When we think of Korean perms, most of us may have related it to tight coils or the short curls you see on Ajummas (Korean aunties).
Sure, “permed hair” is basically the opposite of pin-straight hair, but there’s actually a range of waves and curly hair in the repertoire.
Remember seeing our favourite Korean stars and idols on screens with loose curls and waves?
Korean perms with S-curls or C-curls were all the rage years back and it’s clear that the trend isn’t going anywhere. Recently, the umbrella term used for coveted, trending Korean perms is a “relaxed look”. Think natural waves that give you a slimmer visage and a youthful charm.
Another reason why it’s so loved? Korean perms are low-maintenance, an effortless way to look stylish 24/7, and prone to make you stand out from any crowd. #Lazygirlhairstyles, anyone?
@zxnnie korean hair perm done at hint salon sg 🥵 #koreanhairstyle
If you’re searching for a hair salon to grant you a stylish Korean perm, check out this article with 20 top Korean hair salons in Singapore!
Trending Korean Perms to Spruce up Your Look!
Hush Perm
Credit: @oollolll___001/Instagram
Known as the haircut that beautifully contours the face, a hush cut can either add volume to those with flat tresses or reduce weight for those with thick hair.
Combine that with a perm and you get a feathery, three-dimensional hairstyle that looks both light and dense at the same time.
Related read: Keep seeing the Korean “hush cut” on TikTok? Here’s all you need to know about sporting it
Bonnie Perm
Credit: Lingua Asia, @chahong__official/Instagram
Made popular by K-pop idol IU, the bonnie perm features C-curls on the back and S-curls on the side on a short to medium haircut.
It can also be achieved with just C-curls and makes anyone look younger than they are!
Hippie Perm (Jelly Perm)
@beautypresent
Also known as a jelly perm, this perm style is a nod to the big hair trend in the ’80s. Think of it as a relaxed version of a wide, bouncy perm with smaller curls.
Whether you prefer tighter coils or more natural “I woke up like this” curls, the hippie perm gives a sense of liveliness to your overall look.
Paper Perm
Credit: @oollolll___001/Instagram
Sitting on the less curly end of the spectrum, a paper perm is all about strategically curved layers and the look of a thicker mane.
Light and casual, the curved strands framing your face will give the illusion of a slimmer face. Meanwhile, the layered design at the end of your hair helps to elongate the face shape, especially if you’ve short hair.
If you have a short, round, or square face, the paper perm is a must-try for an edgier look!
Jellyfish Perm
@noimtessa so versatile. I LOVE #hairstyle #hairinspo #perm #curlyhair #koreanperm
Can’t decide between keeping your long hair or snipping it off for a more youthful look? Go for the middle ground of a wolf cut and butterfly cut party in the front and back!
The jellyfish perm gives the illusion of shorter locks from the front with the top section of the hair styled in short layers. Meanwhile, the bottom layer of the hair will be longer and textured.
Plus, with waves added into the mix, the difference in hair lengths won’t be so stark or abrupt.
Sand Perm
Credit: @oollolll___001/Instagram
Chic and with a more mature (but not ancient) vibe, the sand perm works well with all sorts of fringes, hair colour, and face shapes.
It’s one of the most popular perm styles in Korea and features lightly layered hair with soft waves billowing down, kind of like a relaxed beach wave perm.
Wind Perm
@s__0ng 애매한 기장이 가장 예쁠 수 있도록 🖤 #윈드펌 시술과정이에요. . . 디테일한 사전상담으로 모발, 얼굴형, 스타일에 맞는 퍼스널한 디자인을 찾아드릴게요. #차홍룸강남점김송현 [네이버예약시 차홍코스메틱 바디3종세트가 증정됩니다.] 문의 dm . . #단발 #단발레이어드컷 #단발레이어드펌 #레이어드단발 #중단발 #중단발펌 #중단발레이어드컷 #윈드컷 #c컬펌 #볼륨매직c컬 #차홍 #차홍룸 #차홍룸강남점 #chahong #chahongroom #hairtrends #hairvideo #bobhair #bobhaircut #koreanhairstyle #kbeauty #首尔旅行 #美容室 #tocdep #ร้านเสริมสวย
Best for those with short hair or who are looking for a change in their style with short hairstyles, a wind perm immortalises the wind-in-my-hair look.
A highly popular option in Korea and also trending on Xiao Hong Shu, the wind perm can also be described as an airy bob that adds volume to the hair roots while having faint layers at the ends.
We’d recommend pairing this Korean perm with airy or curtain bangs for either a cutesy or elegant look.
Elizabeth Perm
@yeeonfll_ 요즘 긴머리는 #엘리자벳펌 이 인기 !!! 자연스러운 무드 풍성한 볼륨감을 원한다면 엘리자벳펌 추천드려요 💛 . . . #긴머리펌 #긴머리헤어추천 #긴머리스타일 #긴머리웨이브 #긴머리레이어드컷 #그레이스펌 #이플펌 #빌드펌 #사이드뱅 #시스루뱅 #차홍룸강남점 #강남역미용실 #레이어드펌 #롱헤어스타일 #스타일링꿀팁 #볼륨매직 #굵은웨이브펌
This trending Korean perm gained traction for its natural and elegant look that transforms anyone into a goddess.
Characterised by longer curtain bangs and soft and seamless curls, the Elizabeth perm can instantly add volume to your hair while tastefully accentuating your face.
Magic Straight Perm
@rachelheheh 3+hr process #magicstraight #koreanperm #straightperm #korea #hairtransformation
Also known as a magic setting perm, this perm technique doesn’t actually give you curls or waves. Instead, it gets rid of frizzy hair and gives you the silky-smooth locks you see in a lot of K-pop celebrities and product commercials.
You can, however, still get the smooth hair texture with some volume and curls if you wish to.
Best Salons for a Korean Perm
The Space Korean Hair Salon
Photo source: The Space Hair Salon/Facebook
Where better to get a Korean ceramic perm than at a Korean salon in Singapore? The Space Korean Hair Salon is a hidden gem at The Cathay, which boasts a minimalistic and clean interior, and offers a lovely escape when you’re getting your hair done in town.
The salon’s Korean hairstylists are known for taking the time to understand the perm style you want and patiently answering your questions, whether at the start or in the middle of the perming process.
Photo source: thespacehairsalon/Instagram (requesting photo examples of ceramic perms)
Korean perms are achieved using either digital or ceramic perm, depending on your hair type and the ‘do of your dreams!
Korean Digital Perm/Ceramic Perm + Cut is priced at S$270 for long hair. The price ranges between S$240 and S$285, depending on your hair’s length. See the full menu here.�
Aqua Korean Hair Salon 4.6/5 stars on Google
Aqua Hair Korean Salon specialises in doing S-curl and C-curl perms, which are often featured in trending Korean perms today! The hairstylists at this salon have all had stints at salons in South Korea before, which means you’ll enjoy an authentic Korean perm when you visit.
We asked the salon if it offers ceramic perms; the staff explained that customers can share their desired hairstyle with their stylist, and the hairstylist will use the suitable perm techniques – ceramic perm included – to re-create customers’ dream ‘dos.
Reviews
Their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction is truly impressive. Every visit is a fantastic experience, and I’m always thrilled with the results. –J Shin, Google
Great skill of cutting hair and comfortable atmosphere. Result perfectly suit my request/preference. –Donnari Kim, Google
What We Love
1. Said to offer authentic Korean hairstyling experience and has many Korean customers.
2. Experienced with perms and receive good reviews for this service.
3. No hard selling of packages.
What To Consider
1. A few customers complained of unsatisfactory haircuts and overbooked appointment slots
Service Details
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Location
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402 Orchard Road, #02-11/#03-16, Delfi Orchard, Singapore 238876
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Price
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- Cold perm: S$180 – S$300 for women | S$100 – S$170 for men
- Digital perm (for women): S$280 – S$380
- Down perm (for men): S$85 for whole head | S$45 for sides | S$65 for sides and back
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Opening hours
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- 10.30am – 7.30pm (Mon to Fri)
- 11am – 6pm (Sat to Sun)
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Contact details
White Salon 4.8/5 stars on Google
Step into the white space of this hair salon and experience a hair transformation like no other.
Besides being masters at hair colouring – from cool ash tones to vibrant, deep purples – the hairstylists at White Salon also create a gorgeous Korean Perm.
Think gentle waves tossed loosely over your shoulders, and silky smooth tresses, of course.
Reviews
My [stylist] is knowledgeable, genuine and always put in the effort to assess my hair condition before providing the best solutions. –Yulya Cang, Google
Walked in with a messy mop and left feeling like a hair model! Thank you for the wonderful service. –Raihanah Yusoff-Sebesta, Google
What We Love
1. Professional and friendly service.
2. Consultative stylists who work with customers to achieve their desired styles.
3. Stylists place as much importance to the health of customers’ hair as its style.
What To Consider
1. There are a few complaints of unsatisfactory results.
Service Details
The Space Korean Hair Salon 4.4/5 stars on Google
Where better to get a Korean ceramic perm than at a Korean salon in Singapore? The Space Korean Hair Salon boasts a minimalistic and clean interior and offers a lovely escape when you’re getting your hair done in town.
While it has only received 4.4-star rating on Google, the salon is often given good reviews on Lemon8, a social media platform popular among Gen Z audience.
Reviews
My hair is bushy, hairy, dry and extremely curly… and with [my stylist’s] excellent skills and recommendations, I was able to get a very, very satisfying style. –밤부, Google
During the perming process the stylists always check and make sure that my hair is ready for the next step. This, for me, results in nice and lasting curls. –Justina Lee, Google
What We Love
1. Good at designing Korean-style haircuts.
2. Many positive reviews for perm services.
3. Relaxing and cosy ambience.
What To Consider
1. There are a few complaints of rush work and rough service. Salon representatives always respond to reviewers for service recovery.
Service Details
Related read: 16 most popular Korean perm men hairstyles and the best salons under S$200 to visit
What’s a Korean Perm?
@jameson_hintsalonsg Medium length perm – DM me on ig for more info. #jameson_hintsalonsg #singapore #treatmentinfusedperm #koreanperm #perm
Perfect for those who want full, voluminous tresses, a Korean perm helps to create soft, loose waves in the hair and is often used to add volume and texture to limp or straight hair.
This treatment usually involves using a chemical solution on the hair before wrapping it with rods or rollers and setting it with heat.
There are several types of Korean perms available, but they’re all easy to maintain regardless of which you’ve chosen to go with. Whether it’s loose C-curls or defined S-curls, your hairstylist should be recommending either digital or ceramic perm techniques to achieve these trending wavy styles.
@salonatgoldhill Achieve the most romantic low maintenance curls with Salon At Goldhill’s perm. Here, our stylists are trained to match the perfect perming technique to your unique hair type to achieve the best and least damaging results. Call/WhatsApp : 9668 5599 SALON AT GOLDHILL 📍101 Thomson Road, United Square, B1-18,19,20 Singapore 307591 #salon #sg #salonsg #singapore #hair #visitsingapore #rediscoversingapore #wheretogo #hairsg #singaporesalon #saloninsingapore #salonatgoldhill #perm #hairperm #curls #haircurls #curly #curlyhair #curlyhairstyles #softcurls #softperm #waves #wavyhair #wavyhairstyle #wavycurls Novena Hair Salon United Square Hair Salon Goldhill hair salon #CapCut
It looks natural, hardly requires any styling effort, and is incredibly popular amongst those with a hectic schedule.
Plus, it’s a great investment! Think about the money you’ll save on styling tools and products, not to mention the damage your hair won’t be receiving from frequent, additional heat.
Related read: 9 things you need to know before getting a ceramic perm
What About a “Relaxed” Korean Perm?
Credits: @aarontpc92/TikTok, @oollolll___001/Instagram, @jameson_hintsalonsg/TikTok
A “relaxed” Korean perm is defined by how loose and fluffy the curls are it’s lighter, three-dimensional, and has a tad volume that’s not overdoing it.
Casual and almost like a French perm, these vertical loose curls emanate a lazy, messy vibe that’ll make you look like an unbothered fairy. What’s more, this type of Korean perm is usually paired with a layered cut that will match your face shape.
This permed look is also very versatile and goes well with any type of bangs! However, make sure you discuss the length of your bangs and type of curl with your stylist to see what can help bring out your features better.
Related read: The most popular Korean bangs to try – here’s how to cut and style them
How Long Does a Korean Perm Last?
Credits: @mjwhatev/TikTok, @whatissheupto/TikTok, @hhseet/TikTok
It really depends on your hair type, maintenance routine, and type of Korean perm done. For the most part, a Korean perm that’s done by professional hairstylists can last for three to six months and even 10 months or more with proper care!
However, neglecting haircare for your permed locks can lead to breakage and frizzy hair, drastically reducing the lifespan of your perm.
So before you get a perm make sure you have all the right and necessary products to maintain it!
Related read: Everything you need to know before getting a Korean perm in Singapore
Feature image credit: @jameson_hintsalonsg/TikTok, @momo.in.toronto/TikTok, @oollolll___001/Instagram
