Korean permanent vs digital: what's the difference? A small guide on what to choose and how to take care
If you spend any time on hairtok, it’s impossible you haven’t come across at least one of those Korean salon videos featuring strange machines that look like they belong in a dystopian sci-fi movie. Those devices are used to create the hair trend of the moment: the Korean perm. But be careful: not all perms are the same. The most requested ones right now, the Korean perm and the digital perm, deliver completely different results, techniques, and maintenance. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand which one is truly right for your hair.
The different types of hair perms
Korean perm: soft waves and a natural effect
@alexstinean *in collaboration with @Seoul Beauty Global so happy with the results, it’s worth it!! #koreanperm #lifeinkorea #foreignerinkorea #hairtransformation #seoulhairsalon #hairperm Sunday - HNNY
The Korean perm is designed to create soft, lightweight waves with zero stiffness. The final look is similar to a blow-out style, with the major advantage that it stays in place all day instead of falling flat after a couple of hours. Unlike traditional curly perms, there’s no tight curl or defined spiral here: the goal is to enhance your hair’s natural texture, making it fuller and more voluminous without completely transforming it. That’s exactly why it’s so loved by people with fine or flat hair: it adds movement without resorting to overly aggressive or stressful techniques for the hair shaft. The process is actually quite gentle, keeping the hair soft and healthy. It lasts on average 6–8 weeks.
Digital perm: more defined and elastic waves
@eggdressesup this is the best salon experience i’ve ever had like seriously i’m being serious (this was at b[o]m hair salon in nomad nyc) #waveperm #wavyperm #koreanperm #koreanhair #koreanhairsalon #wavyhair #asianperm #digitalperm miffy cafe - sakuracloud
The digital perm, on the other hand, is still soft and natural, but with a more defined and longer-lasting effect. The waves are more structured, more curly, and they hold their shape even when you brush or run your fingers through them. Despite using heat, the hair still feels natural to the touch: no straw-like effect, staying soft and healthy. The average duration is 8–12 weeks, slightly longer than the Korean perm, because the digital method works in a more structured way and sets the shape better. It’s also perfect for those who already have wavy hair and just need reshaping.
How to care for your hair after a perm
Whatever type of perm you chose, aftercare is essential. Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours, skip straighteners for the first few weeks, use wooden combs or other gentle materials, and sleep with a silk bonnet to keep the waves from flattening or getting damaged. Now that your hair is wavy, it’s time to use products specifically made for curly hair, keeping it hydrated, defined, and bouncy all day long.
