Q. Is there such a thing as a perm that makes a beachy wave? I might like to get one. Cindy Ryan; Liverpool, NY

A. Yes, there is and it’s splashed all over magazine covers right now! Say good-bye to spiral perms and hello to the “Oval Wrap”. It’s a traditional perm set on two large perm rods instead of the traditional one. The result is a mass of large, open waves instead of spiral curls circa 1990. It works beautifully for shoulder-length, or longer, hair. Just last year the haircare company Pravana released a new perm, appropriately called The Beach Wave, that uses large foam blocks to wrap the hair. Wrapping hair in a this kind of square curl formation also creates fantastic, loose waves. Ask your local expert if he/she offers either of these great services.