Are you sick of flat, lifeless hair, but also don’t want to spend hours with a curling iron trying to create the ultimate bouncy look? We have just the solution: the digital perm. Originating in Japan and Korea, the digital perm craze has taken Asia (and the rest of the world) by storm in recent years.
Korean digital perms have revolutionized how people respond to the word “perm”. No longer are perms associated with huge 80s-era hair-do’s and frizz. Now, you can have a perm that gives you the beautifully natural, wavy look sported by your favorite Korean idols, without the fuss.
So, what is a digital perm, how does it differ from a regular perm, and how do you know if it’s the right hair treatment for you? Our team of salon experts created this guide, to answer all of those questions and more.
What is a Digital Perm?
A digital perm is a semi-permanent hair treatment that uses chemicals and heat to create structured waves and curls in your hair. It’s one of the most popular treatments we offer at PERFECT X HAIR, and is adored by clients who want natural, soft, wavy hair styles, without dedicating hours to styling.
Unlike traditional cold perm options, which use a liquid solution to break down the bonds in your hair, alongside indirect heat, digital perms involve a slightly different process. Usually, stylists apply a cream solution to your hair, and use a professional machine to heat rods before they’re applied to your hair. This results in longer-lasting waves or curls.
One of the beautiful things about Korean digital perms, is that they’re extremely versatile. An experienced stylist can tailor the procedure to suit your specific needs, giving you the unique look you’ve been searching for.
What is a Digital Perm? Answering your Common Questions
Although digital perms have become increasingly popular in all parts of the world in recent years, there’s still a lot of confusion around how they work, what kind of look they deliver, and how much they cost. Here are a few answers to the common questions you might have about digital perms.
What Does a Digital Perm Look Like?
As mentioned above, experienced stylists can customize your digital perm to suit your specific needs. However, for the most part, the process creates big, soft waves and curls, that look extremely natural (particularly when your hair is dry). Korean digital perms allow stylists to create unique shapes with your hair to give your locks a permanently bouncy appearance.
Notably, while this process is popular among people with straight hair, digital perms are great for those with naturally wavy and curly hair too. They allow you to change the pattern of your curls, to make them a little less unruly, or sleeker, so you can spend less time styling.
Digital Perm Pricing and How Long They Last
A digital perm is an investment in more ways than one. To get the bet results from a digital perm, you need an expert stylist, the best equipment, and usually a professional cut too. This means digital perms are usually a little more expensive than a traditional “cold perm”. Our digital perms start at around $209, but the pricing offered by your stylist can vary depending on your hair length.
The good news is that the advanced techniques used for digital perming generally mean your curls or waves will last a lot longer. Depending on your hair, your perm can last anywhere from six months to a year, so you’ll be able to enjoy your transformed appearance for a while.
How Long Does a Digital Perm Take?
Again, the answer to this question can vary depending on your stylist. In general, digital perms will take several hours to complete, because your stylist is going to be paying close attention to every strand of hair. If you have very long hair, it’s going to take a while to make sure the perming solution is applied correctly, and your curls are shaped to perfection.
If you want to finish off your look with a trim, then you’ll need to account for a little extra time for cutting. We’d recommend blocking out a full afternoon on your schedule for the full process.
Who Can Get a Digital Perm?
As mentioned above, digital perms are extremely versatile. Even if you already have naturally wavy or curly hair, you can still benefit from this service. Since the digital perm originated in Asia, it’s probably no surprise that the treatment works very well on people with thicker, coarser hair.
However, digital perms can still be suitable for people with finer hair. Your stylist will be able to give you advice on whether this perming option is right for you after an initial consultation.
For the most part, the only people who aren’t suitable for digital perms are people with extremely damaged, thinning, or short hair. If your hair is very damaged by chemicals, colors, and bleach, then there’s a chance a digital perm won’t hold well in your hair.
Additionally, most stylists will need your hair to be at least four to five inches long before they can apply a digital perm, so if your hair is very short, you may need to reconsider.
Are Digital Perms Bad For Your Hair?
A lot of people assume that any type of perm will be bad for their hair, as perming involves breaking down the structure of your hair follicles to reform your locks into new shapes.
Experienced stylists can minimize any damage caused to your hair by adjusting the heat of the curling instruments, and the concentration of the solutions used, based on your hair health. Plus, it’s worth noting that getting a digital perm will usually mean you won’t have to use chemical and heat treatments on your hair as often, which could help reduce consistent heat damage.
What is a Digital Perm: The Pros and Cons
The digital perm is a very popular treatment option, beloved by people worldwide – but it’s not right for everyone. Every hair treatment has its own unique pros and cons. Before you consider getting a digital perm, here are the main benefits and disadvantages to keep in mind:
The Pros
- A more natural look: Compared to cold perms, digital perms generally create more natural, subtle waves and curls. If you don’t want big bouncy curls, digital perms are a good option.
- 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).
- Customization: You can customize the curls and waves in your hair to suit your specific style goals, provided you have the right stylist.
The Cons
- The cost: Digital perms are more expensive than traditional perms, and they generally take a lot longer to complete, so be ready to invest the time and the money.
- Commitment: It can be difficult to drastically change the style and look of your hair after a digital perm.
- Care requirements: You will need to commit to looking after your digital perm to ensure it lasts as long as possible, but your stylist should be able to help you with this.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Getting a Digital Perm
A digital perm can be a wonderful way to add style and body to your hair, without spending endless hours in front of the mirror with a curling iron. If you want the best results though, we recommend following a few crucial tips.
Make Sure You’re a Good Candidate
As mentioned above, not everyone has the right hair for a digital perm. If you have very short hair, or damaged hair, it’s probably a good idea to discuss your options with your stylist in advance. You may also need to reconsider getting a digital perm if you:
- Have heavily thinning hair
- Have already used other perming methods
- Want more significant, bouncy curls
Choose your Stylist Carefully
Pick a stylist and salon with experience in digital perming. Not every stylist will know how to use the digital perming technique correctly. Ask for a consultation with your stylist in advance to make sure they understand your goals and expectations. Ask for their opinion on whether a digital perm is right for you, based on their assessment of your hair.
Know the Golden Rules
As with most perms, there are certain things you shouldn’t do after getting a digital perm. For instance, it’s a good idea to avoid getting your hair wet for 48 hours after you get your perm. In most cases, it’s also not recommended to get a digital perm and a color at the same time. Sometimes, this is an option, but you’ll need to be cautious to avoid doing excess damage to your hair.
Use the Right Products
After you get a digital perm, some stylists will recommend washing your hair with water and conditioner, rather than shampoo. Others will recommend using specific products, such as oil and hydration cream to keep your hair in excellent condition. Ask for your stylist’s advice if you’re not sure how to care for your perm after the treatment.
Go Digital with Your Perm and PERFECT X HAIR
For people who want effortlessly beautiful wavy hair and natural curls, the digital perm can be the perfect solution. The key to getting the most out of your new style is choosing the right salon and knowing how to care for your hair effectively.
If you think a digital perm could help you achieve the perfect look, reach out to the PERFECT X HAIR team to speak to one of our stylists. We’ll answer all your questions, and book you in for the ultimate hair transformation.
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