Carrie Bradshaw's perm is back and guess what? It actually looks cool

There was a time when we thought that the spiral perm had been relegated to the dusty beauty archives. But just like that, it seems that side-swept, tight curls reminiscent of Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw in the original Sex And The City are back – just like '90s cargo pants and satin Mary Janes.

Racking up more than 2 billion views on TikTok, the #perm is taking the internet by storm. Even celebrities are fans, either coaxing their normally poker straight styles into ringlets or embracing their natural texture with new-found gusto.

Bella Hadid has singlehandedly been making the Carrie Bradshaw perm cool again, while Simone Ashley's voluminous ringlets at Cannes was all the motivation we needed to step out of our boxes and dabble with this retro hairstyle.

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This most unlikely of trending styles has even made an appearance at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. Actress Joely King looked the spitting image of '90s Carrie with her tight curls thrown nonchalantly over one shoulder at a Pomellato dinner on the 3rd July.

“I think the '80s and ’90s perm is having a revival because we are all much more excited about embracing our natural texture and this does mean that the trend for curls is a much bigger thing,” says hairstylist Larry King. "It makes sense that hairdressers are using those eras for inspiration."

If you're lucky enough to be naturally blessed with a head of bouncy curls, Larry recommends starting with a really good haircut. “This is the jumping off point to start experimenting with your hairdryer's diffuser,” he says. “Ultimately, you want to treat your curls as you would your favourite silk shirt: wash them carefully in the best possible sulphate-free shampoos, then gently condition and comb so as not to disrupt the natural curl pattern.”

When styling curly hair, Larry adds: “Don't use any rubbing motions when drying the hair; instead dab it then tip your head upside down and allow natural ringlets to form.” Massage a few dots of Larry King Nourishing Curl Enhancer into your hair, he notes, before using the the Dyson Supersonic Diffuser attachment on your hairdryer.

Conversely, if you're keen to fake the Carrie Bradshaw perm, dig out a curling wand with the smallest, pen-like barrel (try the Ghd Curve Thin Curl Wand). Remember when experimenting that the larger the rod, the looser the waves; the skinnier the rod, the tighter your curls will be.

More modern perm inspiration

For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.