What is the primary benefit of cold wave perms?

The primary benefit of cold wave perms is that they allow for more natural curls without the use of heat. Cold wave perms rely on chemical reactions to curl the hair, using ammonium thioglycolate as the primary waving lotion. This process does not involve any heat and is often considered less damaging to the hair compared to heat-based perm methods. The result is softer, more natural-looking curls that can enhance the hair's texture and movement.

In contrast, other methods may produce tighter or more defined curls, but they typically do so at the expense of the hair's health, especially when heat is involved. The allure of cold wave perms lies in their ability to achieve a more organic wave that complements the hair's natural fall and flow, thus appealing to those seeking a natural look.