Korean perm types explained

Three ways to describe a perm

When people say Korean perm, they may mean three different things at once: the shape of the curl, the method used to make it, and the goal of the style. Keeping these apart makes any conversation with a stylist easier.

• Shape: C curl, S curl, or tighter styles such as a build perm.
• Method: cold perm or digital (heat) perm.
• Purpose: adding wave, adding root lift, calming the sides, or straightening.

Below we take each in turn. WENEED BLACK THE CHEONGDAM lists basic perm, root volume perm, setting or digital perm, magic straightening and magic setting on its menu. See the perm services page for the details.

Curl shapes: C curl and S curl

C curl. The ends bend in toward the neck or jaw in a single curve, like the letter C. It gives a neat, soft finish and is often chosen for medium-length hair and bobs.

S curl. The hair has a wave that moves in and out, like the letter S. It looks more relaxed and flowing, and works on longer hair. Many people choose it when they want movement through the lengths.

Other names you may see include build perm, hippie perm and jelly perm, which describe fuller or more textured curls. Names differ from salon to salon, so a photo is the safest way to explain the look. Our guide on how to explain your hairstyle helps with this.

Methods: cold perm and digital perm

Cold perm. This is the classic method. The hair is wrapped on rods, treated with a perm solution, rinsed and neutralized, all without heated rods. Curls tend to look softer and a little more natural when wet and when dry.

Digital perm. Heat is used with the perm solution. The result is often a more defined, bouncy curl that holds shape when the hair is dry, and that often keeps its form in styling. It also means the hair is exposed to both chemicals and heat, so condition matters.

Neither is better in every case. Cold perms suit a soft, natural look. Digital perms suit people who want clear curl definition. On the salon menu, the setting or digital perm is a separate item from the basic perm.

Purpose-based perms

• Root volume perm: lifts the roots so hair looks fuller on top. It suits flat or fine hair.
• Down perm: calms hair that sticks out at the sides, often used for men.
• Magic straightening: relaxes waves or frizz for smoother hair. Compare it with curling perms before you choose.
• Magic setting: a straightening-based service with styling. Ask the stylist what the finish looks like on your hair type.

Details of the straightening service are on the magic straight perm page. The root volume perm page covers lift.

How to choose

1. Start with your goal: waves, lift, calm or straight.
2. Think about your daily routine. Do you want a wash-and-go style or are you happy to use a dryer?
3. Consider your hair history. Recent bleach or past straightening can limit options.
4. Choose a length plan. Curls pull the hair up, so the finished hair looks shorter.
5. Let the stylist test a section or explain the risk if your hair is fragile.

A good stylist will say no to a perm that is unsafe for your hair. That is useful advice, not a refusal of service.

Care and next steps

Aftercare shapes how long a perm looks good. Read how long a Korean perm lasts and how to care for it. If you are comparing methods across countries, see Korean perm vs Western perm. The final price depends on stylist level, length and condition, and you can check the price list before booking.

Frequently asked questions

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