Ring for the head, boy needing permit (7)
I believe the answer is:
chaplet
'ring for the head' is the definition.
'boy needing permit' is the wordplay.
'boy' becomes 'chap' (I've seen this before**).
'needing' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'permit' becomes 'let' ('let' can be a synonym of 'permit').
'chap'+'let'='CHAPLET'
(Other definitions for chaplet that I've seen before include "Circular garland for the head" , "flower arrangement" , "top band?" , "Ornamental wreath worn on the head" , "Garland or wreath for the head" .)