Generally speaking, digital perms tend to be lower-maintenance than other types of perms since the waves are placed from the mid-lengths to ends of the hair. This allows for a more natural grow-out, meaning you can go longer between touch-ups without noticeable root regrowth or unevenness.
In summary, digital perms offer softer, more natural waves with lower maintenance, while hot perms provide tighter curls that may require more styling effort. The choice between the two often depends on the desired look and the amount of time you're willing to invest in maintenance.
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.
The Digital Perm: Longevity and Aftercare
Most of the time however, these perms can last just as long – if not longer than a traditional cold perm. Most people won't need a top up treatment for at least three months, and some digital perms can last six months or more.
A perm can result in dry hair that is weak, brittle, and prone to breakage. As strands of hair break, you may experience thinning hair or temporary hair loss while new strands begin to grow back.
Spiral perm
Creates tight, corkscrew curls using long vertical rods. The hair is wound around the rods from scalp to tip, creating a spiral pattern. This style usually takes 2-3 hours to complete and can last 4-6 months. Spiral perms work best on longer hair and create a dramatic, voluminous look.
All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins. Caring for the environment while caring for your hair will leave you feeling great and looking just as stunning with your Natural Perm look.
Don't expose your hair to too much heat. Avoid using curling irons, hair straighteners, and other heat styling tools as much as possible, as they can damage your perm. If you must use heat styling, be sure to use a heat protectant spray first. Don't wash your hair too often.
Digital perms can enhance the texture and volume of fine or limp hair, making it appear fuller and more vibrant.
Key Differences Between Beach Wave and Traditional Perms
Creates looser, more natural-looking waves. Uses larger rollers for a modern, relaxed look. Perfect for achieving that coveted “just left the beach” style. Typically requires less maintenance.
You'll have to wait 48 hours after perming your hair before washing it. You can't get your perm wet, put it up or even touch it much while the chemicals reset your strands. Even after getting your perm, washing it everyday will affect the longevity of your curls, so prolong the gap between washes as long as possible.
Digital Perm originated from Asia, where a lot of people have coarse, thick hair - so it sometimes works better for those types of hair, even if your curls tend to get loosen quickly on cold perms.
Hair Type and Condition: Your hair type and condition play an important role in determining the success of your perm. As mentioned, cold perms generally work better on thicker, coarser hair, while digital perms are often preferred for finer, straighter hair.
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.
Multi-textured perm
This style is a great way to create natural-looking curls that vary in texture. Like a stack perm, your stylist can use different-sized rods and rolls to create a combination of tight and loose curls. This results in a layered style that closely resembles natural curls that vary in tightness.
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.
Digital Perm involves chemical treatments and a digitally controlled heating process. It thermally reconditions your hair, leaving it smooth and shiny. How long does the process take? It normally takes approximately 3 hours, depending on your hair condition, length and density.
Chemical Type
The acidic perm solution, also known as a hot perm, is ideal for thin, damaged, and delicate hair. It produces more natural-looking curls. An alkaline one, known as a cold perm, is ideal for coarse and textured hair.
Continuously subjecting a perm to activities like swimming, frequent shampooing or wet weather will damage the longevity of your perm. Getting it wet opens your hair's cuticle, releasing the chemicals used to set the perm.