Does Digital Perm Cause More Damage Than Cold Perm? 3 Ways to Protect Your Hair
“Isn’t digital perm more damaging than a regular perm?”
This is a common question I hear from clients. The short answer is: digital perm does not necessarily mean “more damage.”
In fact, depending on how it’s done and the chemicals used, cold perms can sometimes cause more damage to both the scalp and hair.
Let’s clarify the misunderstood differences in damage between the two.
First Things First: All Perms Cause Some Degree of Damage
Cold perms, digital perms, straightening, coloring —
anything that chemically alters the internal structure of the hair will cause some degree of damage.
However, by adjusting the products used, that damage can be minimized.
So why does digital perm have the reputation of being more damaging?
Let’s look into the reasons and the real differences.
3 Reasons Why Digital Perm Can Be Less Damaging
1. Heat Allows for Gentler Chemicals
Digital perm works by heating the hair at 40–70°C, allowing curls to be formed without the need for strong chemicals.
Many people assume that heat equals damage, but that’s a misconception.
In reality, the balance between heat and chemicals often results in less damage than cold perms.
At Hairdresser TAKA, I often use gentler solutions for digital perms than I would for cold perms.
This helps reduce chemical damage overall.
2. Tailored Application Based on Hair Condition
The roots might be healthy, while the ends could be dry or colored —
Each person’s hair has different conditions depending on the area.
With digital perm, the cream-type solution can be applied differently to the roots, mid-lengths, and ends.
This allows me to use milder formulas where the hair is more fragile.
3. Stress Relaxation for Gentle, Long-Lasting Curls
“Stress relaxation” means applying pre-tension to the hair, making it easier to form curls with less force.
In digital perms, I utilize this by first winding the hair with thinner rods, then switching to the final size rods in a two-step process.
This method helps reduce chemical strength by more than half while still achieving long-lasting curls.
The result: beautiful curls with minimal damage and excellent longevity.
Note: Without Proper Knowledge and Technique, It Can Backfire
So far, I’ve highlighted the benefits, but digital perm is a technically advanced service.
The balance between heat and chemicals, assessing hair condition, rod size, wrapping method — it all needs to align perfectly to create a gentle digital perm.
Inexperienced or undertrained stylists may actually cause more damage than a cold perm if not done carefully.
Summary | The Degree of Damage Depends on the Stylist
- Digital perms allow for gentle chemicals thanks to heat activation.
- Hair condition can be addressed by applying different formulas to different sections.
- Stress relaxation helps reduce damage while maintaining long-lasting curls.
- However, the stylist’s skill and knowledge are crucial.
Hair techniques and tools are constantly evolving — and so are hairstylists.
Rather than assuming “digital equals damage” or “cold is safer,”
why not explore what truly feels right for you — together with a trusted professional?
May your hair bring a little extra happiness to your everyday life.
If you’re curious, feel free to reach out for a consultation!
