These are the 2022 Korean hair trends you need to bookmark now, according to hairstylists

We always tend to say “new year, new you” and one way to refresh your look – and how you feel after the crazy roller-coaster ride for the last two years – is by switching up hairstyles and trying something new.

Ahead, we speak to a handful of Singapore’s top hairstyling experts on the most exciting hair trends for 2022 – inspiration boards at the ready.

Korean hair trends 2022: Hairstyles

Layered pixie

Plan on going as short as possible this 2022? Evane Toh, senior stylist at ProTrim Korean Hair Salon’s Ngee Ann City outlet, recommends the layered pixie cut.

“This style best suits those with a smaller face shape, but to be honest, anyone can pull off a short ‘do – it’s just that each individual will require different styling and volume, depending on their face shape,” he shares.

“Hence, it’s important to share your lifestyle and how you manage your hair with your hairstylist. For example, do you blow-dry with or without a comb? Do you use any styling products regularly? With these in mind, he or she will be able to recommend a hairstyle that’s more easily manageable for you.”

Blunt bob

A blunt bob is one of the hottest Korean hair trends, according to Nicole who is the director at Walking On Sunshine.

“However, I would not recommend this for someone with a larger head shape as this style, along with the highly popular wolf cut, will emphasise the size and shape of the person’s head,” she lets on.

The top hairstylists from leading Goldwell salons like Zac Chu from Chez Vous Hair Salon, Ted Ng from Hairwerkz, and Liu Ziwei from Picasso Hair Studio also share the same sentiment, adding that this cut is more suited for women with small oval, heart or diamond face shapes.

“It’s not advisable for those with a square face shape or harsh jawlines. Neither does it suit women with extremely thick, frizzy, and unruly hair unless they don’t mind smoothening their mane for a straight sleek look,” they tell us.

Perms

Ted Kim, senior director at Leekaja Beauty Salon, thinks that the trend of tying your hair up while wearing your mask isn’t going anywhere given the mandatory mask-wearing rule as well as our hot and humid weather.

To give your hair more volume and texture, he recommends a Korean perm which can help “make the face look smaller”.

He recommends the C-curl perm, which doesn’t make hair look flat and helps control frizz.

Hippie perm is another option that you can consider, but Ted doesn’t recommend it to those who have really thick hair as it can look very messy.

Blunt bangs

Blunt bangs are nothing new but Nicole thinks this style will remain one of the more popular Korean hair trends this 2022.

And with Blackpink’s Lisa making it her signature look, we definitely don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon too!

Naturally straight or thick hair is the best canvas for a blunt fringe, which suits an oval face shape the best.

If you have a rounder face shape, you can ask your stylist to create an arch by curving the fringe slightly upwards in the middle instead of cutting it straight across – this trick gives the illusion of an elongated face.

Face-framing layers

Regardless of your hair length, Nicole suggests asking for face-framing layers if you want a low-maintenance look.

“It’s simply a style that goes well for any face shape or size,” she says.

Korean hair trends 2022: Hair colours

Rose tea

Our favourite style star recently debuted sakura pink hair, which the Goldwell hairstylists say has reignited the public’s love affair for rose-pink tresses.

According to Zac, Ted, and Ziwei, many of their customers are already enquiring about this stunning hue for Chinese New Year!

“We think this is going to be a hit because this colour portrays optimism, hope, and love – all the things we probably need and wish for after the pandemic,” they say.

However, they want you to take note that this hair colour will likely not work for women working in a more corporate setting. They also reveal that this Korean hair trend doesn’t do well for women with reddish skin undertones.

Milk chocolate

On a more muted end of the spectrum, Evane believes that milk chocolate hair will continue to be trendy in the new year.

“It’s a classic colour but I definitely think it’s a popular shade still because it goes well with everybody,” he shares.

Copper

Another classic and beautiful colour that Evane recommends is copper, which he says will suit those with fairer skin tone since it’s a fairly strong colour.

Marine ash

For all the daring fashionistas out there who aren’t afraid to be adventurous with your hair colour, Isaac Ng, senior director at the newly opened You Are My Sunshine, says that the marine ash shade will be the one to try.

“When it’s artfully crafted by an experienced colourist, you can count on it to give you an edgy look that will make you stand out from the crowd,” he says.

Hair streaks

If you’re looking to switch up your colour but aren’t digging a dramatic change, hair streaks might be the style you can consider.

Because you’re able to personalise your highlights whichever way you want, hair streaks can be both dramatic and laid-back depending on the colour you choose – and that’s what Ted likes about it.

“I think that it’s the perfect compromise for those who want some colour in their hair but are afraid of a complete hair colour makeover. It’s also very fashionable as well and requires minimal bleaching,” he shares.

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