What is a Baseball Perm? (And How to Ask for One)

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Plus, expert post-perm styling tips to look your best

Co-authored by Barry Hairston and Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: January 9, 2026 Fact Checked

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• What It Is
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• Who should get one?
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• Asking for a Baseball Perm
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• Can you do it yourself?
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• Baseball Perm Styling

|Show more |Show less

The baseball perm is the latest look for young guys who play sports—it boasts a short back and side cut, and longer, curly hair on top that’s usually achieved by getting a perm. If you’re curious if this style is right for you, keep reading. We’ll tell you exactly what a baseball perm is, how to ask for one, and how to style it with tips from professional hair stylists Steven Waldman and Shun Pittman.

What does a baseball perm look like?

A baseball perm is similar to a mullet, with short hair on the sides and back and longer, curly hair on top. It was inspired by baseball player Edgar Martinez’s haircut and recently became a TikTok trend. To get a baseball perm, ask for a perm with a loose, natural wave, along with a disconnected cut.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

What is a baseball perm?

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1. 
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   A baseball perm resembles a mullet with a curly top. The hair on top of the head is permed to emphasize curls, while the sides and back remain short, drawing attention to the curly/wavy hair on top. The cut can vary according to the length of the top hair, along with the type and texture of hair the person with the look has.

   • This hairstyle is also known as the baseball perm mullet, the baseball haircut, and baseball hair flow.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Steven Waldman is a professional hair stylist who motivates learners to create and execute strategies to maximize potential and achieve success.

   Shun Pittman is a hair stylist with over 25 years of experience who specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures.
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   Baseball player Edgar Martínez popularized the style. The former Seattle Mariners player sported a naturally curly top with a short back and sides cut. It became popular among young Latino men, who wanted to pay tribute to Martinez by getting their hair permed. The cut became known as “the Edgar.”

   • The style was also a favorite among K-pop stars and Asian actors.
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   Baseball perms are a popular TikTok hairstyle trend for boys. Since 2023, more and more viral videos have shown tweens and older kids getting baseball perms to add natural-looking texture and volume to straight hair, thanks in part to K-pop and influencer trends. Many of the videos have been made by moms with boys who play baseball.

   • TikTok users emileebowles and jillianbowls are both examples of moms whose kids have baseball perms.
   • The baseball perm is also popular among grown men who are athletes.
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Section 2 of 5:

Who should get a baseball perm?

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   Those with naturally straight or wavy hair are good candidates. If your hair is medium to long, and straight or a little wavy, you can benefit from a perm that adds wave or curl and gives it volume and texture (in this case, on top of your head). Even with fine hair, you may be able to improve its texture or volume by perming your hair.

   • It’s better to have some length to work with, because perming shortens the length of hair.
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   Those with healthy “virgin” hair can get a baseball perm. Healthy hair holds a perm best—for this reason, people with damaged, bleached, or processed hair should avoid getting a baseball perm. Overly treated hair is more at risk for further damage, so it’s best to speak to a hair stylist before getting the baseball perm.

   • Pittman agrees that, “if your hair is chemically treated, a perm may not be the best solution for you.” He goes on to suggest that a “temporary set on a perm rod can give you the look."
   • Bleached hair can also become extra frizzy (and damaged) when permed.
   • “Virgin” hair is a term for hair that has never been chemically processed.
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   It’s generally not considered safe for tweens/kids to get a perm. The harsh chemicals used in the perming process can irritate skin, cause allergic reactions, or damage hair before it’s done developing. To avoid possible hair and/or scalp damage, it’s best to wait until kids have gone through puberty before they can get a perm.

   • Speak to a good hairstylist you trust if your child wants to get a baseball perm and you’re not sure they’re old enough.
   • It may lead to burning, redness, or itching on their scalp, since children’s skin is more sensitive than adult skin.
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Section 3 of 5:

How to Ask for a Baseball Perm

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1. 1
   Bring photos to the stylist for inspiration. It’s a good idea to bring a few photos with you to show the types of baseball perm looks you’re interested in, along with a couple of photos of baseball perms that you don’t like, so your stylist has a more specific idea of what you want. They’ll advise you on how realistic the examples you’ve provided are for your own hair texture, volume, and length.
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   Ask for a perm with a more natural, relaxed curl. Mention that you want a texturizing perm that adds volume and improves movement. Avoid a perm that gives a hard, defined curl, especially because a baseball perm is only applied to the top of your head, so a loose perm feel is important.
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   Request a disconnected fade cut that is super short on the sides and back. The longer hair on top will be permed, while the shorter sides and back provide a strong contrast to the permed hair.

   • A disconnected fade features a visible line separating the two sections.
   • Vary your baseball perm so it tapers more naturally to the sides and back, or choose to combine it with a curly mullet haircut.
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Section 4 of 5:

Can you do the baseball perm at home?

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1. It’s not recommended to do a baseball perm at home. Processing the hair for too short or too long a time can lead to hair breakage or permanent frizz. Applying the chemicals incorrectly can also cause burns, irritation, or allergic reactions. Before these risks, you might end up with an uneven perm because of how difficult it is to roll perm rods on the back of the head.

   • Consulting with a hair stylist is a much safer option for a professional finish.
   • Performing a home perm on tweens/kids is also advised against. If applied incorrectly, the perming solution can damage their hair shafts, causing split ends. There is also a risk of irritation or respiratory issues from inhaling the chemical fumes in a non-salon environment.

Section 5 of 5:

Styling a Baseball Perm

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1. 
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   Avoid washing or styling your hair for 48 hours after getting a perm. Waldman doesn’t recommend “putting shampoo in your hair for 48 hours to allow all the bonds to completely reform. That'll give your curl more resiliency and durability and last longer."

   • Pittman suggests that “letting the perm settle will help the effects of the perm to last longer and keep your hair healthy."
   • It’s also best not to use any heat styling tools on your hair, and, if possible, avoid brushing or combing your hair so your new curls can stabilize and settle.
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   Dry hair with a diffuser or let the hair air dry. Before styling, try to let your hair air-dry as much as possible. When you do use heat to dry your hair, use a diffuser and gently encourage curls with your finger as you dry your hair. You can also scrunch the hair in sections as you dry it.
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   Use anti-frizz products to define curls and prevent dryness. Waldman recommends "making sure you're using products so your hair has a great moisture balance.” To take care of permed hair and avoid frizz, use a heat protectant spray to keep your hair strong during drying. Curl creams, moisturizing waxes, or gels can help define curls and add shine without drying out your hair.

   • Avoid alcohol-based products that can overly dry your hair.
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   Avoid over-washing. Washing your hair too much can strip it of its natural oils and cause it to relax. Instead, use products that add moisture to the hair, like leave-in conditioners, which you can use once a week. Choose a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner made to take care of permed hair to prevent natural oils from being stripped away.
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