Abstract: By providing a composition for use with a conventional keratin reducing agent which comprises at least one mono or dimercaptopolyoxyethylene compound, a substantially improved and enhanced permanent wave is attained which provides a substantially increased long-lasting and durable hair set retention, as well as enhanced hair conditioning, sheen and manageability. In the preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention is employed either as a post treatment after the application of a conventional hair keratin reducing agent or as an additive in the conventional reducing formulation. Furthermore, the preferred mono or dimercaptopolyoxyethylene compound employed preferably comprises a molecular weight ranging between about 200 and 800.