Considering an at-home perm, not so great at girl stuff. Any advice?

First off, I cannot by any means afford a stylist. I probably can't even afford a cheapo at-home perm kit, but in light of some seriously massive changes to my life (got dumped, got sober), I feel I must alter my appearance as a symbol of the "new me."

I have a roommate who is going to help, but she has dreadlocks and it has been years since she's done anything with her hair and is probably just as rusty as I am.

I want a curly mohawk, like this, but I'm white and have stick-straight hair. Yeah, yeah, I'm sure y'all think it's lame, but I simply must have it.

What are some things the instructions won't tell me?

And what's the best at-home product to use?

EDIT: Risk of failure is only a minor issue. I will be bummed out if I fuck up, but I've shaved my head bald several times over the last five years and my heart won't break if I have to do it again...although, December is the worst time to do it. Too damn cold.