Cold Perm for Short Hair in Toronto: Soft Curls for Your Cut
MOMO HAIR · 2026-11-02
If you have a short cut and want some movement in it, a cold perm is one of the first things we talk about at MOMO HAIR, our salon at Yonge and Eglinton in Toronto. Here are the questions people ask most, with straight answers, so you know what to expect before you decide.
What is a cold perm?
A cold perm is one of our specialties, along with digital perm, spiral perm and men's perm. It gives straight or flat hair curls and waves that hold their shape. It is a different service from a digital perm, which uses heat-controlled rods. A cold perm gives a softer, springier curl that looks best when the hair is damp or styled with a little product. A digital perm gives bigger, looser waves that look best when the hair is dry.
Does a cold perm suit short hair?
Often, yes. Of the two, cold perm suits short hair better than digital perm does. If your hair is short and you want it to look softer and fuller, a cold perm is usually the service we start with. Short hair is light, so the curl lifts it at the roots and gives it body. On longer hair, the weight of the hair pulls a cold perm curl looser over time, so many people with long hair choose a digital perm instead.
Who can have a cold perm?
We do cold perms for both women and men. Most healthy hair can take a cold perm. Hair that has been bleached, coloured or chemically treated before is more fragile, and the perm solution might not work well on it. That is why a strand test is a good idea for anyone with treated hair. At our salon it is a free 5-minute pre-test on a small strand, done before you commit.
How much does a cold perm cost in Toronto?
In Toronto, most salons list a perm "from" about $120 to $250. Simple perms and men's perms are usually at the lower end, around $120 to $160. Women's perms, especially for thicker or longer hair, are usually around $150 to $250. Digital perms cost more, usually from about $250. The final price at any salon depends on your hair length, how thick your hair is, and how long the perm takes.
At MOMO HAIR, a cold perm starts at $200 for women and $180 for men. That puts us in the middle to upper part of the Toronto range. The price includes a free consultation and a free pre-test, so you know the exact price before anything is done. Right now, chemical services booked on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday are 10% off, and that includes cold perm.
When you compare prices, ask each salon what is included. Some "from" prices are for very short hair only, or don't include the cut or the styling.
How long does a cold perm last?
A cold perm usually lasts about 3 to 6 months. The curl itself does not wash out, but your hair grows and you get it trimmed, so over time the curl moves down and gets cut away.
On short hair, you will usually notice it sooner, often closer to 3 months, because a few trims take away a bigger share of the curl. Healthy hair holds a perm longer than damaged hair. Good care at home, especially in the first few days, makes a real difference.
How do I look after my curls?
These simple habits help your curls last longer and look their best:
- Keep your hair dry for the first 48 hours. The curl is still setting. Don't wash it, and try not to tie it up, clip it or sleep on it pressed flat.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a good conditioner. Sulfates strip moisture, and permed hair is drier than it was before. Wash a little less often, and condition every time.
- Comb gently. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while your hair is damp, and start at the ends. Brushing dry curls makes them frizzy and breaks up the curl pattern.
- Scrunch, don't rub. After washing, squeeze the water out with a microfibre towel or an old T-shirt instead of rubbing.
- Add moisture. A leave-in conditioner or a light curl cream helps the curls hold their shape and stay soft. A deep conditioning mask once a week also helps.
- Go easy on heat. Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat. If you use hot tools, use a heat protectant first.
- Protect your hair from chlorine. Wet your hair with clean water before swimming and rinse it right after.
- Sleep on silk or satin. A silk pillowcase or bonnet means less friction and less frizz in the morning.
- Wait before other chemical services. Give your hair about a month before colouring or any other chemical service, and ask your stylist first.
- Get regular trims. Trimming every 3 to 4 months keeps the ends healthy and the shape neat.
Is a cold perm right for me?
A cold perm could be a good fit if you have short, fine or flat hair and want more body and soft curls that last for months. If your hair is very damaged, or you want big, loose waves on long hair, another service may suit you better.
If you are not sure, you are always welcome to ask us. Our consultations are free, and you can see more of our cold perm results here.
MOMO HAIR is on the second floor at 2156 Yonge St, near Yonge and Eglinton. We are open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 7pm and Saturday from 9am to 6pm.