Is digital perm more damaging than cold perm?

Author: Collin Wuckert PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, September 18, 2025

The damage caused by a cold perm would indeed be less than what it is caused by a digital perm, but permed hair is easy to get dry in general. So when you perm damaged hair, the damage will be likely to stand out more. It would be ideal to do perm (either cold perm or digital perm) to healthy hair.

Which is better, cold perm or digital perm?

Digital perms generally have a reputation for being gentler on your locks than traditional perms, making them ideal for people with finer, thinner hair. They also work better for people with longer hair. Cold perms are generally more suitable for coarser hair that hasn't been bleached, or colour-treated in the past.

What type of perm is the least damaging?

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.

Are digital perms more damaging?

Digital perm can be performed using gentle perm chemicals. Therefore, there is no big difference in damage compared to the condition of hair after a cold perm. The premise is that when you get perm, straighten, or color your hair, there will be some damage to your hair.

Will digital perm cause hair loss?

Can perms cause permanent hair loss? While perming is very drying on the hair and can affect its quality, it will not usually cause hair loss. In this case the hair follicles would be damaged beyond repair, leave a scar and result in permanent hair loss, although this does not seem to be the case for you.

Q&A WITH A HAIRSTYLIST ep.2 | Cold Wave Perm vs Digital Perm? Inner Colour? Straightening & Keratin?

Is digital perm good for thin hair?

Digital perms can enhance the texture and volume of fine or limp hair, making it appear fuller and more vibrant.

How often can you get a perm without damaging your hair?

Modern perming methods and solutions are far less damaging than their 1980s counterparts, but they still can be damaging if you overdo it. We'd recommend waiting 8-10 months between each perm to give your hair a chance to recover. Ideally, you should only be perming your hair 1-2 times a year.

Can I perm my hair without damaging it?

Go to An Experienced Professional. A perm is a chemical treatment that should always be done by an experienced professional. Attempting a DIY perm at home can seriously damage your hair and potentially result in chemical burns.

How to sleep with digital permed hair?

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.

What is the healthiest perm?

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.

What ruins a perm?

Ongoing Perm Maintenance

Don't use products that contain parabens, sulphates, or alcohol as these can ruin your perm.

What is Japanese cold perm?

Cold perm, sometimes referred to as the traditional perm, only involves chemical restructuring and curling rod. Different salons uses different types of curling rod, but most often used are the small and medium plastic curlers.

What is the least damaging way to perm your hair?

Another, more expensive, type of hot perm, called digital perms, uses rods that are temperature controlled by a machine to avoid heat damage to your hair. Cold perms: Also called alkaline perms, this type of perm uses a chemical solution of ammonium thioglycolate to produce curls without heat.

How damaging is a cold perm?

As with most perms, we typically don't recommend cold perms to people who have highly damaged hair. Breaking down the bonds in your hair can cause additional damage if your follicles are already weak and strained, so keep this in mind. However, if you have coarse hair, the cold perm may be the perfect option.

Which perm lasts the longest?

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.

What are the disadvantages of digital perms?

Disadvantages of Digital Perms
  • Not Good at Making Volume on the Top: Heat is applied during the perming process, so it is dangerous to perm too close to the roots. ...
  • Lengthy Process: ...
  • Initial Fragility: ...
  • Not Suitable for All Hair Types: ...
  • Potential Damage: ...
  • Specialized Aftercare Required:

Why is my hair falling out after a digital perm?

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.

What is the difference between a cold perm and a digital perm?

Cold Perm vs Digital Perm

Cold Perms are known for their traditional approach, using chemicals without heat, while Digital Perms involve a combination of chemicals and heat. The results and aftercare also vary between the two methods, making it essential to understand what sets them apart.

What perms don't damage your hair?

Pin curl perm

It uses a combination of pins and curlers to create tight, bouncy curls that add movement to your hair. The looseness or tightness of the curls created will vary based on the size of the curlers. This type of perm doesn't use harsh chemicals—but this also reduces how long the style lasts.

Is it bad to get a perm every 3 months?

Wash your hair first with shampoo, add leave-in conditioner, and blow-dry it before straightening it. Is it bad to get a perm every 3 months? Most perms last 3-6 months, so if you need a touch-up at month 3, it may be safe to do so.

What hair cannot be permed?

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.

What is the most natural looking perm?

The most natural-looking perm is the beach wave perm which creates loose waves throughout the hair.

When should you not perm your hair?

Similarly, if your hair is already very dry or breakage prone because of frequent heat-styling, a dry climate, your genetics, or even illness, this may not be the best time to think about perming your hair. The best time to have a perm—rather, when the perm is most successful—is when you have healthy hair.

What is a Korean root perm?

The biggest difference is that while other perms focus on all of your hair, from root to tip, a root perm is concentrated on the roots alone. It won't change the shape of the rest of your hair, so you can still maintain your natural waves, curls, or pin-straight style.

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