Curly perms were particularly popular during the 1970s and 1980s.
The perm, short for "permanent wave," experienced a surge in popularity during these decades. This was a time of significant experimentation in hairstyles, and the perm offered a way to achieve lasting curls and volume. From tight, springy curls to looser, wavier styles, perms allowed people to dramatically change their look. Many celebrities sported permed hair, further fueling the trend. Think of Cher, Jon Bon Jovi, and even the hairstyles of many everyday individuals during those years. While perms have evolved and seen varying degrees of popularity in subsequent years, their heyday was definitively in the '70s and '80s.