Many people wonder if a digital perm or cold perm is the right option for them. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both the cold perm and digital perm can deliver exceptional results.
If you choose the right stylist, both digital and cold perms are also highly customizable. They can both be used to create bold bouncy ringlets or soft, natural waves. The right choice usually depends on a few factors, such as the current condition of your hair, and your budget.
If you’re ready to dive into your perming journey, but you’re not sure which service you need, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about the differences between cold and digital perms, so you can make an informed choice.
Digital Perm vs Cold Perm: The Basics
These days, men and women have endless different perming options to choose from, from the volume-boosting Korean root perm to the straightening perm, for those in search of sleek, pin-straight hair. However, most perm options still fall into two broad categories: the cold perm and the digital perm (otherwise known as the “hot” perm).
The cold perm is the more traditional option. It involves using chemicals without heat to reset the shape of your hair. The digital perm (or hot perm) is the more modern alternative, which uses a combination of chemicals and heat to set your hair into the perfect style.
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. They can be a little harsher on your hair, although the right stylist will take precautions to minimize damage.
What is a Digital Perm?
A digital perm is a sophisticated perming process that blends restructuring chemicals and heat to transform your hair’s shape and structure. It involves the use of a digital perm machine that heats up individual curling rods which are attached to the hair.
Stylists can apply a digital perm to your full hair to create bouncy waves or ringlets, or focus specifically on a certain section of your hair, like your roots or bangs. Just like they would with a cold perm, a stylist will apply a unique solution to your hair that breaks down certain bonds in your hair, allowing it to be reshaped into a new style.
However, with a digital perm, stylists typically use a gentler perming solution, and combine this with heated rods to set the new shape. Once your hair has been shaped into its new style, your stylist will apply a neutralising solution to restore the PH balance of the cuticles, and lock the pattern in place.
Compared to traditional perms, digital perms can sometimes take a little longer.
What Type of Hair Does the Digital Perm Suit?
Digital perms are extremely versatile, particularly if you choose the right salon and stylist. You can get a digital perm if you have straight, wavy, or curly hair. However, it’s usually recommended most for people with longer and finer hair.
If you’ve coloured or bleached your hair in the past, most stylists will recommend avoiding any perming treatments until your hair has fully recovered. However, if your hair is reasonably healthy, but you’re worried about the damage a cold perm might cause, a digital perm is a good choice.
As mentioned above, digital perms use gentler chemicals, that won’t dry your hair out as much as a standard perm. 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. If you love the effortless waves sporting by leading celebrities and Korean icons, a digital perm is a great choice for you.
The Digital Perm: Longevity and Aftercare
How long your digital perm lasts will depend on various factors, including how quickly your hair grows, and how well you look after your new style. 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.
Looking after a digital perm is usually pretty simple too. Hot perms are a fantastic low-maintenance option for anyone who wants to spend less time styling their hair each morning. All you really need to do is make sure you’re keeping your hair hydrated, without weighing down your curls.
Use gentle shampoos, moisturizing balms, and hair serum from time to time to keep your locks healthy and happy. Your stylist should be able to share some tips on which products to use, and which to avoid after you get your treatment.
What is a Cold Perm?
The cold perm is basically the “traditional” perm option. It’s the classic approach to curling your hair that relies exclusively on chemicals, without the use of heat. Since stylists won’t be using heated rods to set your hair into its new shape, they often need to rely on a slightly stronger chemical solution.
The exact solution your stylist uses will depend on a range of factors, such as your hair’s health and your desired outcome. Most of the time, it will be some form of ammonium thioglycolate solution which basically breaks apart the disulphide bonds in your hair, and alters the protein structure.
After the chemicals make your hair more “moldable”, your stylist will wrap individual sections around rods, and apply a neutralizing solution to lock in the new curl pattern.
What Type of Hair Does the Cold Perm Suit?
Since the perming solution used in a cold perm can be a little harsher than the solution used for a digital perm, it’s usually recommended for people with very healthy, thick hair. Cold perms are great for coarser hair that hasn’t been exposed to chemical treatments, bleach, or colour in the past.
Cold perms are typically a better choice for people who want a tighter, more voluminous curls too. Although again, your stylist will be able to customize the results of your perm using various strategies and different sized curling rods, you’ll typically end up with more pronounced ringlets.
If you’re looking for simple beachy waves, the cold perm usually isn’t a great option, but it’s perfect for creating bold, vivacious curls that look fantastic – even when your hair is wet.
The Cold Perm: Longevity and Aftercare
Again, how long your cold perm will last, and how quickly you’ll need to consider a top up depends on your hair’s growth pattern, and how well you look after your new curls. However, cold perms usually won’t last quite as long as a digital perm.
Most people can expect at least two months of gorgeous-looking curls before they might need to consider booking a maintenance appointment. On the plus side, looking after your cold perm is extremely easy. Generally, all you need to do is add a little styling foam or moisturizing balm to your hair when it’s wet, then leave it to air dry.
You don’t need to use any specific fancy products to maintain your new look, although it’s best to stay away from harsh shampoos and conditioners.
Digital Perm vs Cold Perm: Side by Side Comparison
Ultimately, both the cold perm and the digital perm are excellent options for people who want to completely revitalize their look with a brand-new set of curls or waves. Here are the main differences you’ll need to keep in mind when choosing the right option for you.
| Digital Perm | Cold Perm | |
| Best for | People with longer hair who want natural-looking curls or waves. | People with coarser, healthy hair, in search of bold, bouncy ringlets. |
| Results | Subtle curls and waves. | Bigger, more pronounced curls. |
| Longevity | Most digital perms last for between three and six months. | Most cold perms will last for between two to four months. |
| Potential hair damage | Gentler on your hair. | Slightly harsher on your hair. |
| Appointment length | Several hours, depending on your hair length. | Cold perms often take a little less time than a full digital perm. |
| Pricing | Slightly more expensive (our prices start at $209). | Slightly less expensive (our prices start at around $126 for men, and $166 for women – with a hair cut included). |
Overall, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that creates voluminous, well-defined curls, the cold perm is probably the best option for you. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a slightly gentler perming experience, and more natural waves and curls, choose a digital perm.
Digital Perm vs Cold Perm: Which is Best for You?
Ultimately, choosing between a digital perm and a cold perm all comes down to understanding your hair, and determining what you want from your new look. Digital perms are fantastic for creating soft, natural curls and waves, without causing extensive damage to your hair.
Alternatively, cold perms are fantastic if you’re looking for more tightly defined, intense curls, and you’re a little more budget-conscious. Either way, the key to getting great results is choosing the right salon and stylist. At PERFECT X HAIR, our stylists have years of experience in both the latest digital perming and cold perming techniques.
No matter what you want from your new look, our stylist will work with you to help you pick the perfect treatment for your needs. Contact us today to book your perming appointment, or discuss your treatment options with a perming expert.
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