Abstract: A heat cap for reducing processing time of permanent waves for the hair includes a cap which fits over the head, and a thermostatically controlled electrical heating element inside the cap for applying a selected heat distribution pattern to thermally-activated permanent wave solutions applied to the hair. The heating element comprises an electrical resistance heating film, preferably a meander pattern of conductive metal foil supported by a flexible, high temperature-resistant, fibrous dielectric sheet, such as aramid paper. The conductor develops a selected heat distribution pattern to be developed within the cap which, in turn, produces a generally uniform rate of heat processing for the permanent wave. The cap opens and closes along a pair of splits in the temple regions of the cap.