Korean perm for men: a guide

What a men's Korean perm does

A men's perm changes the way hair sits so that styling takes less time. Instead of working hard with a dryer and wax every morning, you rely on the shape built into the hair. The result can be a loose wave across the front, a lifted root, or calm sides.

Perms work with the haircut. A good result needs a cut that gives the curl somewhere to go, so most men's perm appointments combine a cut and a perm plan. The stylist decides the order. For salon options, see the men's perm in Cheongdam page.

Popular men's styles

• Soft wave on top: a loose, natural movement through the fringe and crown. It suits many hair lengths.
• Root volume: lift at the front and crown, good for hair that lies flat or fine hair. See the root volume perm page.
• Down perm: calms hair that flares at the sides and back. It keeps a short cut neat.
• Defined curl: a stronger curl, often with the digital method, for guests who want a clear texture.
• Two-block with texture: shorter sides with a longer, permed top.

These style names are common descriptions, not a list of what the salon menu offers. The menu items are basic, root volume, setting or digital, magic straightening and magic setting.

Who it suits

A perm can work for many hair types, but fit matters:

• Straight, thick hair: often gains the most from a wave, because it can look heavy and flat otherwise.
• Fine hair: gains body from root lift, though the stylist must take care with condition.
• Curly or wavy hair: may only need a cut and a down perm to control shape.
• Very short hair: has limited curl room, so root volume or a down perm is more realistic.

Hair that has been bleached or heavily colored needs extra care. Tell the stylist about your hair history with dates.

Also think about your hairline and head shape. A lifted front can balance a longer face, while a softer wave can ease a strong jaw. The stylist will suggest what flatters you, so be open to adjusting the photo you bring.

Finally, think about your next haircut. A perm grows out with the hair, so book a trim after a couple of months to keep the shape tidy and the ends healthy.

How to ask for the style you want

1. Save two or three photos of men with a similar hair length and type to yours.
2. Say whether you want volume, wave, or a calm shape.
3. Say how much time you spend on styling each morning.
4. Mention work or school rules about hair length or color.
5. Tell the stylist about past perms, color or straightening.

Our guide to explaining your hairstyle has more phrases and photo tips.

Styling at home

Perms hold their shape when you style them with care:

• Towel dry gently by pressing, not rubbing.
• Apply a small amount of lightweight product to damp hair and scrunch upward.
• Use a dryer on a medium setting, ideally with a diffuser for wave definition.
• Do not brush a wave when dry. Use your fingers.
• Use less heat from irons, because they can flatten the curl and dry the hair.

For a longer look at upkeep, read how long a Korean perm lasts.

Booking at WENEED BLACK THE CHEONGDAM

The salon is on the 4th floor at 34 Apgujeong-ro 80-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00–19:30. Bookings are made through Naver Booking, and each stylist has an individual page. The final price depends on stylist level, hair length and condition, and the stylist confirms it. See the price list for menu prices.

Frequently asked questions

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