It’s amazing what magic a Korean perm can do for men. It might be just what you’re looking for if you’ve been itching to change up your hairstyle.
Or maybe you’ve been admiring that K-pop idol’s hair for a while now and wondered if a Korean perm could give you the same glow-up as these idols.
If you’ve been struggling to achieve that oppa hairstyle despite numerous styling products, we’ve got you covered with all the information you’ll need to spot your new Korean perm men hairstyle and where to find the cheapest hair salons in Singapore!
What Is a Korean Perm Men Hairstyle and How It Is Achieved?
Credits: @ken_menshair/Instagram
In contrast to traditional perms, which produce tight ahjumma-style curls, a Korean perm typically aims for more natural-looking, soft waves or curls in your hair.
If you’re worried about looking like a toy poodle at the end of your perm, consult your hairstylist about your desired outcome before starting on any hair treatment.
Just like any other perm treatment, a Korean perm for men begins with shampoo and conditioner to prepare your hair for the chemical treatment. Following that, a specially formulated perm solution is applied to break down your hair’s natural bonds.
Your hair will be rinsed, and a neutraliser will be applied after the solution has been allowed to process for the required amount of time. To achieve your desired hairstyle, your hairstylist may use a variety of techniques, from wrapping your hair around large rods to using a digital perm machine.
After the neutraliser has set, your hair will be rinsed again and carefully styled by the hairdresser!
You’re Suited for a Korean Perm Men Hairstyle if…
Credits: @makistock/FreePik
Your Hair Is Not Too Short
Ideally, your hair should be at least eight to 10 centimetres long to allow the stylist enough room to cut and style it with pin curls and perm rollers for your desired look.
Your Hair Is Straight and Soft
Because of the added texture that a perm provides, a men’s perm is likely to work better for you than for those with pre-existing wavy hair. With the added texture from the perm, styling can be completed in as little as three minutes!
Your Hair Is Not Thinning Yet
A common misconception is that perming will make thinning hair appear more voluminous. This, however, is not true, as a perm is likely to puff up thinning hair, making your hair appear sparser than before.
You Don’t Mind the Maintenance Process After the Perm
To keep your curls looking their best, you’ll need to follow the “cardinal rules of perm maintenance”.
First, avoid washing your hair and protect it from water for the first 48 hours, or your curls may not hold. To avoid frizz and damage to the hair cuticles, air-dry your hair and avoid combing your permed hair while it’s wet.
You Don’t Mind Taking Some Time To Style Your Hair Every Day
Credits: @makistock/FreePik
If you prefer a low-effort look, a perm may not be the best choice for you. While a men’s perm can help you save time on styling, you’ll still need to spend time on maintenance every day to keep your curls looking fresh.
A Korean perm can last from six to 10 months if you follow this simple hair routine for proper maintenance:
- Wash and condition: When washing your hair, use a perm-friendly shampoo and a moisturising conditioner.
- Apply curl cream: Gently remove excess water from your hair, then work in a curl cream and let your hair air-dry.
- Curl care: Scrunch the curls into place with your fingertips to enhance its natural structure.
- Styling: If you want to add more definition and grip to your hair, apply a creamy pomade or pomade mousse.
Now that you know you’re cut out for a Korean perm, here are the top 16 Korean perm hairstyles for men to show your hairstylist!
16 best Korean Perm Hairstyles For Men
1. As Perm
Credits: @b_._i.__._._oneswj/Instagram
The as perm distinctively covers the forehead with curls up to the front, creating a stylish look with a small forehead window. This Korean perm men hairstyle is an ideal choice if you feel self-conscious about your forehead!
2. Shadow Perm
Credits: @mandesalon_hy/Instagram
The shadow perm features layers of curls resembling shadows, adding overall volume to your hair. This Korean perm men hairstyle is perfect if you want a warmer, softer look.
3. Wolf Shadow Perm
Credits: @mans_urban/Instagram
The wolf shadow perm cut combines the choppy texture of a mullet with the softness of a shag cut, creating a stylish blend.
Paired with the trendy shadow perm, this Korean perm men hairstyle is definitely one of the most fashionable and modern look.
4. Classy Perm
Credits: @actor_leeminho.lovers/Instagram
Often sported by K-drama actor, Lee Min Ho, this Korean perm men hairstyle known as the classy perm adds sophistication to your appearance and the added fringe helps to draw attention to your face to accentuate your features.
5. Permed Mullet
Credits: @ken_menshair/Instagram
This Korean perm men hairstyle features short sides with length at the back, making a bold and edgy statement, while the permed texture adds softness to the look.
6. Side Parting Perm
Credits: @ken_menshair/Instagram
Popularised by K-actor Gong Yoo in the Netflix drama Goblin: The Lonely and Great God, the side parting perm adds volume to your bangs and reveals about half of your forehead. This Korean perm men hairstyle is an excellent choice for creating balance and concealing facial asymmetry.
7. Middle Parting Perm
Credits: @ken_menshair/Instagram
On the other hand, opting for a middle part is ideal if you aim to complement the symmetry of your features. This Korean perm men hairstyle will help to frame your face nicely.
8. Long loose Perm
Credits: @byus.min/Instagram
Opting for longer strands opens up numerous styling possibilities and allows you to showcase the perm textures. This Korean perm men hairstyle exudes a relaxed and carefree artsy vibe with its long loose waves.
9. Shaggy Perm
Credits: @ken_menshair/Instagram
The shaggy perm creates a naturally tousled and layered appearance, adding volume and movement to your hair. This Korean perm men hairstyle is ideal if you prefer a more effortless, laid-back look.
10. Bowl cut Perm
Credits: @ken_menshair/Instagram
This Korean perm men hairstyle draws attention to your face with low maintenance. It allows you to show off your waves effortlessly, making it perfect for a busy lifestyle without the need for frequent salon touch-ups or extensive styling tools.
11. Short Hair Perm
Credits: @lookbook_zz22224/Instagram
The Korean perm men’s hairstyle is easy to manage, and when paired with a fade or undercut, it creates the illusion of fuller, thicker locks.
12. Tousled Messy Perm
Credits: @la.b_hjh/Instagram
The messy Korean perm men’s hairstyle is popular because of its effortlessly sexy finish, which creates a messy bedhead. It offers a more youthful appearance and beautifully softens your facial features with its natural texture.
13. Soft Wavy Perm
Credits: @ken_menshair/Instagram
The soft wavy perm is a classic Korean perm men’s hairstyle, featuring soft, large curls that give the appearance of natural wavy hair. It exudes a timeless charm, making it the quintessential boyfriend hairstyle!
14. See-Through Dandy Perm
Credits: @ken_menshair/Instagram
The see-through perm offers a neat and tidy look, making it the perfect choice for office men or those seeking to cover their foreheads or M-shaped hairlines.
15. Perm with light ends
Credits: @ken_menshair/Instagram
With this Korean perm, you can experiment with various looks, like colouring the tips for a lighter finish and brightening up a dull face.
However, you will definitely need to use moisturising conditioners to combat potential dryness from this double chemical treatment. Additionally, you’ll have to avoid getting both treatments done at the same time, as this will severely damage your hair!
16. Down Perm
Credits: @ken_menshair/Instagram
A down perm keeps the hair closer to the head, resulting in a less poofy and voluminous finish. It’s an excellent choice if you want to experiment with your hair texture but still want a subtle and natural look.
The Most Affordable Salons To Get Korean Perm For Men
Zinc Korean Hair Salon
Credits: Zinc Korean Hair Salon
With a team of professional Korean hairstylists, top-notch services, and a delightful ambience, Zinc Korean Hair Salon is the go-to spot for authentic Korean hair services in Singapore.
Their speciality lies in creating stunning and natural-looking Korean perms, and their Google reviews are filled with praise from both men and women, attesting to the excellent quality of their perming services.
Prices for perms start as low as S$150, and the salon’s stylists are fluent in English to ensure smooth communication!
Credits: @zinckoreanhairsalon/Instagram
Their hairstylists can guide you towards a perm style that would complement your facial features and personal style, ensuring a result that enhances your overall look.
The Wiz Korean Hair Salon
Credits: The Wiz Korean Hair Salon
The Wiz Korean Hair Salon hairstylists are passionate about the latest Korean trends, and are experts in providing customers with personalised K-beauty experiences and the hottest Korean hairstyle.
They have also perfected a plethora of Korean perms for men, transforming unruly hair into K-drama main lead-worthy looks at a wallet-friendly starting price of S$180.
Credits: @thewizkoreansalon/Instagram
haarAttic Salon
Credits: haarAttic Salon
At haarAttic, each service starts with a thorough consultation, ensuring you get precisely the outcome you desire.
Their skilled stylists combine technical expertise and artistic flair to craft hairstyles that not only enhance your personal style, but are also easy to manage in your daily routine.
Credits: @haarattic/Instagram
With perm services beginning at S$95, it’s no wonder they boast a remarkable 4.9-star rating from nearly 500 Google reviews, speaking volumes about their reputation!
Purchase through Salon Finder to enjoy even better prices on haarAttic’s services!
Bada Hair Korean Hair Salon
Credits: Bada Hair Korean Hair Salon
Formerly known as LeeKaJa, a well-known Korean hair salon chain frequented by K-pop artists, Bada Hair now provides premium services to anyone looking to spice up their hair.
“Bada“, which means sea in Korean, reflects their stylists’ boundless creativity and innovative ideas in styling your hair.
@badahair.sg/TikTok
Their hair stylists are trained by industry experts from around the world, and you can expect complete satisfaction every time you visit Bada Hair salon as they offer free retouching within eight days for customers who are dissatisfied with their haircuts, colouring, perming, or rebonding services.
Their down perm for short hair starts at an affordable price of S$50, and their cold wave perm starts at S$150!
Choi Gaeul Hairdresser Singapore
Credits: Choi Gaeul Hairdresser Singapore
Choi Gaeul Hairdresser Singapore is a hidden gem and an underrated salon, boasting a 4.7-star rating on Google Reviews.
A quick look through their Instagram and glowing reviews will attest to their professional hairstylists’ expertise and warm hospitality. This Korean hair salon excels in all hair services, from treatments to colouring, ensuring you achieve the look of a Korean celebrity.
Credits: @choigaeul_singapore/Instagram
They also run regular promotions for students’ men perm, with cuts and side perms included starting at only S$128!
SalonB
If you’re searching for a peaceful spot in Tanglin at One Nassim, Salon.B is the place to be for a calm and enjoyable hair care experience. Led by the experienced Sunny Lee and her team of directors, they are ready to cater to your everyday hair needs, from creative cuts to event styling, personalised colours, and their specialty, Korean curls.
Salon.B takes pride in offering a comfortable and luxurious environment, following a lifestyle concept. The salon provides a homey atmosphere, complimentary refreshments, and free Wi-Fi for clients to enjoy during their services.
Give their Cold perm a shot, as it utilises milder chemicals and doesn’t require heat, minimising potential hair damage compared to the traditional thermal perm.
Make an appointment online and get the Men’s Korean Cold Perm service along with their signature Hair Mask Treatment at only S$299 after discount.
Hair Plus Korean Salon
Top and senior stylists at Hair Plus Korean Salon are trained in Seoul, ensuring you receive top-notch hair services for an authentic Korean hair makeover experience.
While they provide a wide range of hair services to meet every need, perming is their most popular service.
The salon specialises in the down perm, which costs S$80 and is popular among men who want to get rid of random spikes or achieve a trendy K-pop star hairstyle.
With exciting promotions to look forward to every month, you can be confident that Hair Plus Korean Salon will make you look great without breaking the bank!
