If you’re asking “does sports cuts do perms,” the answer is generally no if you mean Sport Clips: its locations focus on haircuts and grooming, not perms. Services can vary, so call your local shop before booking if you want to confirm.
Here’s how to check what a nearby location offers, what to book if you want curls or waves, and how to choose a salon that can assess your hair before using a perm solution.
Does sports cuts do perms at every location?
Sport Clips is a haircut chain, and perms are not typically part of its standard service menu. Its core services center on haircuts and grooming. A perm is a chemical service that changes the hair’s shape, so it requires a different appointment and process from a routine cut.
“Sports Cuts” may also refer to a local barber shop or salon rather than Sport Clips. Independent businesses set their own menus, so one shop with a similar name might offer perms even if another does not.
Check the exact location, not just the brand name. Look at that shop’s current service list or call and ask, “Do you perform chemical perms or body waves?” That wording helps distinguish a permanent texture service from a style made with a curling iron.
Why a haircut shop may not offer perms
A haircut and a perm call for different tools, training, appointment times, and aftercare advice. During a perm, a stylist wraps sections of hair around rods and applies a solution that reshapes the hair’s bonds. The result can be curls or waves that remain until the treated hair grows out or is cut off.
Because the chemicals can weaken or damage hair if used incorrectly, a stylist needs to assess its condition and history first. That assessment matters especially if your hair has been bleached, colored, relaxed, or treated with another chemical service.
A shop that specializes in quick haircuts may not have the staff or setup for chemical services. That does not mean it is unable to give you a suitable haircut; it means you should book a perm with a salon that explicitly lists the service.
Where to go if you want curls or waves
Choose the service based on how long you want the result to last and how much change you want. A consultation at a salon is a good starting point if you are unsure whether a perm will suit your hair.
| Option | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Perm or body wave | Chemically reshapes hair into curls or waves that last as the treated hair grows. | People seeking a longer-lasting change who are ready for chemical aftercare. |
| Heat styling | Creates temporary curls or waves with tools such as a curling iron. | Trying a new look without committing to a chemical service. |
| Textured haircut | Uses cutting and shaping to add movement or emphasize natural texture. | People who want more shape without changing their hair chemically. |
| At-home perm kit | Applies a chemical perm process outside a salon. | Experienced users who understand the risks and can follow the product directions closely. |
A haircut can add shape, but it cannot create a permanent curl pattern on straight hair. If you want lasting curls, ask a salon whether it offers a perm and whether your hair is in suitable condition.
How to book a perm safely
Use these steps to find the right appointment and avoid surprises:
- Confirm the service. Ask whether the salon offers perms or body waves, and whether the service is available at the location you plan to visit.
- Describe your hair history. Tell the stylist about coloring, bleaching, relaxing, previous perms, and any recent treatments. These details can affect whether a perm is appropriate.
- Ask for a consultation. A stylist can assess your hair’s condition, discuss the curl size and look you want, and explain the process before you commit.
- Discuss upkeep. Ask when you can wash or restyle your hair afterward, which products to use, and how to manage dryness or frizz.
- Book enough time. Perms take longer than standard haircuts. Ask the salon how much time to set aside and whether your hair needs to be clean or prepared in a particular way.
Bring a few reference photos, but be ready to discuss what is realistic for your hair. The same style can look different depending on hair length, density, texture, and condition.
What to ask before choosing a salon
Not every salon handles every texture service. Before booking, ask clear questions so you know what the appointment includes and whether the stylist has experience with your hair type.
- Do you offer a traditional perm, a body wave, or both?
- Can you assess my hair before scheduling the chemical service?
- How should I prepare my hair, and what should I avoid beforehand?
- What aftercare will help protect the curls and keep my hair manageable?
- Can I book a consultation separately from the perm appointment?
Be cautious if a stylist recommends applying a perm without asking about your hair’s chemical history or checking its condition. A responsible consultation should include a conversation about risks and the result you can reasonably expect.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming a haircut appointment includes a perm
A standard haircut booking usually does not reserve the time, staff, or supplies needed for a chemical service. Confirm the service directly before you travel to the shop.
Expecting a perm to behave like temporary curls
A perm changes treated hair, so its texture does not simply wash out after one shampoo. New growth will have your natural texture, and the difference may become more noticeable as your hair grows.
Ignoring hair damage or recent treatments
Hair that is fragile or heavily processed may be more vulnerable to breakage. Be candid about what you have used on your hair, even if the treatment was done at home or several months ago.
Perming at home without a strand test
Home kits can be difficult to apply evenly, especially on the back of the head. Follow the product instructions and patch or strand-test as directed. If your hair has been colored, bleached, or chemically straightened, ask a qualified stylist before proceeding.
What to do if you only want a textured look
You may not need a perm to get more movement. Ask a barber or stylist for a cut that works with your natural texture, or try a temporary styling method first. A curl cream, mousse, or heat tool can help you test a look without making a long-term chemical change.
Tell the stylist how much time you want to spend styling your hair each day. A cut that looks textured after professional styling may need different products or effort at home, so ask for a simple demonstration before you leave.
If you’re still wondering “does sports cuts do perms,” the practical answer is that Sport Clips generally does not, while independent shops with similar names may have different services. Check the exact location’s menu before booking.
Call a salon that lists perms if you want lasting curls or waves, and request a hair assessment before scheduling the chemical service. If you only want temporary texture, ask your barber or stylist about a cut and styling options first.