Korean hair salon etiquette for foreigners

A direct answer

There are few strict rules. The main idea is to treat the visit as an appointment with one stylist who has set aside time for you. Be punctual, be clear, and be polite. That is enough.

Practices differ by salon, so use this as a general picture. When something is unclear, ask the stylist.

Booking and arriving

Many Korean salons use Naver for booking. Pick a date and time, choose the service, and confirm. At WENEED BLACK THE CHEONGDAM, booking runs through Naver Place and Naver Booking, with an individual page for each stylist. The steps are on the how to book page.

Check the opening days when you plan. The salon is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00–19:30, and closed Sunday and Monday.

Plan the day around the visit. Color, perms and treatments can take several hours, so avoid fitting a long service between a flight and a dinner reservation. Ask how long the plan will take when you book.

Arrive a few minutes early. If you are going to be late, tell the salon as soon as you can, since a long service may have to be shortened.

The consultation

The stylist begins by looking at your hair and asking what you want. Show reference photos, describe your hair history and say how much time you spend styling. See how to explain your hairstyle for tips.

It is normal for a stylist to suggest changes to your idea. They are adapting it to your hair, face and growth pattern. You may disagree politely. A calm question such as why do you suggest that usually brings a clear answer.

During the service

Salons are generally quiet and calm. You may be offered a gown or a cape, a hair wash, and a drink. Staff may work as a small team, with an assistant helping on washing or color.

Speak to the stylist, not only to your phone screen, when something is unclear. Stylists check in during the work, and a short answer such as good, shorter, or please wait keeps things on track.

Phone use is fine, though a long call in the chair is not. If you want to chat, you can. If you prefer silence, a polite smile and a nod are understood.

At WENEED BLACK THE CHEONGDAM, the private styling area has curtains that close off the view from outside, so you will not be seen by others while the work is done.

Money, tipping and extras

Tipping is not a normal part of salon visits in Korea. The price you confirm is the price you pay. Ask for the final price before any service, since cost depends on stylist level, length and hair condition.

Payment details are not something this guide can confirm for the salon, so ask when you book. Keep your booking confirmation handy on the day, in case staff want to match the service and stylist.

For the published menu, see the price list. If the service changes during the visit, for example you add a treatment, ask for the new price first.

Speaking up and aftercare

If the water is too hot, the massage is too firm, or the cut is going shorter than you wanted, say so immediately. Stylists would rather adjust than have you stay unhappy.

• Ask how to style the hair at home.
• Ask when to come back for a trim, touch-up or retouch.
• Ask about washing after color or a perm.
• Say thank you. A simple 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) is always welcome.

If a problem appears after you leave, contact the salon with photos and the date of service. See the FAQ page for common questions.

Frequently asked questions

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