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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

The Return of Perms

The centuries-old hairstyle that reached its peak in the 1970s is now embraced by a new audience: Gen-Z. Thanks to TikTok, K-pop and innovation within the category, the perm is getting a long overdue lift.
South Korean singer Kim Tae-hyung, aka V, from popular K-pop group BTS and Gong Yoo from Netflix's "Squid Game."
South Korean singer Kim Tae-hyung, aka V, from popular K-pop group BTS and Gong Yoo from Netflix's "Squid Game." (Getty Images)

When 19-year-old Charles Chen got a perm in early 2022, it was a spur of the moment decision.

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