Translation guide
A perm is a hairstyle created by chemically treating hair to make it curly or wavy. In Japanese, the loanword パーマ is the most common term, but there are also native expressions for describing permed hair.
Referring to the hairstyle itself, or the process of getting one.
The standard loanword for 'perm', used for both the hairstyle and the process. Very common in everyday conversation.
昨日パーマをかけました。
I got a perm yesterday.
彼女はパーマがよく似合う。
A perm really suits her.
The verb phrase meaning 'to get a perm' or 'to perm one's hair'. Literally 'to apply a perm'.
来週パーマをかけようと思っています。
I'm thinking of getting a perm next week.
To say 'I got a perm', use パーマをかける. To describe someone having a perm, use パーマをかけている or パーマがかかっている.
The full form of the loanword, from 'permanent wave'. Less common than パーマ, but understood. Can sound slightly dated or formal.
美容院でパーマネントをあててもらった。
I had a permanent wave done at the salon.
Literally 'curly hair straightening', but often used in contrast to perms. Not a perm itself, but a related salon treatment. Included here because learners may encounter it when discussing hair texture changes.
縮毛矯正をすると髪がまっすぐになります。
If you get hair straightening, your hair becomes straight.