Disclosed are waving compositions for waving of keratinous fibers, such as hair, containing a) a bisulfite compound, b) a sulfate compound or urea, and c) a phenol, and methods of waving keratinous fibers by applying such compositions to keratinous fibers. Also disclosed is a multi-unit cosmetic kit for treating a keratinous fiber containing a) a first unit containing a first composition containing a bisulfite compound and a sulfate compound or urea, and b) a second unit containing a second composition containing a phenol.
