Perms 2026: Types, How Long They Last, Do They Damage Hair? Prices in Athens

A perm in 2026 mainly means soft, natural waves and volume — beach waves, body wave, root perm — not the tight curls of the past. It usually lasts 3–6 months, it does not "ruin" your hair when a proper consultation comes first, and at Ikonomakis Hair Atelier in Chalandri, Athens, a women's perm starts from €80 and a men's perm from €70.

What a perm is and how it works

A perm is a chemical process that permanently changes the shape of the hair, giving it waves, curls or volume. The hair is wound onto rods, a solution "relaxes" its internal bonds and then neutralising "locks" them into the new shape. The result depends on three things: the size and type of rods, the winding method and the choice of solution for that particular hair.

Today's perm is different from the one you remember from old photos. Larger rods, gentler solutions and winding techniques that imitate natural movement give a result that looks like hair that was "born" wavy.

Types of perm: comparison table

The right type of perm depends on the result you want and on the length and texture of your hair.

| Type | Result | Ideal for | Length | |---|---|---|---| | Beach wave / soft perm | Loose, irregular waves, a "just back from the beach" look | Anyone who wants texture with minimal styling | Medium to long | | Body wave | Large, soft waves, body and volume | Straight, limp or fine hair | Short to long | | Spiral / classic curl | Defined, corkscrew curls | Anyone who wants visible curls | Medium to long | | Root perm | Lift and volume at the root only | Fine, flat hair | Any length | | Digital perm | Soft, bouncy curls through the lengths | Discussed at the consultation | Medium to long |

About the digital perm: this is a heat-based technique that originated in Asia, where the rods are heated during the process. At the atelier we discuss it at the consultation, depending on your hair and the result you want, without promising that it is the right choice for every head of hair.

For volume without curl, read our detailed guide to the root perm (in Greek).

How long does a perm last?

A perm usually lasts 3–6 months. It does not disappear suddenly: the wave relaxes gradually and, as the hair grows, the root comes through straight. The duration is affected by:

• Hair texture. Very coarse or "resistant" hair tends to relax faster.
• Curl type. Looser waves, such as beach waves, soften sooner than a defined spiral.
• Care. Sulphate-free shampoo, less heat and no straighteners help the shape hold.
• The cut. A maintenance trim removes relaxed ends and refreshes the shape.

A root perm stays visible for less time, usually 6–10 weeks, because the volume moves away from the scalp as the hair grows.

Does a perm damage your hair? Myths and reality

A perm affects the structure of the hair, but with a proper consultation and care it does not "ruin" it. Let's separate myth from reality.

| Myth | Reality | |---|---| | "A perm always burns your hair." | Damage depends on the condition of the hair, the solution and the application. On healthy hair, with a consultation and a strand test, the risk is significantly reduced. | | "After a perm I can't colour my hair." | Colour is possible, but we usually leave a gap between the two processes, which is set at the consultation. | | "A perm always gives tight, fake curls." | A modern perm with large rods gives soft waves or simply volume. | | "It will wash out after a few shampoos." | It is permanent on the treated hair; it just relaxes gradually and goes as the hair is cut. | | "It's for everyone." | On very sensitive, broken or heavily lightened hair it may not be recommended, at least not straight away. |

The most important safety tool is the consultation: elasticity, porosity, colour history and, where needed, a strand test on a small section before the full application.

Perms on coloured hair

A perm on coloured hair is usually possible, as long as the hair is in good condition. Simple colour is rarely an obstacle. On lightened hair — balayage, highlights, high-lift blondes — the hair is more porous and vulnerable, so a perm is done only with caution, after a consultation and a strand test. In some cases we suggest a gentler technique, applying it to only part of the hair, or a strengthening treatment first. If you are also thinking of a colour change, it is best to plan them together, so the order of the processes protects your hair.

Perms on short and long hair

A perm works on short and long hair — only the choice of technique changes.

• Short hair: there just needs to be enough length to wind the hair. We often choose a body wave or root perm for texture and volume rather than tight curls.
• Medium hair: the most "flexible" length — beach waves, body wave and spiral all work well.
• Long hair: the weight of the hair pulls the curl down, so the waves in the final result look looser than the wind. This is taken into account when choosing rods.

The cut plays a decisive role: waves come alive in a layered cut, as we explain on our page for the curly haircut.

The men's perm as a trend

The men's perm is one of the strongest trends of 2026. Men are choosing textured waves or the "broccoli" perm — dense texture on top with shorter sides — for volume and movement without daily styling with products. At the atelier the men's perm starts from €70; see more on our page for the men's perm in Chalandri (in Greek).

How much does a perm cost in Athens?

Perm prices in Athens vary with hair length, density and technique. At Ikonomakis Hair Atelier in Chalandri, Athens:

| Service | Price (from) | |---|---| | Women's perm | from €80 | | Men's perm | from €70 |

Prices are all-inclusive with a consultation. The final price is confirmed at the consultation, depending on length, density and the type of perm.

Aftercare for a perm

Proper care starts in the first 48 hours: no washing, hair ties, clips or grips. After that:

• A gentle sulphate-free shampoo and a rich conditioner.
• Dry with your fingers or a diffuser — no brushing dry hair.
• No straighteners, and less heat in general.
• A maintenance trim to keep the shape looking good.

At Ikonomakis Hair Atelier

At Ikonomakis Hair Atelier, at Irakleitou 80, Patima Chalandriou, Athens, we have been doing perms since 1995 — second-generation hairdressers with 30+ years of experience and 4.9/5 from 2,199 verified reviews on Fresha. Every perm starts with a consultation, so we can choose together the type that suits your hair, and the team speaks English. See our perm in Athens page or book online via Fresha or call +30 211 800 4132.