Abstract: The permanent wave rod disclosed in this application comprises a hard plastic core surrounded by a soft pliable non-absorbent rubber sleeve. The rubber sleeve includes a plurality of longitudinal shallow grooves to more evenly distribute the permanent wave solutions to the inside of the hair curl wound about the rod. The diameter of the rod decreases from the ends of the rod toward the center to better fit the head and more evenly distribute the tension on the hair as it is wrapped about the rod. The soft pliable rubber provides an even tension to the wrapped hair.A rubber strap extends from one end of the rod and is stretched over the wrapped hair to a fastening socket at the other end thereby holding the curl of hair in place on the rod. The end of the rod from which the strap extends includes four radial grooves. The strap is placed in one of the radial grooves to assure that the strap returns to the original position on the hair after having been pulled away.