If your straight hair refuses to hold a curl, a digital perm could be just what you need for lasting waves without the constant use of hairspray. While the word “perm” might bring up memories of tight, frizzy ’80s curls, the digital perm is a more modern technique that gives your hair soft, natural-looking texture and movement. In this guide, we’ll explain everything about the service—from who it’s right for to how to maintain your new curls and more.
What Is a Digital Perm?
A perm is a chemical process that changes the structure of your hair, allowing it to hold new shapes like waves or curls. Specifically, a digital perm uses heat and digital technology to create soft, natural-looking waves or curls. Originally developed in Asia to add texture and movement to thick, straight hair, the digital perm has since gained popularity worldwide. It’s known for giving straighter hair types more volume, texture, and body, all while maintaining a more effortless, natural look.
What Is a Digital Perm vs. a Traditional Perm?
A digital perm and a traditional perm differ in the techniques used to create curls or waves. A digital perm combines heat and digital technology to create soft, natural-looking waves, while a traditional perm (or cold perm) relies on chemicals and cold rods to form tighter, more structured curls.
Carla Marcelle Pagán, a Mizani stylist and texture expert, explains, “The main difference is that a digital perm uses electronically heated rods, which helps maintain the curl’s integrity from the inside out.” In a digital perm treatment, your stylist applies a chemical solution before wrapping your hair around the heated rods. This is different from a traditional perm, where the hair is wrapped first and then saturated in a chemical solution to set the curls.
The end result also varies between the two. A digital perm typically gives looser waves or curls that start around the mid-lengths and flow to the ends, while a traditional perm creates tighter curls that extend from root to tip.
Is a Digital Perm Better Than a Regular Perm?
Whether a digital perm is better than a traditional perm really depends on your hair type, the curl pattern you want, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. For longer hair, a digital perm might be the better choice since it allows the waves to flow more naturally and gives the curls a softer, more defined shape. However, if you’re aiming for tighter curls and don’t mind more upkeep, a traditional perm could be a great option. The best way to decide is to consult with your stylist, who can recommend the right perm based on your hair and desired look.
Is a Digital Perm Less Damaging?
Any chemical or heat-based treatment, including digital perms, can cause some level of damage to your hair. However, with the right technique and a skilled stylist, the damage can be minimized while maintaining the health of your strands. It’s important to have a consultation with your stylist before getting a perm to ensure your hair is in good condition for the process.
Carla Marcelle Pagán emphasizes the importance of an open discussion about your hair’s history and what you’re hoping to achieve. “Your color history is crucial,” she says. “There are limits to what we can do based on what you’ve already had done to your hair.” This conversation helps determine the best approach and ensures the perm is suitable for your hair’s current health.
What Does a Digital Perm Entail?
A digital perm begins with a thorough wash to get rid of oils and product buildup. After that, a special perming solution is applied to break down your hair’s natural bonds, which are what give your hair its texture and shape. These bonds determine whether your hair is straight, curly, or somewhere in between.
Once the solution is rinsed out, your stylist wraps sections of your hair around heated rods. The size and temperature of the rods, as well as how they’re placed, will help shape your final curl pattern. After that, a neutralizing solution is applied to lock in your new curls and reset your hair’s pH. The entire process takes a bit of time, depending on your hair type, and once it’s done, your hair is washed, dried, and styled into beautiful, bouncy curls.
How Long Does a Digital Perm Last?
A digital perm typically lasts anywhere from three months to a year, depending on your hair type, the level of damage, and how well you care for it afterward. If you have healthy, virgin hair, the results may last longer since your strands are better able to hold their new shape. On the other hand, those with high porosity hair (often caused by bleaching or coloring) may notice the curls starting to fade sooner.
The good news is that digital perms are generally lower-maintenance than other types of perms. Since the waves are placed from the mid-lengths to the ends, they grow out more naturally, so you can go longer between touch-ups without worrying about noticeable roots or uneven curls.
How Do You Care for a Digital Perm?
“Just like any chemical treatment, taking care of your hair at home is crucial to maintaining your investment,” says Pagán. Proper aftercare is key to keeping your curls healthy and ensuring they last. Here are some tips to maintain the look and health of your hair after getting a digital perm.
Don’t Wash It Right Away
Editor’s Tip: If your hair tends to get greasy quickly, use a dry shampoo to freshen up your roots without washing your hair. A high-performance option can absorb excess oil and refresh your hair for up to four days. For those with dark hair, you can avoid the white residue that dry shampoo can leave by. It has a clear formula that absorbs oils without any product buildup, keeping your hair looking clean and fresh.
Keep Your Strands Moisturized
“All hair types, whether natural or chemically treated, need a lot of care and moisture,” says Pagán. To keep your curls looking healthy, it’s important to use products that really hydrate. Start with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. These are great for adding definition and fighting frizz without weighing your hair down. A deep conditioning mask is also a must to keep your hair from feeling dry or brittle. After showering, reach for a leave-in treatment to prep your hair for styling.
Switch Up Your Detangling Routine
Brushing through wet, permed hair can lead to even more damage, as wet strands are more fragile and prone to breakage. Plus, aggressive brushing can mess with your curl pattern. To make detangling easier and gentler, try using a detangling spray. This will help loosen up knots without causing stress on your hair. Then, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently work through any tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up. For more tips on brushing, check out our article, Types of Hair Brushes: Which Brush Is Right for You?
Embrace Air-Drying
One of the best things about a digital perm is how easy it is to style—just let your hair air dry into natural, beautiful waves. To get the most out of your curl pattern, though, prepping your hair with the right products can make a big difference. We recommend scrunching a leave-in through clean, damp hair. This formula helps define your waves and curls while offering up to 48 hours of frizz control and bouncy, long-lasting definition.
Learn How to Plop Your Hair
Plopping is an excellent method for air-drying wavy hair, and it’s super easy once you get the hang of it. To plop, gather your wet hair at the top of your head, wrap it in a T-shirt, and let it dry. This technique helps enhance your waves and curls as they dry, giving you bouncy, well-defined hair. To boost the results, apply a lightweight mousse before you plop. This anti-frizz, non-flaking formula helps shape and hold your waves while balancing hydration, shine, and control for a luxurious, defined look.
Protect Your Hair from Heat
When it’s time to use heat styling tools like a blow dryer or curling wand, protecting your hair is essential to avoid damage. Always start by applying a good heat protectant to shield your strands. And remember, it’s best to use the lowest heat setting on your styling tools that still gets the job done, as this helps prevent unnecessary damage to your hair.
FAQs
1. How long does a digital perm last?
A digital perm can last anywhere from three months to a year, depending on your hair type, the level of damage, and how well you care for your hair. Regular maintenance and touch-ups can help extend the life of your curls.
2. Is a digital perm suitable for all hair types?
A digital perm works best on straight or slightly wavy hair. If you have thick, coarse hair or high porosity hair (from coloring or damage), it may be harder to maintain the curl pattern. It’s best to consult with a stylist to determine if a digital perm is right for your hair.
3. How do I care for my hair after getting a digital perm?
After a digital perm, it’s important to use moisturizing and curl-defining products to keep your curls looking fresh. Avoid washing your hair for the first 48 hours, and try not to use too much heat on your hair. Regular deep conditioning treatments will help maintain the health and shape of your curls.
