looser movement for fine hair.
Grooming Kit
Denman D3 brush, Redken curl cream (pea-sized amount), diffuser dryer (low heat).
Maintenance
MEDIUM — barber every 4 weeks, 3 minutes daily styling, about $35 monthly, plus $90 for a perm refresh every 5 months; an asian perm follows the same schedule.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “Low taper, #3 on the sides, 4 inches on top, medium-curl perm, trimmed edges around the ears.” Skip a two block perm hair cut if you dislike clipper upkeep.
Next up: a curl that falls across the forehead like a comma.
6 of 13 — The Comma Curl Charmer
What is a comma hair perm and who should get one?
A comma hair perm curls the fringe into a soft C-shape that falls across the forehead, with 4 inches on top and tapered sides. It works on straight to slightly wavy hair.
Face Shape
Heart faces gain balance because the fringe softens a wide forehead; oblong faces should keep it shorter. Like an asian perm, it works best on healthy, uncolored hair.
Grooming Kit
Hair dryer with concentrator nozzle, Denman D3 brush, light-hold cream (pea-sized amount).
Maintenance
MEDIUM — barber every 4 weeks, 4 minutes daily styling, about $35 monthly; perm hair men routines like this need a refresh every 5 months.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “Comma hair perm with the curl starting at the fringe, 4 inches on top, #2 sides, tapered neckline.”
Want flatter, silkier waves? A Korean perm is next.
7 of 13 — The Seoul Soft Wave
Is a Korean perm the right choice for straight, thick hair?
Yes — a Korean perm uses a soft down-perm and a see-through fringe, adding crown volume to 3 inches of top while the sides stay flat. It relaxes thick, straight hair without frizz.
Face Shape
Square faces gain softness from the fringe; round faces need shorter sides to avoid extra width. An asian perm gives more curl, while a comma hair perm shapes only the fringe.
Grooming Kit
1800W hair dryer, Shiseido Professional wax (pea-sized amount), Denman D3 brush.
Maintenance
LOW — barber every 5 weeks, 2 minutes daily styling, about $25 monthly, plus $80–130 for a perm refresh every 6 months.
Barber Talk
Say this to your stylist: “Korean perm, soft down-perm at the crown, see-through fringe, 3 inches on top, tapered sides, clean nape.”
For bolder contrast, a two block perm hair look is next.
8 of 13 — The Two Block Trendsetter
What is two block perm hair and how short should the sides be?
Two block perm hair pairs 4 inches of curled top with sides cut to a #1–#2 guard, creating a sharp, disconnected contrast. It suits thick hair best.
Face Shape
Oval and oblong faces benefit because the top adds width; round faces should avoid very high curls. Ask for a drop fade or a high skin fade on the sides for extra sharpness.
Grooming Kit
Andis Slimline Pro Li trimmer, Wahl Magic Clip (5049-400), curl cream (pea-sized amount).
Maintenance
HIGH — barber every 2–3 weeks, 4 minutes daily styling, about $50 monthly; an asian perm needs fewer trims.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “Two block cut with #1 sides, disconnect at the temple, 4 inches on top for a curl perm, clean lineup.”
Back to razor edges: a burst fade with a taller quiff is next.
9 of 13 — The Burst Fade Showstopper
Can a burst fade haircut men wear to work stay professional?
Yes — this burst fade haircut men can wear to work pairs a 4-inch textured quiff with a short, rounded burst, so it stays polished.
Face Shape
Round and square faces gain height and definition; keep the sides tighter than a high skin fade if you want a softer look. A Korean perm adds volume only if your hair is fine.
Grooming Kit
Wahl Senior clipper, Andis T-Outliner (04710), strong-hold pomade (dime-sized amount).
Maintenance
MEDIUM — barber every 3 weeks, 5 minutes daily styling, about $45 monthly.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “Small burst fade around the ear, #1 to #3, 4 inches on top, textured quiff, sharp lineup.” Prefer curls? Ask for an asian perm instead.
Next up: a high skin fade on natural coils.
10 of 13 — The Skin Fade Sculptor
How should a high skin fade look on natural coils?
A high skin fade on natural coils starts at the temple and blends from bare skin up to 2 inches of defined coils, with a sharp lineup and an edged beard.
Face Shape
Diamond and oval faces gain the most because the fade frames the cheekbones; oblong faces should keep the sides slightly longer. A drop fade is a gentler option, and you can skip an asian perm since natural coils already hold shape.
Grooming Kit
Andis Envy Li clippers, Wahl Detailer Li trimmer, curl sponge, edge-control gel (pea-sized amount).
Maintenance
HIGH — barber every 2 weeks, 5 minutes daily brushing and defining, about $60 monthly; there is no chemical upkeep, unlike perm hair men routines.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “High skin fade from the temple, zero to #1 blended up, 2 inches of natural coils on top, razor lineup, edged beard.”
Next, a fade that slicks back with wave.
11 of 13 — The Drop Fade Slick Back
How low should a drop fade sit behind the ear?
A drop fade should dip about 1–2 cm lower behind the ear than at the temple, following the skull curve under a slicked-back wavy top of 4 inches.
Face Shape
Oval and square faces carry the swept-back top naturally; oblong faces need side volume to avoid extra length. Round faces may prefer a burst fade for fuller sides.
Grooming Kit
Wahl Sterling clippers, Andis T-Outliner (04710), water-based pomade (dime-sized amount).
Maintenance
MEDIUM — barber every 3 weeks, 6 minutes daily styling, about $45 monthly; a comma hair perm on top adds roughly $90 every 5 months.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “Drop fade arching behind the ear, #1 to #3, 4 inches on top slicked back with natural wave, tapered nape.” Want a looser top? Ask about an asian perm.
Next, curl volume that rivals any perm.
12 of 13 — The Perm Volume King
Which perm hair men styles look best with a low taper?
A large-barrel curl perm on 4–5 inches of top with a low taper gives a full, textured silhouette that dries in 3 minutes, ideal for thick, straight hair.
Face Shape
Heart and oval faces suit loose, mid-height curls; keep the top under 5 inches to avoid widening a broad forehead. Add a drop fade for sharper sides, or a two block perm hair cut for stronger contrast.
Grooming Kit
Wide-tooth comb, Redken curl cream (pea-sized amount), diffuser dryer (low heat).
Maintenance
MEDIUM — barber every 4 weeks, 3 minutes daily styling, about $35 monthly, plus $90 for a perm refresh every 5 months; an asian perm costs about the same.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “Low taper, #2 on the sides, 4.5 inches on top, large-barrel perm, soft nape.”
Final look: two block contrast with a permed fringe.
13 of 13 — The Block Perm Prodigy
Is two block perm hair easy to grow out?
Yes — two block perm hair grows out cleanly because the top and sides are cut separately, so you lose the contrast but keep a usable curl for 3–4 months.
Face Shape
Square and oval faces handle the contrast best; round faces should keep the sides slightly fuller. A Korean perm softens the look, while a burst fade rounds the edge. Ask your stylist to match the curl to an asian perm if you want it gentler.
Grooming Kit
Wahl Magic Clip (5049-400), Andis T-Outliner (04710), sea-salt spray (3 sprays).
Maintenance
MEDIUM — barber every 3–4 weeks, 4 minutes daily styling, about $40 monthly, plus $90 for a perm refresh every 5 months.
Barber Talk
Say this to your barber: “Two block cut, #1 sides disconnected at the temple, 4-inch permed fringe on top, softly tapered neckline.”
That’s the full lineup: pick one, screenshot it and book the chair.
