permanente
/peɾmaˈnente/
The English phrase 'hair perm' is translated into Spanish as permanente.
In many Spanish-speaking countries, permanente is used as a noun to refer to the hair perm itself. To say 'to get a perm' (the action of undergoing the treatment), use the reflexive phrase hacerse la permanente.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾmaˈnente/
Did you know?
- Unlike English where 'perm' is a clipped shortening of 'permanent', the Spanish permanente retains its full form as both an adjective and a noun.
- In many Spanish-speaking beauty salons, the process is described through the verb ondular, which means 'to wave', focusing on the shape rather than the chemical nature of the treatment.
- While permanente describes the chemical curl, Spanish speakers use the verb permanecer to describe the act of staying or remaining in a place.
Examples in context
- Ayer visité el salón de belleza y me hice una permanente para el cabello. Estoy muy contenta con el resultado.Yesterday, I visited the beauty salon and got a hair perm. I'm really happy with the result.
- ¿Has pensado en hacerte unos rulos para cambiar tu look?Have you thought about getting some curls to change your look?
- Me voy a hacer la permanente.I am going to get a perm.
- Me quiero hacer una permanente.I want to get a perm.
- Esa permanente te queda muy bien.That perm looks very good on you.
- El salón ofrece el servicio de permanente.The salon offers the perm service.
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking at a hair salon.
- Javier¿Vas a pedir una permanente?Are you going to ask for a perm?
- MaríaSí, Javier, quiero cambiar mi look.Yes, Javier, I want to change my look.
- JavierLa permanente es una buena idea.A perm is a good idea.
- MaríaEspero que mis rizos duren mucho.I hope my curls last a long time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry permanente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
