When we talk about Korean perms, many of us immediately think of tight coils or the short curls that Korean aunties, also known as Ajummas, often sport.
However, permed hair in Korea encompasses more than just those styles. Have you ever noticed your favorite Korean stars and idols rocking loose curls and waves on screen?
Years ago, Korean perms with S-curls or C-curls were incredibly popular, and it’s evident that this trend is here to stay. Nowadays, the term used to describe the sought-after Korean perms is a “relaxed look.” Imagine natural waves that not only give you a slimmer face shape but also exude a youthful charm.
One of the reasons why Korean perms are so beloved is their low-maintenance nature. They offer an effortless way to look stylish around the clock and help you stand out from the crowd. Who doesn’t love a #Lazygirlhairstyles, right?
@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 a list of Korean hair salons in Malaysia to visit for K-pop hairstyles!
What’s the deal with 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.
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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: 11 best hair salons in KL and PJ to spruce up your style and enhance your overall look
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: 5 types of “slimming bangs” loved by K-pop idols that you should try
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 which will drastically reduce 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: 8 smart tips on how to take care of digital perm hair
9 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 and 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
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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 Xiaohongshu, 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
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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
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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.
Although, you can, however, still get the smooth hair texture with some volume and curls if you wish to.
Related read: 11 Korean hair trends that you need to try in 2023, according to hairstylists
Feature image credit: @jameson_hintsalonsg/TikTok, @momo.in.toronto/TikTok, @oollolll___001/Instagram
