To perm or not to perm?

[Piratesandpants]

I have long, thick hair (just below my shoulders) and very few, long layers for a bit of shape. I'm desperate for a change but shorter hairstyles are very time consuming because my hair is so thick. Quite fancy curls - big, loose curls/waves. Has anyone done this recently? (I'm old enough to be haunted by poodle perms many years ago which is a look I have no intention of replicating).

My hair is permed. Quite a few people have expressed surprise on finding out and assumed the curl is natural. It's a big curl/ wave rather than the poodle style.

Excellent - that's just what I want to hear Not a terrible idea then...