Perm Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

A perm is a process in which someone’s hair is chemically treated to make it curly or wavy for several months.

Usage & Nuances

Often used as a noun for the hairstyle ('get a perm') or as a verb ('to perm your hair'). Some regions use 'permanent wave' formally, but 'perm' is common informally. 'Perm' is specific to chemical hair treatments, not natural curls.

• Spanish: permanente
• Portuguese (BR): permanente
• Portuguese (PT): permanente
• Chinese (Simplified): 烫发
• Chinese (Traditional): 燙髮
• Hindi: पर्म
• Arabic: برمننت
• Bengali: পার্ম - পার্মানেন্ট (চুলে কার্ল করার প্রক্রিয়া)
• Russian: химическая завивка - перманент
• Japanese: パーマ
• Vietnamese: uốn tóc - làm tóc xoăn (bằng hóa chất)
• Korean: 파마
• Turkish: perma - perma dalgası
• Urdu: پرم
• Indonesian: catok - perm

Example Sentences

Most guys in the '80s rocked a perm at least once.

natural

She got a perm last week.

basic

A perm makes straight hair curly.

basic

She wants a perm for her birthday.

basic

I’ve never tried a perm, but I’m thinking about it.

natural

Her mom used to give her home perms in the kitchen.

natural