Transform Your Look with a Professional Perm
Looking for lasting curls, waves, or volume? At The 5th Element Unisex Hair and Beauty in Reading, we specialise in customised perms for women using Goldwell’s Texture Dimensions system – the gold standard in modern perming. Whether you want beachy waves, spiral curls, or root lift volume, we craft the perfect texture for your hair type and lifestyle.
Who Is It For?
This service is ideal for women who want:
- A low-maintenance alternative to daily curling
- Volume and bounce for fine or limp hair
- Enhanced definition for naturally wavy or curly textures
- A long-lasting style solution without heat tools
What Is a Perm?
A perm (short for “permanent wave”) is a chemical hair treatment that reshapes the hair’s structure to create curls or waves that last for months. Using curling rods and Goldwell’s specialised solutions, we restructure the bonds in your hair to lock in the new curl shape.
The modern perm trend is coming to reshape the texture landscape.
This isn't just a rerun of the 80s perm. No longer limited to tight curls, today's perm is a diverse playground of curls and wavy perms, offering everything from beachy waves to intricate ringlets. Even men's perms have evolved, leaving behind dated looks for relaxed, contemporary curls and waves.
Texture Dimensions Perm is where creative winding techniques meet modern perm hair products.
What Is a Modern Perm – And Why It’s Nothing Like the Old Days
Forget everything you thought you knew about perms. Today’s techniques are miles away from the harsh chemicals and tight curls of the past. A modern perm is a customisable texture treatment that can give your hair body, movement, waves, or curls — tailored to your style and lifestyle.
At The 5th Element in Reading, we offer professional perm services for women using Goldwell’s advanced perm system, designed to be gentler on the hair while delivering lasting, natural-looking results. Whether you want to enhance volume, create loose curls, or reduce frizz, we’ll help you find a look that fits — not fights — your hair.
What You Can Expect From a Modern Perm at Our Salon:
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Soft, flexible results – from loose waves to defined curls
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Formulated for coloured, fine, or delicate hair
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Multiple techniques including digital, body wave, spiral & root lift
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Tailored styling – ideal for bobs, long layers, and textured cuts
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In-salon consultation to match perm type with your goals
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Shine-enhancing and frizz-reducing formulas
Modern Perm
Types of Perms We Offer
1. Body Wave Perm
Creates soft, natural-looking waves with movement
Ideal for clients wanting bounce without tight curls
2. Beach Wave Perm
Effortless tousled look, mimics sea-salt texture
Popular with long-haired clients or those wanting a low-maintenance finish
3. Root Perm (Root Lift Perm)
Adds volume at the roots without curling mid-lengths/ends
Great for flat, fine, or ageing hair
4. Spiral Perm
Defined curls with dramatic length and shape
Works well on medium to long hair
5. Digital Perm (Hot Perm)
Heat-assisted process, creates soft curls that look styled with a curler
Long-lasting and low maintenance for medium-long hair
6. Cold Perm (Traditional method, modern results)
Chemical-only technique, creates tighter curls or waves
Customisable with rod choice — from loose to tight
7. Korean Perm / Japanese Soft Curl Perm
Very soft, modern curls with shine and bounce
Often paired with layers or face-framing shapes
8. Volume Perm
Subtle wave just for body and root boost
Best for limp or ageing hair wanting lift, not curl
9. Stack Perm
Curls only the mid-lengths and ends
Great for layered hair or blunt bobs
10. Multi-Textured Perm
Combination of different rod sizes for natural look
Mimics the randomness of natural curls
11. Straight Perm / Soft Relaxing (for fringe/ends only)
Used to smooth frizz and add softness to naturally wavy or curly hair
Sometimes combined with perm on the rest of the hair for hybrid looks




Why We Use Goldwell for Perms
Goldwell Texture Dimensions is designed for professional, high-performance perming:
- Topform Acid – Ideal for coloured, fragile, or fine hair types.
- Topform Biocurl – For normal to resistant hair, providing strong, bouncy curls.
- Evolution – For luxurious, long-lasting curls with maximum care and shine.
The result? Curls that look healthy, feel soft, and hold their shape beautifully over time.
The Perm Process at Our Reading Salon
- Consultation – Discuss your desired curl pattern and check hair condition.
- Prep and Protection – Apply pre-perm treatments to minimise stress on hair.
- Wrapping and Application – Section and roll hair to match your chosen curl style.
- Processing with Goldwell – Precisely timed for long-lasting, uniform curl definition.
- Neutralising and Styling – Lock in curls, followed by styling and aftercare tips.
Aftercare: Keep Your Curls Healthy and Lasting
- Wait 48 hours before washing or heat styling.
- Use sulphate-free, curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner.
- Avoid brushing when dry – use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair.
- Hydrate regularly with deep conditioning treatments.
- Return to the salon for trims to maintain shape and prevent frizz.
We’ll recommend specific Goldwell aftercare products based on your hair type.
TRIPLE MOISTURE BOUNCE COMPLEX
Make a difference to your clients' hair with the new formula containing the Triple Moisture Bounce Complex, a technology with four key ingredients. Designed for hydration and elasticity, this formula delivers moisture, reduced frizz and curl definition.

FAQs – Women’s Perm Services
What is the difference between a spiral and body wave perm?
A spiral perm creates tight, bouncy curls with a lot of volume, while a body wave gives soft, loose waves and a more natural look.
Can I get a perm if my hair is coloured or bleached?
Yes! We use Goldwell Topform Acid, specifically designed for colour-treated or delicate hair.
How long does a perm appointment take?
Most perm sessions take between 2 to 3 hours, depending on hair length and curl style.
Will my hair feel dry or damaged after a perm?
No – our use of Goldwell products and professional techniques ensures your hair remains soft, shiny, and healthy.
How often should I get a perm redone?
Typically every 3 to 6 months, depending on your hair growth, curl type, and care routine.
Perms Prices
| Service | Price |
| Perms for Short | £122 - £130 |
| Perms for Medium / Long Hair | £135 - £145 |
Book Consultation Today
Whether you're going for vintage waves, modern beach curls, or big volume – we deliver it all with the care and precision you deserve.
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