Abstract: By combining an aqueous chlorite solution with an organic or inorganic buffer salt and a divalent metal ion, a stable aqueous chlorite solution is attained for use in substantially improving the durability and resulting visual appearance of permanently waved hair. In addition, the present invention is equally effective as a post treatment for freshly permanently waved hair or as the oxidizer in the permanent waving process. Furthermore, this aqueous chlorite solution can be intermixed with conventional oxidizers to attain the desirable beneficial results.