What distinguishes a digital perm from a traditional perm?

A digital perm is characterized by its use of heat to create soft, natural-looking curls, which sets it apart from traditional perms. In the process of a digital perm, the hair is treated with a chemical solution and then placed in rods. The key distinction is that heat is applied through heated rods or a machine to facilitate the curling. This method allows for more flexibility in curl patterns and can produce soft waves and curls that appear more natural compared to the tighter curls typically associated with traditional methods.

In contrast, traditional perms generally utilize a cold wave technique, relying on chemical solutions that react at room temperature, and typically result in more uniform, tight curls. The heat application in digital perms contributes to the unique texture and movement, allowing stylists to achieve results that closely resemble natural hair curls. This distinction is essential for understanding the different approaches to texturizing hair and their resulting effects on hair health and style.