Possible to achieve these waves + perm aftercare

Hi :)

My hair is naturally straight, it's not fine nor too thick, and is absolutely lifeless. It is a heavy hair, that doesn't have any volume what so ever and is even difficult for my hair to hold thiskind of hair clips, they just slip on my hair. I've become tired of my hair, and I have decided I'm perming it next Thursday, and try to achieve something to this effect. Is it possible or is this mainly done by styling? I'm not one to spend time styling my hair at all.

Another thing is, I have no idea what kind of care I should have with my hair after I perm it. My hair is healthy, I have a split end here and there, but nothing major (besides, I haven't cut my hair in 6 months). I'm using a supermarket shampoo brand (I know I should look into better products, but they are too pricey), Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner for regular hair (although I may switch to their dyed/permed/damaged hair line if it's worth it) and I was thinking of maybe buying a good mask for permed hair and use it once a week. I don't think I'd need more than that, because my hair never sees heat. Honestly, the only time it is blow dryed is when I go to the salon, which only happens every 5 months. Also, after I wash it, should I use mousse or hair spray, or something along those lines, for the curls to hold on better, or it won't be needed?

I would try to post a picture of my hair for you to have a better idea, but I'm not at home and will only get there Wednesday. I'll try to take a good picture meanwhile so you can have a better idea.

Thanks in advance for trying to help me out :)

To get that look, you don't need a perm.  Hot rollers or a curling iron will give you that look. Try hot roller with a good setting spray before you get a perm. A perm will damage your hair. It will rtake around 6 months for the roots to start growing in. You may get tired of it and if you resort to  straightening it all the time, you will damage it eveno  further. Have you ever considered enhancing the good things about your hair? Straight hair can look gorgeous too. If your hair doesn't take to curl easily, then play off the straightness.

Edited by Porpoise - October 15 2006 at 9:12am