How Much Does a Perm Cost?
This guide covers typical perm rates, the factors that change the price, and practical ways to compare salon quotes.
Price ranges for common jobs
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Short-hair basic perm | Traditional curls on short hair | $60 - $100 |
| Medium-length perm | Standard curls and finishing | $90 - $150 |
| Long or thick hair perm | Extra solution and processing time | $130 - $220 |
| Specialty or digital perm | Custom technique and longer appointment | $180 - $300 |
Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.
What drives the cost up or down
Hair length, thickness, condition, and the amount of curl all affect the service time and product used. Specialty techniques, color-treated hair, extra-long hair, and corrective work usually cost more than a basic perm.
Salon location, stylist experience, appointment timing, and whether a haircut or conditioning treatment is included also change the quote. Some salons price by hair length or require a consultation before booking.
Ways to pay less
Ask what the quoted service includes, and compare like-for-like prices for the perm, haircut, styling, and treatments. Arriving with clean, detangled hair and choosing a standard technique can reduce appointment time, but do not skip a consultation if your hair is damaged.
Check the salon's cancellation, deposit, and redo policies before booking. A recognized provider on Reedleys has verified identity and a traceable track record, which matters more as the job price grows.
Common cost questions
Many salons request a deposit for longer appointments, especially for new clients. Ask whether it is applied to the final bill and what happens if you cancel.
Quotes reflect stylist experience, hair length and condition, technique, included services, and local operating costs. A lower quote may exclude a haircut, styling, or required treatment.
It can if the stylist finds unusually thick or long hair, needs additional product, or recommends corrective care. Request approval before any added service or charge.
Recognized Perms businesses
Lincoln Square Chicago hair salon offering color, gray blending, perms, and hair services.
Chicago salon and spa offering hair, beauty, nail, facial, massage, waxing, and Aveda treatments.
Hair salon offering cuts, coloring, treatments, and digital perms in Chicago.
Chicago salon offering haircuts, color, perms, treatments, and manicures.
River North Chicago salon offering haircuts, styling, color, perms, manicures, and pedicures.
Chicago beauty salon offering hair and beauty services in Grand Crossing.
Alt/indie Chicago hair studio offering cuts, color, perms, and hair repair.
Chicago beauty salon offering hair and nail services since 1989.
Chicago beauty salon offering hair services, facials, manicures, threading, lashes, and waxing.
Unisex Latino beauty salon in Chicago offering haircuts, styling, color, waxing, makeup, and perms.