Digital perms are famous for creating beautiful, soft, and textured waves. However, they are not a “one-size-fits-all” service. To ensure you get the beautiful results you see in photos, your hair needs to meet specific criteria.

Before you book your appointment, please review this 4-point checklist to see if a digital perm is the right choice for your hair.

1. 🩺 Hair Condition Check

Healthy hair equals beautiful curls. We first assess the current damage level of your hair. Whether it is from previous coloring or daily wear-and-tear, damage significantly affects the texture and shape of a perm.

• The Science: Perms require protein within the hair shaft to form a curl. If your hair lacks protein due to damage, the curl simply won’t form.

• ⚠️ The Danger Zone (Bleach & Highlights): If you have bleached or heavily highlighted hair (including Balayage), we strongly advise against getting a perm.

  • The Risk: The chemical reaction can cause bleached hair to “burn” or snap off during the process.

  • The Result: Even if the hair survives, the result is often extremely dry, frizzy, and unmanageable rather than a smooth curl.

2. 📏 Hair Thickness & Texture

Understand your hair type. All perms utilize the protein bonds inside your hair to create shape. The outcome depends heavily on the thickness of your individual hair strands (not the amount/density of hair you have).

• Thick/Coarse Hair: Has more internal structure to support the curl. This hair type can achieve large, bouncy, and elastic curls.

• Fine/Thin Hair: Has less internal structure to hold the shape. Consequently, we often have to create smaller, tighter curls to ensure they last. Large, loose waves will likely drop out immediately on fine hair.

3. 📸 Managing Expectations (Perm vs. Iron)

What you see on Instagram vs. Reality. Many clients bring in reference photos of large, flowing, natural waves. It is important to know that 90% of those photos are styled with a curling iron or a round brush blowout, not just a perm.

• The Difference: Heat styling (irons) creates a temporary but very strong, rigid shape. A perm creates a permanent but softer, looser bond.

• The Reality: We cannot replicate the exact glossy, “perfect” look of a curling iron with a chemical perm. A digital perm gives you the texture and movement, but it will look softer and more natural than an iron style.

4. 💨 Styling Commitment

A perm is a tool, not a magic wand. This is the most important factor! A digital perm is not a “wash-and-go” hairstyle where you do nothing.

• The Purpose: Think of a digital perm as a “base” that makes styling 80% easier. It gives you the bend and volume you need without fighting straight hair.

• The Routine: You must blow-dry your hair. To achieve smooth waves, you need to twist your hair with your fingers while drying it.

• The Exception: If you choose a “Hippie Perm” (very tight, jelly-style curls), you can simply apply curl cream and air-dry.

• Bottom Line: For most digital perm styles, if you don’t dry and style it, it may look messy. Be prepared to spend a few minutes drying your hair properly!

still unsure? If you are confident your hair is healthy enough, we would love to transform your look! If you are worried about damage or thickness, please book a consultation first so we can test a strand of your hair and give you honest advice.