Since the rise of the digital perm with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Kate Middleton, it’s got everyone talking about them. There have been some total disasters but there have also been some amazing digital perms. The more traditional perming techniques have started to die out in salons. And just as it has, digital perms have come into the celebrity spotlight.
Before you dive headfirst and get your hair a digital perm, there are many things you’ve got to consider. Sometimes we jump into things thinking we know everything about it and then we get it and regret it.
Things To Consider Before Getting A Digital Perm
Digital perms can look amazing on the right people, but if it isn’t for you then you really need to know about it. They’re a lot more permanent than just traditional perms so there is a lot to consider before you decide to take the plunge.
1. The difference between a normal and a digital perm
Before getting a digital perm, know that you will not come out with pre-2000’s Beyoncé hair. Those tight curls aren’t what the digital perm is about. It’s more about achieving the loose, wavy look. It’s a perfect idea if that’s what you’re looking for though. Especially if you want a big change, a digital perm could be that!
2. Is it really for you?
You may be considering a digital perm if you love the beachy-wave look and wish to have it all the time without as much as effort as curling your hair normally. If you love this look then a digital perm is probably your solution.
It’s an easier way to get those luscious curls daily without having to get up 2 hours early to spend hours on your hair. It differs from a normal perm as the curls aren’t as tight, they are a lot looser, wavy and a more boho look. The best hair for digital perms is thick, coarse hair so if your hair is thin and fine then you might need to look at another solution to your curling needs. You could also be drawn to getting one if you have only ever had naturally straight hair and you’re bored.
Having naturally curly hair will probably mean it won’t do a lot to your hair in its natural state so it is a possibility it will be a waste of your time.
The whole process of getting a digital perm takes around 3 hours so it is essential you create time out of your day for the hairdressers, for people with very busy lives this might not be possible. This is something you must consider before booking yourself in for the treatment as you don’t want to lose any money.
3. What’s the cost?
Depending on the salon, the person doing it and what country you’re in, the cost will change and alter. The most expensive perms are around $500 and that’s a really good salon near California area whilst your everyday salon in somewhere like Arizona can be around $100.
People tend to say that it’s worth the money for the fact that they last around 6 months up to a year for a well done perm.
This also means you don’t have to get your hair done or bother with it completely for those months.
READ: Best curling iron that won’t damage hair
4. How much maintenance does it require?
The biggest misconception of digital perms is that you get it done and that’s you done for the 6 months of it. There is still a lot of upkeep. Even if you don’t have to visit the hairdressers, you still have to invest in hair care products so you can make the most of your hair. If you use cheap haircare products it can mean you perm doesn’t last as long. Haircare can be costly too which means it can end up costing a lot more than you originally anticipated.
Regarding personal maintenance, despite it being curly when you first get it done, you still have to blow dry it a certain way and make the curls yourself. Granted, it doesn’t take as long as curling your hair with a flat iron would. But it’s still unnecessary considering you’ve spent so much to make it curly and lovely.
5. Have you researched digital perms?
Looking at a few pictures on the internet isn’t researching. You need to know about the effects it has on your hair and what it is really like to have a digital perm. Pinterest is a great social media site but it’s really not somewhere you should make your life decisions. Take a quick look around google for the realities of having a digital perm before you get one for yourself.
Check out this video below to see what happens when you get a digital perm:
6. Will it help you get ready quicker?
If you ask anyone with a digital perm is it helps you with the whole ‘getting-ready’ process they will definitely say no. It still requires daily effort with your hair it is just a little easier to style.
7. Do you really want the commitment?
Constantly having curly hair for over 6 months to a year might get very boring, and it comes with commitment. You must consider whether you are ready to look at your hair being curly every day. It is most likely that you’ll love it for the first month or so then you’ll end up just putting it in a hair tie for the rest of the time. Don’t spend a lot of money if you’re just going to do that.
I suppose it just depends on the type of person you are. Digital perms look amazing most of the time so it isn’t going to go wrong anytime soon. It’s just whether you want one and you’ll love it. Or you just love the idea of one.
If you’d rather have something temporary, consider getting a rounded flat iron to curl your hair. That, or get a curling iron. You should only consider getting a digital perm if you know for sure that you want curls for next 3-6 months. If you want the flexibility of having different hairstyles (be it curls, waves or sleek straight hair), then just use styling tools to achieve the look you want.
Featured Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Very interesting but can you get one if your hair is bleached?