straight to wavy

The best way I know of to get waves without applying any heat is to use rag rollers. Karen did an article on them and other techniques:

http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip049.htm

Marci`s Retro Style has a nice discussion of setting techniques too:

http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/2457/techniques.html

I have used Sleepers curlers for some time and gotten good results but I see they are no longer on the web. A friend has the Sassy Curler and she gets nice waves using it:

http://www.adiscountbeauty.com/page375.html

I know someone else that has the Wrap, Snap & Go! curlers (I think she said she got them at Sally`s) and she gets nice waves with them too:

http://www.wrapsnapgo-thegoodideastore.com/

They are very similar to the Sleepers I mentioned earlier.

Of course, you can always do a wet set and get nice waves. It takes longer but it is gentle on your hair (use magnetic rollers NEVER velcro or brush).

Finally, if you want to try an appliance, I can recommend the Heat Cap:

http://www.heatcap.com/

It produces wonderful curls and waves that last about two days and it won`t damage your hair. A very good friend has had one for awhile now and I am really impressed with the product.

Hope this helps. :)