When you hear the term “perm,” you might conjure images of old-school hair transformations involving chemicals, damage, and rigid coils. It’s time to banish those notions, because the Korean perm is here to redefine your perception.
Unlike its traditional counterpart, this trend promises stunning waves minus the frizz and dryness – a true game-changer. Whether you’re drawn to a classic short look or you’re itching to embrace something edgier like an undercut, the Korean perm has got your back.
What Is The Korean Perm Hairstyle?
The Korean perm is a hairstyling technique that adds texture and fullness to your hair, creating soft, natural-looking waves. Unlike the traditional method, the modern approach used in this perm is less damaging and reduces frizz, resulting in minimal harm to your hair.
This hairstyle lasts around six months or more with proper care. It’s a great choice if you want to achieve voluminous and textured hair with a long-lasting effect.
Let’s see how korean perm differs from other perms.
Korean Perm |
Digital Perm |
| Korean perm doesn’t utilize too many harsh machines to perm the hair. | Digital perm uses a machine with a digital display to monitor the temperature of the hot rods used during the perm process. |
| This perm creates soft perms with a wavy texture. | It creates well-defined waves. |
| Korean perm is not harmful for hair. | Digital perm is harsh on the hair due to heat involved. |
Korean Perm |
Japanese Perm |
| The Korean perm aims for visible wavy texture. | Japanese perm results in looser, softer waves or a sleek and straight finish. |
| It does not use harmful products. | It employs a combination of chemicals and heat. |
| Since it doesn’t use much product and technology, modern perm styles cannot be achieved by this technique. | The Japanese method is particularly praised for pioneering modern perm techniques. |
Leading Korean Perm Men Hairstyles In 2023
Here’s a detailed insight into the best Korean perm men hairstyles trending this year. Read on and see which one of these Korean perms matches your vibe. What’s stopping you from paying a visit to your stylist!
1. Down Perm
The Korean Down Perm is a contemporary perming technique that provides styling versatility. It emphasizes soft, wavy texture while maintaining a closer-to-the-head look, avoiding excessive volume and puffiness. This style suits those seeking a more subtle outcome.
The down perm can be customized to fit different hair lengths and complements various face shapes, making it a versatile and trendy choice for individuals who desire a chic and sophisticated appearance.
2. Permed Mullet Hairdo
The Korean permed mullet is a daring and contemporary hairstyle that merges the distinctive elements of a mullet with the softness of a Korean perm. The mullet typically showcases shorter hair on the sides and front, with longer length at the back.
A perm infuses the style with waves or curls, adding a touch of softness and seamlessly blending the varying lengths. The result is an edgy and statement-making look that’s perfect for those seeking a unique and stylish haircut to stand out with confidence and flair.
3. Center Parted Perm
The center parted Korean perm is a classic yet upgraded hairstyle. The hair is parted down the middle and enhanced with a Korean wave perm. Instead of a precise part, the style embraces a slightly messy and natural appearance.
The combination of the middle part and the loose waves from the perm results in a trendy and effortless look. This chic and relaxed hairstyle exudes a modern and stylish vibe, making it a popular choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet fashionable appearance.
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4. Shag + Perm
The Korean perm offers a great opportunity to experiment with different hairstyles that complement the perm’s natural fullness and texture. The shag haircut is an ideal match for the Korean perm as it involves adding heavy layers to the hair, resulting in a shaggy and textured appearance.
The layers allow the perm waves to stand out and add a playful touch to the hair. This style is particularly suited for those who desire a carefree and modern look that showcases the beauty of their permed waves.
5. Permed Two-Block Cut
This hairstyle complements all hair textures. The two-block cut features shorter sides and back, and a longer, voluminous top. When paired with a Korean perm, the hair gains a textured and wavy appearance, enhancing its volume and dimension.
The contrast between the length and fullness of the top and the shorter sides and back adds a stylish touch. This haircut allows for various styling options, making it easy to achieve a polished and modern look suitable for both formal and casual settings.
6. Wavy Perm
The Korean wavy perm offers soft and natural-looking waves. Unlike traditional perms, it delivers a more relaxed and effortless finish without stiffness or excessive coils. These soft waves can be styled in either a classy or carefree manner, depending on the desired look.
Introducing a fringe to the style can accentuate facial features and provide a touch of sophistication to the overall appearance, making it a versatile and trendy choice for a chic and refined look.
7. Perm With Disconnected Undercut
This perm blends soft texture and structured elements. The disconnected undercut involves shaving or cutting the sides and back very short, creating a clear contrast with the longer hair on top.
When paired with a Korean perm, this style achieves a unique and eye-catching appearance. It offers versatility, as you can choose the length and degree of waviness according to your preferences, resulting in a personalized and trendy look.
8. Permed Bowl Cut
The bowl cut is characterized by its even length around the head, typically reaching the ears or slightly longer. Paired with a Korean perm, it becomes more exciting, as the soft waves or curls add depth and character to the same old bowl cut.
This combination creates a stylish and youthful appearance. Another advantage of this haircut is its low maintenance, as the perm keeps the hair looking naturally full without requiring frequent touch-ups.
9. Curtain Bangs With Permed Hair
This is a sophisticated and timeless hairstyle. It features a smooth, glossy perm on the top of the head, complemented by long, wispy curtain bangs. The hair is typically parted deeply on one side, giving a polished and professional appearance.
The curtain bangs frame the face flatteringly, while the perm adds texture and volume, creating an overall fashionable and elegant look suitable for any occasion.
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10. Undercut Topped With Permed Textured Ends
This style combines the trendy appeal of textured ends with the edginess of an undercut. The perm creates texture and volume. The undercut, on the other hand, involves shaving the hair on the sides and back, while leaving the top longer.
This creates a contrasting and dynamic look that is both stylish and polished. The textured waves add movement and dimension to the haircut, making it a popular choice for those who want a modern and fashionable appearance.
11. Permed Short Hair
The Korean permed short hairstyle is celebrated for the soft texture and waves it brings to short hair lengths. This style complements a wide range of looks, from modern Korean haircuts for men to more straightforward and traditional short hairstyles.
For those seeking to create the illusion of thicker and fuller locks, combining the short perm with a fade or undercut is a smart choice, resulting in a bold and stylish appearance.
12. Wolf Perm
The wolf perm is a trendy and edgy variation of the traditional men’s perm. It features bumpy curls, a smooth finish, and added layers for a wolf’s mane effect. This fashionable style allows men to express their individuality and make a bold statement with their hair.
While achieving this look may require the right styling tools and effort, the distinctive and confident appearance it offers is worth it. The shaggy wolf perm exudes confidence and style, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking a unique and fashionable hairstyle.
13. Fade With Permed Fringe
The fade with permed fringe combines perming the front section of hair (fringe) with a fade haircut. The fade tapers the hair from short to long on the sides and back. The perm enhances the texture of the fringe, making it the focal point of the style.
The contrast between the permed fringe and the faded sides creates an edgy and eye-catching look. This hairstyle exudes a modern and stylish vibe, perfect for those seeking a bold and attention-grabbing appearance.
14. Center Parted Perm With Dyed Ends
With the center parted Korean perm, you have the freedom to experiment with different looks and techniques. One popular option is adding lighter tones to the hair ends, creating a natural-looking finish that mimics sun-kissed highlights.
The middle parting frames the face elegantly, complementing the symmetry of facial features. The Korean perm’s soft waves or curls add texture and movement, making it a visually appealing and attractive hairstyle choice.
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15. Two Block Cut With Side Swept Style
The two-block hairstyle with side sweeps became popular for its KPop group association, effortless coolness, and youthful charm. This Korean haircut features two sections—longer hair on top and shorter sides and back.
The perm complements this style by adding waves or curls to the top section, providing texture and volume for a trendy and fashionable look. Side-swept styling adds movement and character, enhancing the overall appeal.
16. Designed Fade Topped With Perm
The perm with designed fade elevates the Asian perm with a daring twist. The high fade on the sides and back accentuates the permed top, creating a bold contrast. To add uniqueness, intricate designs are incorporated.
These designs, often achieved through shaved or clipped patterns on the faded sides, provide a striking and personalized touch. The hairstyle exudes an edgy appeal, making it a standout choice for those seeking a bold and fashionable look with a touch of individuality.
17. Permed Mohawk
The Korean permed mohawk is a fashion-forward and edgy hairstyle that merges the classic mohawk with a perm for added texture on the top. The short sides create a distinctive and modern look.
The result is a crisp and stylish appearance, making it perfect for individuals who desire to make a bold statement with their hair. This head-turning hairstyle exudes confidence and attracts attention, making it a sought-after choice for those who want a daring and trendy look.
18. Flat Perm
The Korean flat perm is a popular and trendy hairstyle in South Korea. It involves a shorter cut on the sides and back of the head, while the top is permed to create a flat shape. This unique look allows men to stay on-trend and make a bold statement with their hair.
The combination of the flat top and the perm creates an eye-catching and contemporary appearance, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking a stylish and edgy hairstyle.
19. Loose Long Perm
The Korean perm’s loose waves or curls create a relaxed and carefree vibe, adding an element of natural beauty. Unlike traditional perms, the loose waves ensure that the hair doesn’t appear stiff or overly structured.
Longer strands provide ample styling opportunities. If you have a rebellious personality, you can experiment with various updos, braids, and other creative hairstyles.
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20. Permed + Tousled Look
The tousled perm celebrates the beauty of natural hair texture, creating loose and effortless waves or curls for a carefree finish. These waves gently fall on the face, softening features and lending a youthful glow.
Experimenting with hair color can further enhance the waves and add a touch of uniqueness. This style offers a relaxed and charming appearance, embracing the beauty of one’s natural hair and making a fashion-forward statement.
21. Tapered High Fade Topped With Curly Perm
The curly perm with high fade is a stylish and modern haircut. The curly perm adds dimension and consistency to the hair, while the high fade creates a neat and low-maintenance appearance.
The fade starts high on the sides and back and gradually tapers down to the base of the neck. This combination results in a bold and attention-grabbing look with a natural bounce from the curls, making it suitable for anyone seeking a striking style.
22. Medium Wavy Perm With Side Part
The medium wavy perm is a flattering and versatile hairstyle that enhances facial features. With a natural balance from the side part, it suits those with facial asymmetry. The medium hair length beautifully frames the face with waves or curls, accentuating its beauty.
This style adds sophistication and attractiveness with its framing effect on facial contours. Combining waves or curls with the side part exudes elegance and charm, making it a desirable choice for various occasions and a stylish option for a chic and refined look.
23. Permed Messy Hair
This hairstyle is designed for men with thin hair who want a low-maintenance yet fashionable appearance. The thin Korean curly perm adds volume and texture to the hair without the need for excessive styling products.
The curls are typically kept loose and slightly messy, giving the hairstyle a contemporary and youthful vibe. The overall look appears effortless and natural, making it perfect for those who want to stand out without spending much time on their hair.
24. Classy Korean Perm
The classy Korean perm merges a fashionable wave pattern with a well-structured haircut. It usually consists of a simple short cut, with even hair length on the top, back, and sides. Adding a fringe results in a youthful and elegant appearance.
This style is favored by individuals seeking a refined yet trendy look, as the combination of the perm and haircut exudes sophistication and fashion-forwardness. It is a sought-after choice for those who desire a polished and stylish appearance.
25. Loose And Soft Perm
The loose and soft Korean perm is a trendy and contemporary hairstyle that showcases smooth and wavy curls, adding dimension and allure to the hair. Its versatility makes it a great complement to various outfits, providing a fashionable appearance.
The soft and loose curls offer a fantastic option for individuals seeking to enhance their look with subtlety and character. This style strikes the perfect balance between elegance and modernity.
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Maintaining a Korean Perm for Men:
To keep your Korean perm looking fresh and long-lasting, follow these maintenance tips:
- After getting the perm, allow it to settle for approximately 48 hours without exposing your hair to water. Avoid washing your hair during this time, as it can remove the perming chemicals and natural oils, compromising the perm’s integrity.
- Additionally, steer clear of swimming during this settling period. Chlorine in pool water can penetrate the hair cuticles and cause dehydration, potentially affecting the perm’s shape and longevity.
- Use a gentle shampoo that won’t strip away the natural oils. Look for a perm-friendly shampoo containing natural ingredients to support the longevity of your perm and repair any potential hair damage from the perming process.
- Moisturize your permed hair regularly using a conditioner. Opt for conditioners free from parabens and silicones, as these can weigh down your curls and cause buildup. Moisturizing your hair will keep it soft, shiny, and less prone to frizz.
- When it comes to drying your permed hair, avoid towel-drying or combing it when wet. These actions can cause frizz and damage to the hair cuticles, affecting the overall appearance of your perm. Instead, opt for air-drying your hair. If you’re in a hurry, use a microfiber towel to blot and gently squeeze excess water from your hair.
- If you need to use a hairdryer, attach a diffuser to disperse the hot air over a larger area. This prevents the hair from becoming frizzy and maintains the definition of your curls.
Remember that excessive heat styling can lead to damage, so try to limit the use of hair dryers and other hot styling tools.
Conclusion
Embrace the allure of Korean perms for men, from classic curls to daring spikes. With modern perm technology, achieve textured, voluminous looks with a natural vibe.
Choose from the top Korean perm styles and learn styling techniques for effortless maintenance. Redefine your style with sophistication and stand out with confidence.
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