First Digital Perm Experience

I have always wanted to get a perm for wavy hair but was reluctant for the longest time because everyone said it is hard to maintain and very damaging to your hair. But after worrying for so long, I finally decided to do it. My hair was getting too long and I wanted a change from straight hair.

The salon I went to is called Chura Hair Salon, located in downtown Vancouver. This place was recommended to me by my cousin since she had her perm done there several times. It's a Japanese hair salon with all Japanese stylists and I had a very friendly stylist name Maki to perm my hair. This salon is very affordable for a cut and digital perm compared to many other places in Vancouver. They charged $120 before tax and tips, while many places charge $200 - $300+.

The service was very good once I arrived. As usual, they will start off washing your hair before they cut it. One issue I had was just the language barrier. When I tried explaining the size of the curls I wanted, it seemed like she didn't quite get me. I just tried pointing at the pictures of the desired curls I want and asked her again to reassure she got my message.

So here is what the digital perm process will be like:

1. Cover hair in a digital perm chemical (like dying your hair) and cover it with saran wrap for approximately 10 minutes. Then washed it out.
2. Wrap hair in rollers and connect it to a digital perm machine which will heat up the rollers. Wait for 20 minutes. 
3. Before unrolling, blow dry hair with cold air. 
4. Unrolled the hair and apply a second conditioning lotion before rinsing it out.
5. Fully blow dry while twisting hair to create curls.
6. Last final cuts for bangs and long layers. (My personal preference)

I look like a monster... 

After the entire long process (3 hours), I was very satisfied and happy! I wanted soft curls to start from my ear down and they turned out very nice! My hair feels soft and not dry as I initially thought!

Note from hairstylist:

• Can't wash your hair until the next evening.
• Don't colour your hair until a week after.
• Don't tug down your hair or curls may be loosened.
• Dry roots first and twist your hair while blow drying the curls.
• To treat your hair, you may apply hair masks or oils 2-3 times a week.
• Can define your curls more with a curling iron, if wanted.
• For my fine hair, this digital perm may last 3-6 months.

I will follow up with another update on how to maintain permed hair.
Good luck on your perming experience! :)