The only time I've ever permed my hair was when I was 5 years old, and that was against my will. I remembered wailing throughout cos I couldn't bear the heat generated by the dome-thing which was placed just above my head. I emerged with what my mum thought were cute girlish curls and a firm resolution not to go through that ordeal again. Till now anyway.

The only advice my hairdresser gave was 1) I don't need a comb anymore ("Your fingers are your comb now dear"), and 2) to practise twirling hair round my finger to form curls. Woohoo.