For those of you who have fine, straight, hair, perming is always an option, but it can really do a lot of harm to your hair in the long run. The curlier you go, the more likely you are to have over processed, damaged hair. Just as we with curly hair are not made to have straight hair and rely on temporary fixes, people with ultra fine hair shouldn't try to go with a too curly perm. While perms are expensive and it's natural for you to want to make it last as long as possible, it is in your hair's best interest to get less curl and more often. A trim, even if just the tips in between perms will perk up the perm and get rid of dry ends. Nexxus makes a line for permed hair which works pretty good.
If you insist on layering your hair, make sure there is body in your hair, otherwise, blunt cut it one length and rely on styling and products to poof it up.
Use a shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Heavier ones will weigh the hair down. I do not suggest a shampoo and conditioner in one for anyone. Use separate products. Use Mousse or gel on damp hair. Most mousse products contain alcohol and actually dry the hair out more. If using Mousse, try to find one without.
Blow dry hair upside down, right side up, any way that directs the roots OFF the scalp for volume. When you come back up and are dizzy and look like the Wild Woman from Borneo, don't worry, we're not done yet. Lightly spray a coat of hairspray and dry it on cool until the spray is dry. Take sections and curl with either a curling iron, electric rollers, regular rollers etc. for your style. When you look like you have been attacked by the sausage fairy, lightly spray the rolls and again, dry them gently. I do not use a brush or a comb to finish the style, it flattens the style out. I use a pick and pick through the curls, LIGHTLY spray, dry and then finish the style. When you're done, use whatever spray product you need, Firm hold, Freeze spray, etc.
If you have straight OR curly hair, there is a product that's fantastic, called the Fermodyl Interactives Treatment and Shine. Two formulas, Double O233 (pink), for thicker, chemically treated, or permed hair, and Double OO7, (blue), for fine, limp hair. Both are leave in conditioners. Check with salons, beauty supply places, or retail outlets that sell professional products.