Guide · 5 min read

Digital perm aftercare: washing, drying and sleeping

Zoltan Vargyai · permingUP since 1991
Updated 28 September 2026

The short answer

For the first couple of days, leave it alone: no washing, no tying it up tight, no clips pressing a dent in. After that, a digital permUP wants moisture, a light hand and as little brushing as possible.

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The first two days

The curl is set, but the hair is still settling after the chemistry. Give it a couple of days before the first wash. Don’t tie it up tight, don’t push clips or a headband into it, and don’t sleep on it wet. I’ll tell you the exact wait for your hair on the day.

Washing

Wash less often than you used to: two or three times a week is plenty for most people. Use a gentle shampoo on the scalp only and let the rinse clean the lengths. Condition every time, from the middle to the ends.

Drying

Squeeze the water out with a towel, never rub. Put a light leave-in or curl cream through the lengths, then either leave it to dry or use a diffuser on low heat. A digital permUP looks its best dry, so don’t judge it while it’s wet.

Brushing

Don’t brush dry curls. Detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is still in.

Sleeping

A loose, high knot on top of your head, or a silky pillowcase, keeps the shape overnight. In the morning, a mist of water and a scrunch brings it back.

What damages it

Tight hair ties, daily washing, high heat, and bleach or strong colour without advice. If you want colour after a permUP, ask me first: the timing matters.

“the digital perm from “hair texturiser” to the stars, Zoltan”

The Times online, August 2016 Read →

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Want this done properly?

In my chair it's called WavementUP.

Curl built for your hair, 6+ months. Cold £299.95–£499.95 · Hot £389.95–£659.95, by length.

See WavementUP →

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