Curls for guys

Hi,

I am 28 years old with light brown hair, thick, about 2 inches long. Thinking about going curly, not yet ready for a perm. Is there something my stylist can do to make it look permed, just so I can see what it would look like. Nothing permanent, yet! I've heard a set with perm rods would work. Is this true? And when I make the appointment, what do I ask for? Think about doing it next Friday.