Hair Salon in South Korea: 5 Tips for a Succesful Visit

As someone who is always on the lookout for the latest hair styling trends, I was excited to learn about the unique hair culture in South Korea.

Coincidentally on my first visit to Seoul, I made friends with a Korean girl who, on one of the days we were meeting, happened to have an appointment with her hairstylist. 

So she invited my friend Maggie and me, who were traveling together, to join her and have our hair done as well.

It sounded like a fun experience and we were very curious about the differences between Korean hair salons, and home. 

We went to a hair salon at the Starfield Coex mall, in Gangnam, and as in every big, popular city mall they were used to get foreigners as customers.

Since we didn’t have any specific thing in mind, we let the stylists do as they pleased with our hair.

And here’s what I discovered in that experience about hair styling in this trendy and fashionable country.

One of the first things I noticed about hair styling, is the wide range of salons and hair care products available. 

From high-end luxury salons to more affordable chain salons, there seemed to be a salon to fit every budget and need. 

And when it came to products, the shelves were stocked with an endless array of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, many of which contained unique and innovative ingredients.

The thing is, hair styling in South Korea is known for being innovative and trendy. 

The Korean beauty industry places a strong emphasis on hair care and styling, so it doesn’t matter if you do not wanna cut your hair or color it, people go to get different caring treatments or style it to go on dates or simply take pictures.

They have the latest hair products: serums, oils, and treatments to achieve and maintain healthy, strong hair. 

Overall, hair styling in South Korea is highly influenced by the latest fashion and beauty trends and is considered an important aspect of personal grooming.

So, if you’re planning on trying some cool new things, visiting a salon in South Korea, and getting your hair done (and I strongly recommend it after a couple of times doing it) these are a few things from my experience you should keep in mind:

1. Research

It’s a good idea to research salons in the area where you’ll be staying, and to read reviews and ask for recommendations from locals and other travelers.

This will help you find a salon that has a good reputation and provides high-quality services. 

Knowing what you’re looking for will help narrow down your search as some places specialize in specific styles or aesthetics.

Also, be careful as not all of them know how to do ‘not Korean typical hair’, or even speak English. 

2. Know What You Want

Before you visit the salon, it’s recommended to have a clear idea of the haircut or style you want. 

Many salons offer a wide range of services, including cuts, colors, perms, and styling. 

Be sure to communicate your preferences clearly to your stylist to ensure that you get the results you’re looking for. 

However, if you are (like me on my first visit) kind of unsure of what you want, just communicate your preferences to your stylist and trust their professional expertise to find a suitable look for you. 

3. Be Prepared for the Price

Salon services in South Korea can be quite expensive, especially if you’re getting a haircut or color, or if you found a popular or celebrity-type style of salon. Salons or stylists that are well-known on social media are even more expensive. 

Be prepared to pay for the services you receive or ask first how much is everything gonna cost.

When I colored my hair last time, I went to a big salon in the Coex mall in Seoul. 

It was really modern and fancy and they had a lot of people working there so there was no wait time. It cost about  $120 to $140 (U.S. Dollars). 

4. Communicate With Your Stylist

If you have any specific requests or concerns, be sure to communicate them to your stylist. 

This will help ensure that you get the results you’re looking for and have a positive experience overall. 

My advice as always is, to have some pictures prepared, and some visuals on hand to show as references, in case there are any language barriers that might cause miscommunication. 

But is also helpful to check out if they can speak a little English before starting or bring someone with you that can explain what you want in Korean.

It’s better to Find a salon that other foreigners have visited before, so they have experience or know how to explain processes.

5. Consider the Cultural Differences

South Korea has a unique culture when it comes to hair and beauty, and the salon experience may be different from what you’re used to. 

Be open to trying new styles and be prepared to spend more time at the salon than you might be used to.

You’ll now be well-prepared for a successful salon visit in South Korea. 

So don’t be afraid to try out new styles and be open to the unique cultural experiences that a salon visit in South Korea can offer. 

It is really fun, and your hair will thank you, trust me.