Perm for Men in Reading – Modern Texture & Style Curl Specialists
Perm For Men
Thinking about adding waves or curls to your hair? At The 5th Element in Tilehurst, we offer men’s perms in Reading that are tailored to suit your hair type, style, and personality. Whether you want loose surfer waves or a tight curl transformation, our stylists know how to make it work for you.
Modern Perms for Men
Forget the old-school perm stereotypes. Today’s men’s perms are subtle, stylish, and designed to add volume, movement, and shape. We use techniques that create natural-looking texture — not crunchy curls or chemical overload.
Why Men Choose Perms Today:
Add natural curl or wave to straight hair
Boost volume and body for fine, flat or thinning hair
Make daily styling quicker and easier
Complement taper fades, undercuts, or longer layered styles
Create both defined curls or loose, lived-in waves

The 5th Element Approach: Consultation First
Whether you have thick, fine, long, or medium-length hair, we customise your perm based on your hair texture and desired look. You’ll get a full consultation before your appointment to discuss goals, curl type, and maintenance tips.
Serving Reading, Tilehurst & Beyond
Located in the heart of Tilehurst, our salon welcomes clients from across Reading, Calcot, Theale, Pangbourne, and nearby areas. Looking for a barber that does perms for men in Reading? You’ve found us.
Every perm service starts with a personalised consultation:
Hair assessment (length, density, previous chemical treatments)
Curl preference: loose waves, tight curls, or mixed textures
Lifestyle discussion: maintenance level, styling habits
Aftercare planning

Types of Perms We Offer at The 5th Element
We tailor every perm to your hair type, face shape, and daily routine. Here’s a full breakdown of the services we offer for men:
Cold Perm (Traditional Perm)
Uses chemical solution & neutralizer — no heat
Produces tighter, more defined curls
Ideal for men wanting high volume, strong curl hold
Suited for short-to-medium hair lengths
Maintenance: 3-6 months depending on hair growth
Digital Perm (Hot Perm)
Uses heated rods for longer-lasting, natural-looking waves
Creates soft curls that hold their shape better when dry
Excellent for mid-length to longer men’s hairstyles
Less frizz, smoother curl pattern
Maintenance: 3-6 months
Spot Perm
- Targets specific areas: fringe, crown, sides or back
- Adds texture where you want volume or shape
- Popular for men with uneven growth or thin patches
- Very customisable
- Maintenance: 3-5 months depending on growth pattern
Soft Perm (Loose Wave Perm)
Subtle, natural-looking waves
Adds volume & movement while staying low maintenance
Perfect for first-time perm clients or fine hair
Easy to grow out gradually without harsh lines
Maintenance: 3-4 months
Wavy Perm (Beach Wave Perm for Men)
Mimics surfer-inspired loose, flowing waves
Great for longer top styles combined with fades
Lightweight curl pattern perfect for modern men’s looks
Maintenance: 3-5 months
Tight Curl Perm
For men seeking dramatic curls or coiled looks
High-definition curl structure
Requires dedicated aftercare to maintain curl integrity
Maintenance: 2-4 months
📍 Areas We Serve:
Tilehurst
Reading Town Centre
Pangbourne
Calcot
West Reading
North Reading
Theale
Caversham
Woodley
Earley
Key Benefits of Professional Perming
✅ Controlled chemical processing with bond repair options
✅ Advanced Goldwell solutions for hair health preservation
✅ Fully trained stylists in men’s curl structure
✅ Safer, more predictable results than DIY kits
✅ Natural grow-out plans to avoid harsh transitions
📅 Maintenance & Aftercare
| Perm Type | Touch-Up Frequency | Maintenance Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Perm | 4-6 months | Regular trims to maintain shape |
| Digital Perm | 3-6 months | Sulfate-free shampoo, moisture treatments |
| Spot Perm | 3-5 months | Use lightweight curl creams |
| Soft Perm | 3-4 months | Air-dry or diffuser styling |
| Wavy Perm | 3-5 months | Minimal heat styling, curl refreshers |
| Tight Perm | 2-4 months | Leave-in conditioning, avoid brushing dry |
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is perming suitable for fine or thin hair?
Yes — perms can add body, volume, and lift for men with finer hair types.
Does a perm damage men’s hair?
When performed professionally, modern perm solutions combined with conditioning treatments protect your hair’s integrity.
How long does a men’s perm appointment take?
Most services take between 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the length and technique.
How do I maintain my perm at home?
Sulfate-free shampoo, regular conditioning, and minimal heat styling will help maintain your curl shape.
Do I need a consultation before my first perm?
Yes. We always begin with a detailed consultation to ensure the perfect technique is chosen.
Not sure what will suit you?
You are in Good Hands
Before we start doing anything - Your stylist will have an in-depth consultation about your hair, and styles and answer all the questions you might have.
Barber Memberships
Unlimited Haircuts For Men
Just £40 a Month?
Would you like to come back and have a haircut on any day and time? By joining our membership plans you will get unlimited haircuts for a simple monthly price.
(no hidden cost / cancell anytime)
