A digital perm uses heat and digital technology to create soft, natural-looking waves, whereas a traditional perm (also known as a cold perm) relies on chemicals and cold rods to create tighter, more structured curls.
Even though this perming method is not new to the industry, it has already given a delightful hair experience to many with its long-lasting results. Generally, a perfectly done digital perm lasts between 3 to 9 months. However, if you keenly follow a healthy hair routine, the results may last even longer.
Digital perm is a technique that uses digitally controlled heat rods and a special solution to create loose, natural-looking curls or waves. Unlike traditional perms, digital perms use a special machine to control the temperature, resulting in more defined waves when the hair is dry and a natural look when styled.
A digital perm is a perm that uses hot rods with the temperature regulated by a machine with a digital display, hence the name. A normal perm basically requires only the perm solution. A digital perm requires a (different) solution plus heat.
Wait Before Washing: It's generally recommended to wait at least 48 to 72 hours after getting a perm before washing your hair. This allows the curls to set properly.
For individuals who have thin hair, the results may vary. Though the device has improved from its predecessors, it may still be hot and heavy compared to regular perm process. It takes longer than regular perms. Heat from digital perms can cause proteins in the hair to harden.
To maintain the shape and longevity of your digital perm, it's best to sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz. You can also loosely tie your hair in a low bun or a loose braid to keep the curls in place. Avoid sleeping with wet hair, as this can affect the curl pattern.
Digital perms can enhance the texture and volume of fine or limp hair, making it appear fuller and more vibrant.
Digital perms are also a good choice for people who want more natural-looking waves and curls, rather than big, bouncy ringlets. Although stylists can create tighter curls using digital perming strategies, digital perms are often ideal for a subtler look.
Digital perms are typically more expensive than traditional perms and can cost between $150 to $300 or more, depending on factors such as the salon's location and stylist's expertise.
Unlike the traditional cold perm, which uses a liquid solution and indirect heat, Digital Perm utilizes a cream solution and a professional machine to heat the rods before applying them to the hair. This modern process results in longer-lasting curls or waves. The beauty of Digital Perm lies in its versatility.
Photo by AMOS PROFESSIONAL. Photo of the Korean actress, HAN Jimin. The hippie perm is a hair perm that goes from the root to the tip, like the hippies who protested against materialism in American society in the 1960s.
If you're worried about hair damage or have fine, brittle hair, opt for Japanese airwave or cold perm, as they are the least damaging perm techniques across all types of perm. Both methods are quick and affordable to retain the look and subtlety of natural curls without the use of heat.
Only Use a Wide-Tooth Comb on Wet Hair
When styling your Digital Perm Hair, you should only use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair. If you do this, you won't damage your new Digital Perm Hair and can easily comb out tangles.
The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.
Mizani stylist and texture expert Carla Marcelle Pagán expands: “The difference between a digital perm and a traditional perm is that a digital perm [uses] rods that are electronically heated to maintain the integrity of the curl from the inside out.” During a digital perm treatment, your stylist will also apply your ...
Body wave perms are best for straight or thin hair whose length is medium to long, acting as a great alternative to the root perm. The process: The process involves wrapping your hair in large rollers with the perm solution applied.
Since perming is inherently a drying process, if done so incorrectly can result in damage to the strands of hair making them weak and brittle. This causes the strands to break, leaving thinning or bald patches. The good news is that this type of hair loss is temporary, and new strands will grow back in time.
Tip 1 - Bleached/Pre Lightened hair cannot be permed
Thus before each color, always be sure to ask your stylist what goes into your hair. Inform your stylist that you intend to perm your hair in the near future, thus your hair cannot be bleached or pre lightened.
Keeping your permed hair safe overnight might be the most difficult task yet. Regular cotton pillowcases can cause friction that damages your hair. Sleep on a satin pillowcase instead to give your hair the freedom to move without damage. You could tie your hair up in a loose bun, braids, or do the plop method.
Consistent appearance: With a digital perm, you'll have consistent volume, even in thin hair, making your locks look healthier and fuller. Long lasting: Digital perms typically aren't as fragile as traditional perms, so you can retain the same look for a little longer (depending on your hair).
The Japanese Digital Perm. This technique creates distinct and well-defined curls, making a noticeable change to your hair's texture. It's perfect for those seeking a more dramatic transformation. The key difference is that Japanese digital perms use lower temperatures, resulting in less hair damage.
The starting price of a digital perm at Shin Hair Salon is $150. My hair at the time of my perm was medium length (a bit below my back) and considered thin by the stylist. Even so, my digital perm costs $200.