A Local Guide for Women’s Salons in Korea

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Like international men, international women living in or visiting South Korea also deserve comprehensive guidance on getting their hair cut. Over the last 14 years, I visited dozens of salons across Korea. I’ve gone alone and with friends. Using those experiences, I’ve compiled information you might need for your next visit. Get ready for insights about women’s haircuts in Korea.

Content Framework

This Local Guide for Women’s Salons in Korea and Guide for Men’s Haircuts in Korea have many similarities. I created a template and changed the details relevant to each gender. The information that’s duplicated is simply true for everyone. So please don’t hate me for not rewriting cross-over information to save time and my sanity.

Culture Shock for International Residents

Let’s start with the common challenges international women face at Korean salons. Unless you’re visiting a foreigner-focused salon, things can get tricky. But you don’t want to travel across the country every time you need a haircut, so let’s dive into the issues and how to deal with them.

Actually, especially for women, even if you travel across the country to visit a foreigner-focused salon, you aren’t guaranteed a stress-free experience. That’s because such salons serve foreigners from around the globe, not just your country. This means you still might experience some cultural differences and language issues that surprise you. So let’s talk about some of the cultural surprises in women’s salons in South Korea.

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Prices and Services at International Resident Focused Salons Vary

Salons near US military bases that cater to international residents may have a different service style and price structure than regular Korean salons. For example, the salons focused on international residents may:

• 1) charge a sizable fee for services provided for free at regular salons
• 2) charge more for cuts and colors
• 3) expect a tips

Personal Side Note: After 14 years of using Korean salons, I have the most culture shock at salons for international residents due to the pricing models and customer service styles. Additionally, I’ve struggled more with communicating in English than in Korean. Therefore, my blogs about salons focus on using regular salons in Korea.

Lack of Specialization for Foreign Hair Textures

However, a major surprise for international women is that many Korean salons may not be familiar with handling certain hair types, particularly curly, coarse, or afro-textured hair. Most salons may only have experience with straight or slightly wavy hair, which is common in Korea. If your hair type is different, you’ll need to search for salons or stylists that specialize in diverse textures and international clients.

Language Barriers

Many local salons have limited English-speaking staff, especially in smaller towns. In expat-friendly areas like Itaewon, you’re more likely to find English-speaking stylists. However, learning some basic Korean hairdressing vocabulary or bringing pictures of the style you want will help avoid miscommunication. Simple phrases like “머리를 자르고 싶어요 (meorireul jareugo sipeoyo)” for “I want a haircut” can be useful. A longer list of key terms is provided later in this post.

No Walk-Ins at Popular Salons

Many upscale or trendy salons operate primarily on an appointment-only basis. While walk-ins are possible at smaller, neighborhood shops, trendy places require reservations, often made through KakaoTalk or Naver apps. You may need to be a legal resident of South Korea with a Foreign Registration Card (formerly called ARC), a bank account, and a Korean phone number to make reservations via Kakao and Naver.

The Full-Service Approach

In Korean salons, it’s standard to receive a full-service experience that includes not only a haircut but also a shampoo, scalp massage, and post-cut styling. Additionally, many salons offer treatments like coloring, perming, and conditioning. This level of service is welcome but may feel unfamiliar to those coming from countries where you might get a haircut without any extra treatments unless specifically requested.

Basic Terms for Haircut Styles (Women)

Korean salons are known for thorough consultations, which can be challenging if you don’t know the local terms. Your stylist might ask many questions to clarify what you want, so it’s best to have photos ready. It’s recommended to show photos from their social media or other Korean platforms to ensure better communication. We discuss social media research in more detail later in this post.

Receiving a full consultation might be a relief if you have specific ideas, but it may also feel intense for those used to quick haircuts back home. Both you and your stylist might feel some stress while communicating. It’s important to work through that discomfort and focus on achieving the style you want.

Concepts and Meaning May Not Be The Same

Even the language surrounding haircuts has its own culture in Korea. Words you use may not carry the same meaning or be interpreted the same way here. Always bring images that show exactly what you want—don’t rely on words alone. Miscommunication is common, so it’s crucial to understand how stylists interpret your requests.

Terms for Women’s Hair Cuts in South Korea

Finding Women’s Cuts for Different Hair Textures

As of 2024, if you have curly or coarse hair, finding a salon may still feel more challenging depending on where you are in South Korea. Most salons are highly experienced with straight and fine hair, which is common in East Asia. However, women with curly, coily, or coarse hair may have a harder time finding a stylist who understands their hair texture. Also, join groups on Facebook such as Black Hair Salons/Braids In Korea.

Curly or Coarse Hair

For curly or coarse hair, it’s best to look for international salons or hairdressers that cater to a diverse clientele. Areas like Itaewon, which has a large foreign population, have stylists experienced in a variety of hair textures. Try searching for places using terms like “외국인 여성머리 (waegugin yeoseong meori)” or “foreigner women’s haircut” on social media or Naver Blogs (not in Naver Maps, look specifically on Naver.com).

Afro-textured Hair

This can be particularly tricky. Traditional Korean salons are not well-equipped to handle Afro-textured hair, so it’s advisable to seek out a specialized salon or a stylist with experience in working with black hair. Itaewon or Pyeongtaek are considered by many to be the best areas to explore for these services.

Thick, Wavy Hair

While stylists in Korea are great at creating clean, sleek looks, women with thicker or wavier hair might want to clarify the desired amount of thinning or layering to avoid having too much bulk left in the hair. Be prepared to ask for specific techniques, such as texturizing or thinning, to control volume.

Areas that May Have Foreigner Focused Salons

You can find salons that cater to textured hair in the following cities:

• Seoul (서울)
• Suwon (수원)
• Pyeongtaek (평택)
• Dongducheon (동두천)
• Daegu (대구)
• Pohang (포항)
• Gunsan (군산)
• Chilgok (칠곡)
• Busan (부산)
• Uijeongbu (의정부)

Remember, these salons are often located near U.S. military bases or in areas with large immigrant populations. Instagram is a great platform to start your search.

Generational Differences in Korean Women’s Hairstyles

So what are the local trends for cuts in Korea? Like any culture, each age group tends to lean toward different styles. We’ve put together a little look at the trends by age group in 2024. This will change with time.

Older Generation (50+)

Women in this age group often prefer classic, low-maintenance styles such as the bob cut or layered cuts that add subtle volume. These styles are practical and align with the conservative and formal aesthetics often seen in Korean professional settings. Many older women also opt for hair coloring to cover greys or to maintain a polished look.

Middle-Aged Women (30–50)

Many in this age group tend to favor sophisticated styles that balance professionalism with modern trends. Popular choices include layered bobs, balayage highlights, and soft waves. These styles are versatile, suitable for both office environments and social settings, and offer a polished yet stylish appearance.

Younger Women (Teens–30s)

Young women are much more experimental with their hair. Popular styles include pixie cuts, shags, and vibrant hair colors such as pastels or bold highlights. Influenced by K-pop and fashion trends, younger women often seek unique and trendy looks that stand out and express their individuality.

Teenagers

Teenagers in Korea, especially those influenced by K-pop, are adventurous with their styles. Colored highlights, ombre effects, and bold cuts like the lob (long bob) are more popular in this group. The younger generation often seeks cuts and colors that mimic their favorite idols or actors, embracing creativity and individuality.

Terms for Searching Social Media

If you want to explore more options in a localized context, use Korean hashtags on social media. Here’s a list of commonly used hashtags on Instagram and other platforms for women’s haircuts:

Korean Social Media Vocabulary List

These hashtags are widely used by Korean social media influencers, hairdressers, and stylists on Instagram to share and showcase their work in women’s grooming and hairstyling. Using these tags will help you connect with the Korean hairdressing community online or find inspiration for women’s hairstyles in Korea.

Here’s the list organized into a table with recommendations for the most relevant platforms to search for each keyword:

Platform Recommendations:

As we often mention in South of Seoul information, the local population in Korea engages with some different social media platforms than new international residents. Therefore, we want to let you know where to start your search:

• Instagram: Best for visual inspiration, trending styles, and connecting with hairstylists.
• Naver Blog: Popular in Korea for in-depth reviews, before-and-after images, and local salon recommendations.
• YouTube: Useful for tutorials, hairstyle transformations, and finding hairdressers who specialize in specific techniques.
• KakaoStory: Popular among Koreans for personal experiences, hair trends, and sharing images with a local audience.

Researching Korean Social Hashtags Improves Your Salon Results

Researching Korean hashtags may improve your results at the salon. As we previously mentioned, women’s style culture differs from other countries. Therefore, the more you look at the images under each hashtag, the more you can conceptualize how to communicate your needs. Additionally, showing samples from Korean social media will feel more conceptually attainable to your stylist. It’s like speaking their creative language.

How Much Will These Cuts Cost?

Finally, you’ve done all the research for your women’s haircut, but you need to know what to expect regarding prices and services. The following table reflects our experience with salon pricing in South Korea as of 2024. Keep in mind, that every salon creates its own experience. The following list does not make promises, only provides a foundational idea of what might happen and what’s available.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Salon Experience

• Book in Advance: Popular salons, especially in trendy areas, fill up quickly. Book your appointment a few days in advance to secure your spot.
• Bring Photos: Visual references are invaluable. Bring multiple photos showing different angles and styles to ensure your stylist understands your vision.
• Be Clear About Your Needs: Whether you want a subtle trim or a complete transformation, clearly communicate your expectations. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
• Understand the Services: Familiarize yourself with common salon services in Korea, such as keratin treatments, deep conditioning, and various perm options, to make informed decisions.
• Be Open to Suggestions: Korean stylists are highly trained and often up-to-date with the latest trends. Be open to their professional suggestions to enhance your look.

By following these tips and utilizing the information in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the women’s salon scene in South Korea with confidence and ease.

Good Luck!

We hope this guide helps you find your perfect haircut while living in South Korea. What other blog posts do women need about salons and hairdressers in South Korea? Let us know in the comments below!

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net