Water-containing agents for the permanent deformation of keratin-containing fibers, in particular human hair, that has a pH from about 8.0 to about 8.5 and contains no more than about 0.1 mmol ammonia per 100 g of the agent, containing (a) about 0.5 to about 20 wt % cysteine, (b) about 0.5 to about 10 wt % of a (C2 to C6) alkanolamine as an alkalizing agent, exhibit an outstanding waving effect and are gentle on the skin and less odor-intensive.
