The preparation for permanently deforming hair has a pH of 6.5 to 9.5 and contains, as keratin-reducing agent, a 2-mercaptopropion-amide of the formula (I): in which R1 and R2, independently of one another, represent H, a linear or branched alkylaminoalkyl group with 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or a morpholinoalkyl group with 2 to 3 carbon atoms in the alkyl portion of the morpholinoalkyl group, with the proviso that R1 and R2 are not simultaneously H, or that R1 and R2, together with the nitrogen atom, form a five-or six-membered heterocyclic ring, which optionally contain an additional N or O and are optionally substituted with one or two OH and/or methyl groups.