Valesca Hair

Men's perms in Zurich

Modern perm — curls that feel like you

The perm is back, far removed from the big hair of the eighties. Wound onto flexible rods, it creates waves that fall naturally: defined with a clean cut, or loose like hair after a day by the water.

In brief

What is a modern perm?

Modern perm is today’s name for a permanent wave — and the change is more than cosmetic. Flexible rods replace rigid rollers, and the hood dryer stays off. It was the hood dryer that used to produce the bushy volume behind the style’s reputation.

Two directions

Defined curls or beach waves

One option is a clear, defined curl with a clean cut: short sides and curls on top. The other is a loose beach wave with a windswept, salt-water feel. Rod thickness and winding tension determine which you get.

  • Flexible-rod technique for a natural, varied fall.
  • Modern perm CHF 188–238; with cut & styling CHF 248–310.
  • Evening appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 21:00.
Book an appointmentSee all prices

Why flexible rods make the difference

A rigid roller gives every strand the same curl, which can look uniform and deliberately styled. Flexible rods can be bent and wound with varying tension. Each strand falls slightly differently — the variation we associate with natural curls.

This also explains why the technique works well on shoulder-length hair: more length gives more scope for curls that look naturally grown rather than set.

The chemistry remains, despite the new name. Today’s products are gentler than those used forty years ago, but a consultation — not wishful thinking — determines whether your hair can tolerate the treatment.

In the press

Blick followed an appointment at the salon

“About two years ago, I noticed more and more people wearing curls. It was only a matter of time before the perm returned.”
Julia-Valesca Bliedung in the Blick article (quote translated from German) “Men’s perms: the return of 1980s hair (German article)” by Jana Giger and Philippe Rossier, published on 3 December 2022.

For the feature, the editorial team followed a complete appointment on Hammerstrasse, from winding the strands to the finished style. The report explores the comeback among men aged 18–30: a look shared among friends rather than driven by advertising. Julia already offered modern perms then, having spotted the trend early.

The report is freely available on Blick.ch. Its prices date from 2022 — the current fixed prices in our price list apply.

Read the report on Blick.ch (German)Explore the technique in our guide

Your appointment

How a perm appointment works

Allow around two hours from consultation to styling. Much of this is processing time, which cannot be shortened without affecting the wave.

  1. 1.Consultation and fixed price

    Hair texture, length and previous treatments determine the possible curl strength. You then agree your target look — defined curls or loose beach waves — and a binding price.

  2. 2.Winding onto flexible rods

    Strand by strand, the hair is wound onto flexible rods. Their diameter and the winding tension shape the result: a tighter curl or a softer curve.

  3. 3.Perm lotion and processing

    The lotion changes the hair structure so it can take on its new shape. It processes for around 15 minutes, with checks throughout.

  4. 4.Neutralising

    A second solution fixes the structure in its new shape, also taking around 15 minutes. No hood dryer is used — it would encourage the bushy volume this modern perm aims to avoid.

  5. 5.Rinsing and styling

    Finally, the hair is rinsed and the waves styled. You can see how the curls fall in everyday life and learn how to recreate the finish at home.

Afterwards

Caring for permed hair

Perming draws moisture from the hair, so a moisturising shampoo is an important part of aftercare. The curls also need time to settle immediately afterwards. They tend to look best air-dried or dried with a diffuser, rather than rubbed dry.

Find the salon’s care ranges and their purposes on our Products page. If permed hair needs more shine, a gloss offers a gentle option — it coats the hair rather than reshaping it again.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about men's perms

How much does a men's perm cost at Valesca Hair?

A modern perm costs CHF 188–238, depending on hair length and the work involved. Including a cut and styling in the same appointment, it costs CHF 248–310. Your binding fixed price is agreed after consultation — before treatment begins, not at the till.

How long does a perm appointment take?

Allow around two hours. Much of this is processing time: after winding, the perm lotion and neutraliser each need roughly 15 minutes. A cut and styling take longer — the combined service is listed at 1 hr 50 min to 2½ hours.

How long does my hair need to be for a modern perm?

Your hair must be long enough to wrap around the rod at least once. Very short hair on top can be the limiting factor. Around finger length on top is a realistic starting point, from short sides with curls on top to shoulder-length hair. Julia can discuss whether your length is suitable in a quick phone call.

Should I have my hair cut before a perm?

Not necessarily — it is often better afterwards: curled hair falls differently and looks shorter. When both services are booked together, Julia cuts into the finished curl pattern. The combined service is listed as modern perm, cut and styling.

Where can I get a men's perm in Zurich?

At Valesca Hair, Hammerstrasse 12 in Zurich Seefeld. Owner Julia-Valesca Bliedung is a fourth-generation master hairdresser who introduced the modern perm early on. In 2022, Blick followed an appointment at the salon for a feature on the trend. Evening appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 21:00.

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