We’re all familiar with the classic perm: the ultimate hair treatment option designed to reshape your hair – but how much do you know about the Korean perm?
The term “Korean perm” doesn’t just refer to a traditional perm performed by a Korean hairstylist. Korean hair specialists have developed a unique perming process, ideal for anyone in search of effortlessly natural, subtle, and perfectly shaped curls or waves.
Unlike standard perms, Korean perms are perfect for creating perfectly pristine curls that look natural, without the need for extensive styling. If you’re wondering whether a Korean perm is the right option for you, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
What is a Korean Perm? The Basics
A Korean perm is a hair styling technique focused on achieving an effortlessly natural look. If you love the perfect waves and well-structured curls sported by K-Pop stars and celebrities, a Korean perm could be the perfect option for you.
Korean perms differ from traditional perms in a few ways. First, while traditional perms usually involve using chemical solutions as part of a “cold perming” technique, Korean perms involve the use of specially formulated solutions that help to carefully restructure the shape of your hair, creating a more subtle appearance, while minimizing hair damage.
Compared to traditional perms which tend to produce very uniform, tight curls, Korean perms are customized to suit the exact look you want to achieve. Your Korean hairstylist can work with you to identify the ideal perming strategy based on the finished look you want.
For instance, they can use digital perming techniques to create waves and curls that perfectly frame your face, add volume and texture to specific parts of your hair, and so on.
Korean perms are often considered a lower maintenance option than regular perms too, thanks to their exceptional longevity. The curls and waves you get will loosen naturally over time, reducing the need for frequent salon visits.
Korean Perms vs Other Perming Options
Still uncertain about how a Korean perm differs from a traditional perm? Here’s a quick look at the differences:
- Curl Intensity: Korean perms create subtler, more natural curls and waves than traditional perms, but those curls are also more pronounced than they would be if you chose a Japanese perm. Korean perms are typically very customizable, so they can be adapted to suit your specific hair styling goals.
- Hair health: Korean perms, like most perms can cause damage to your hair if they’re not applied correctly. Fortunately, trained Korean stylists can assess the health of your hair and customize your treatment to reduce damage. They may also suggest strategies for protecting your hair, like using sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners.
- Maintenance: Korean perms usually require minimal maintenance, and can last up to six months or more, depending on how fast your hair grows. Other, softer perming techniques, like Japanese perms, generally don’t last as long, because of their gentle approach.
- Volume: Korean perms are excellent at adding volume to your hair. They’re a fantastic option if you want to give your hair a boost, without having to deal with the traditional frizz and overly pronounced curls of a traditional perm.
- Pricing: Because Korean perms require a lot of skill and a careful approach to customizing the final shape of the hair, they can be more expensive than a traditional perm. Of course, pricing will vary depending on the salon you choose, and the length of your hair.
Types of Korean Perming Techniques
The “Korean Perm” is more of a hair style than a perming technique. As mentioned above, your stylist can work with you to create a range of looks, depending on your preferences. Some of the most common styles of Korean perm include:
- The S Shaped Perm: This strategy builds “S” shaped curls and waves that build additional volume in your hair, without adhering to a specific curl directly. This leads to a more natural look than you’d get with the uniform curls of a traditional cold perm.
- The C Shaped Perm: The C-shaped perm is another strategy for creating a natural look. It creates C-shaped curls that face inwards, usually towards the bottom sections of the hair. This helps to frame your face, and add structure to your style.
Some salons also offer a wide range of other perming options. For instance, the “Korean down perm” is a great choice for people who want more control over their look. It helps reduce volume and create smoothness around the roots of your hair.
Alternatively, Korean root perms can add volume specifically to the root section of your hair, giving your locks a boost without adding any curls and waves. You can also find Korean perm services which can straighten frizzy or naturally curly hair, and perms that focus exclusively on the bangs section at the front of your hair (or your fringe).
Who are Korean Perms Good For?
Since Korean perms are highly versatile and customizable, they’re a great option for a wide range of people with different style preferences. You can work with your Korean stylist to create the exact look you want, regardless of whether you’re looking for waves, curls, or a pin-straight hairstyle.
However, while your stylist can customize your perm formula and provide advice on how to protect your hair to reduce the risk of damage, any perm can cause problems for people with already damaged hair. If your hair is already chemically treated, dry, or fragile, a Korean perm probably isn’t a good option. You might want to consider a traditional cold perm, or a different treatment entirely.
Korean perms are usually a better option for people with thicker hair too. Although this perming style can add volume to finer hair, thick, healthy hair holds curls a lot better. It’s definitely worth talking to your stylist, and asking them to assess your hair health before you invest in a Korean perm.
What is Getting a Korean Perm Like?
Every Korean hair salon is different, so the exact experience you’ll get will vary depending on the salon and stylist you choose. At PERFECT X HAIR, however, we do follow a specific process to make sure our clients always get the best results from their treatment.
Before you arrive for your perm appointment, you’ll have an initial consultation with a stylist, where you can share any inspiration photos you have, along with your hair goals.
During this consultation, your stylist will assess your hair health, and your aspirations to suggest the right perming technique for you. For instance, they might suggest a cold perm, digital perm, or even a focused perm, like a root perm.
Once you agree on the ideal perming strategy, you’ll be able to book an appointment with your stylist. They’ll welcome you into the salon when you arrive, and double-check what kind of style you want to create. Then, they’ll apply a perming solution to your hair that will gently break down the bonds in your hair, allowing your stylist to rework your mane into the ideal shape.
After your hair is malleable enough, your stylist will use heated rods and other accessories to create the waves or curls you want to achieve. After this, they’ll apply a setting solution to the hair, rinse out any residual solution, and blow-dry and style your hair for you.
Maintaining Your Korean Perm
As mentioned above, Korean perms can last significantly longer than some other perming options. Some will even last as long as 6-12 months. However, how long you can maintain your style will depend on your approach to protecting your look.
You’ll need to follow basic perm care practices. That means you shouldn’t wash your hair or get it wet for at least three days after the perm. You’ll also need to avoid exposing your hair to brushes and combs that might damage the final style (at least initially).
Since perming can make your hair more vulnerable to damage, it’s a good idea to avoid exposing it to heat too. Avoid any heated curling or straightening tools, and use the cold setting on your hair dryer whenever possible.
An experienced stylist should be able to give you other maintenance tips you can follow too. For instance, they might suggest certain products you can use to boost the integrity of your hair, like protein sprays and moisturizing balms that help retain the natural moisture in your hair.
Should You Consider a Korean Perm?
Korean perms are an excellent option for anyone who wants to create subtle, natural-looking waves and curls that last for months. This highly versatile perming treatment can be adapted to suit any hair style or length. However, you will need to make sure you choose the right salon.
Choosing a salon with years of experience in Korean perming techniques, like PERFECT X HAIR, will minimize the risk of damage to your tresses, and ensure you end up with the perfect finished look.
If you’re ready to revitalize your look with a Korean perm, contact PERFECT X HAIR today to book an initial consultation and appointment with one of our stylists.
FAQs
How much does a Korean Perm cost?
The price of a Korean perm can vary depending on the techniques your stylist is using, the length of your hair, and your chosen salon. In some cases, a highly customized Korean perm using the digital perming technique can be a little more expensive than a traditional cold perm. However, targeted perms like a root or bangs perm are usually cheaper.
How long does a Korean Perm last?
Korean perms usually last for between 3 to 6 months. However, how long you can wait between touch-up appointments will vary depending on how quickly your hair grows, and the perming techniques used. Your stylist should be able to give you tips on how to improve the longevity of your style, and advise you on when to make your next appointment.
How long does a Korean Perm take?
Most appointments take around 3 hours, but it depends on how much hair you have and how long your hair is. Korean perms are all about creating highly customized looks with meticulous attention to detail. Stylists don’t just create uniform curls, they adapt the shape of your hair to suit your face, and achieve specific outcomes. This means a Korean perm will usually require a longer appointment than other traditional hair styling services.
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