Beach Wave Perm vs. Digital Perm
If you have decided you want a perm, the next question is usually: what kind? Two of the most popular options right now are beach wave perms and digital perms. They produce different results, work differently on your hair, and suit different lifestyles.
Here is a straightforward comparison to help you figure out which one is the better fit.
Beach Wave Perm
A beach wave perm uses a cold perm technique — meaning no heat is applied during the processing stage. Your hair is wrapped around large or medium rods, and a chemical solution reshapes the hair’s bonds at room temperature.
What it looks like: Loose, tousled waves with a relaxed, undone feel. Think of the texture your hair might have after a day at the beach — soft movement without tight definition.
Best for:
- Fine to medium hair that needs more body and movement
- People who want a low-key, natural look
- Hair that is on the shorter to medium-length side (beach waves can fall flat on very long, heavy hair)
How it dries: Beach wave perms tend to look best when air-dried with a scrunching technique and a light mousse or sea salt spray. They give that effortless look without much styling.
Maintenance: Wash with sulfate-free shampoo, scrunch product into damp hair, and let it dry. Most people find that their beach wave perm is genuinely low-maintenance.
Digital Perm
A digital perm uses heated rods connected to a machine that controls the temperature during processing. The heat helps create more defined, structured curls that hold their shape especially well when dry.
What it looks like: Soft, bouncy curls with more definition than a beach wave. The curls tend to be more uniform and springy. When you pull a curl and let it go, it bounces back.
Best for:
- Medium to thick hair that can handle the heat processing
- People who want visible, defined curls rather than loose waves
- Longer hair — digital perms hold well on longer lengths because the heat sets the curl more firmly
How it dries: Digital perms look their best when blown dry with a diffuser or set with rollers. They are designed to activate and define more when the hair is dry, which is the opposite of a cold perm.
Maintenance: Use a curl-defining cream or mousse and either air-dry or diffuse. Digital perms typically last longer than cold perms because the heat-set bonds are more durable.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beach Wave Perm | Digital Perm | |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Cold processing | Heat processing |
| Curl type | Loose, tousled waves | Defined, bouncy curls |
| Best hair type | Fine to medium | Medium to thick |
| Best length | Short to medium | Medium to long |
| Looks best | Air-dried, wet look | Blown dry, dry look |
| Longevity | 3–4 months | 4–6 months |
Which One Should You Choose?
The honest answer is: it depends on your hair and what you want from it.
Choose a beach wave perm if you want subtle, relaxed texture that looks like you were born with it. If your goal is effortless waves that you barely have to think about in the morning, this is your perm.
Choose a digital perm if you want curls that make a statement. If you have been curling your hair with a wand every day and want that look to be permanent, a digital perm gets you there.
If you are still not sure, that is exactly what the consultation is for. At Aura Salon, we look at your hair type, talk about your daily routine, and figure out which technique will give you the result you actually want — not just the one that sounds good on paper.
Things to Know Before Either Perm
Both types of perms work best on hair that has not been heavily bleached or damaged. If your hair is compromised, we may recommend a conditioning treatment or waiting before perming.
Neither perm should be done on the same day as a color service. If you want both, we will schedule them with enough time in between to keep your hair healthy.
After either perm, avoid washing your hair for 48 hours to let the bonds fully set.
Book Your Consultation
Not sure which perm is right for you? That is what a consultation is for. Book at Aura Salon and we will look at your hair, talk through your options, and build a plan that works for you.