Cold or Digital? How to figure out which perm's for you.

A digital perm is different from a regular perm in that it uses the power of heat to recompose the structure of your hair. Each roller has electric heat running through it which helps your curls last longer than a regular perm. A regular perm (cold perm) uses perming solution and doesn't use the power of heat to curl your hair. How do you know which one is for you? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Cold perm pros:

- Curls are defined when hair is wet and looser when hair is dry

- Since the curls are loose, you can still straighten your hair with a straightening iron or style your hair in any way you wish

- You can use it to perm certain sections of your hair or just the roots to create more volume in your hair

Cold perm cons:

- It won't last as long as digital perms

- If you have coarse hair, it may be difficult for curls to form

Digital perm pros:

- You'll have defined curls

- It lasts from 6 months to as long as 1 year

- Curls are more prominent when your hair is dry rather than when it's wet

- There's a trick in blow-drying your hair and once you get used to it, styling is a breeze

Digital perm cons:

- Since you'll have defined curls, if you want to bring them back to straight, you'll have to apply a straight perm

- If your hair is already damaged, or prone to damage, it'll leave you with an unhealthy crunchy texture

- You can't create small, tight curls

So if you want defined curls but your hair is coarse, unruly or flat you should get a digital perm. But if you have fine hair prone to damage, you're better off with a cold perm.

Either way, treating your hair after any perm is going to be super important. Make sure you consult your hairstylist for the right type of products to use after your perm.