A Korean perm is a modern hair treatment that creates soft, natural-looking, and effortless waves or curls, unlike traditional perms that often result in stiff, uniform spirals, focusing on volume, movement, and texture enhancement that mimics a salon blowout, achieved through customized techniques like digital perming and milder solutions for healthier, low-maintenance results. Popular styles include S-Curl for flowing waves, C-Curl for inward-curled ends, Root Perms for lift, and Hippie Perms for voluminous texture, catering to both men and women for a chic, modern look.
First, while traditional perms usually involve using chemical solutions as part of a “cold perming” technique, Korean perms involve the use of specially formulated solutions that help to carefully restructure the shape of your hair, creating a more subtle appearance, while minimizing hair damage.
The C-Curl perm is by far one of the most popular Korean perms for women. Worn by K-Pop idols and celebrities alike, this style is all about creating voluminous, C-shaped waves, particularly throughout the lower sections of your hair.
Maintaining your Korean Wave perm requires a combination of hydration, gentle washing, regular touch-ups, and protective styling. By following the right haircare routine, you can enjoy soft, voluminous curls for months.
Korean straight perm. Root volume + Straightening + J curl. Unlike the Japanese perm, this type of perm allows you to keep volume at the roots and a delicate, very natural wave at the tips. This technique, originating in Asia, is halfway between Japanese and Brazilian straightening.
BLOW-DRY WITH COOL AIR
Have you mastered how to give yourself an at-home blowout? If so, you can achieve straight hair by using the cold air setting on your blow dryer. This simple trick is a great way to eliminate the risk of heat damage and will go a long way in the overall health of your hair.
On average, a Korean perm can last 3 to 6 months, depending on: Hair care routine. Hair texture and porosity. Frequency of washing.
Hair that can't be permed includes severely damaged, bleached, or chemically treated hair (like keratin or henna), hair with scalp irritation, very fine hair prone to breakage, or hair that has been recently chemically straightened, as these conditions risk excessive damage, frizz, or failure to hold the curl, with virgin hair being the best candidate for a successful perm.
Post perm care
Keeping your permed hair safe overnight might be the most difficult task yet. Regular cotton pillowcases can cause friction that damages your hair. Sleep on a satin pillowcase instead to give your hair the freedom to move without damage. You could tie your hair up in a loose bun, braids, or do the plop method.
Cold perms, also known as acid perms, are often considered gentler on the hair compared to traditional heat-based methods. The process uses a milder acidic solution, which is less damaging to the hair's structure.
The most famous Gen Z haircut is the Broccoli Haircut, also known as the Zoomer Perm, featuring short/faded sides with voluminous, curly, shaggy hair on top, popularized by TikTok stars and reminiscent of K-pop styles or 90s trends with a modern twist. Other popular terms include "Wet Mop" for a shaggier version or simply a "Fluffy Fringe," but showing a picture to your barber is often best, as names vary, say Reddit users.
A V-cut is a layered haircut for long hair where the ends are cut at a steep, angled diagonal, creating a distinct "V" shape at the back, making hair appear shorter in front and longer towards the center back for movement and dimension, unlike softer U-cuts. This technique uses overdirection, pulling sections to a central point, to achieve a pointed, angular finish that adds body and visual interest, moving away from blunt, straight-across ends.
If you must use heat styling, be sure to use a heat protectant spray first. Don't wash your hair too often. Overwashing can strip away the natural oils that keep your hair healthy, leading to dryness and frizziness. Wash your perm 2-3 times per week at most.
The good news is that when done correctly and with proper aftercare, a Korean perm should not cause significant damage to your hair. The key to minimizing damage during the perming process is choosing a reputable salon with experienced stylists who specialize in Korean perms.
Always remember the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance ha! That you're forbidden to wet your hair for at least 24 hours after getting a perm at the risk of deactivating the ammonium thioglycolate.
Although the word “perm” may have you thinking “permanent,” the curls or waves the process creates generally only stick around for three to six months. “Once the service is completed, try to avoid wetting or washing your hair—it's important to let the solution set in your hair for at least 48 hours,” says Flete.
Don't wash your hair for 48-72 hours after a perm . During that time your perm is still technically forming and can be ruined or relax if you decide to wash it within that time frame. Don't comb thru your hair during the first 48 hours. Leave it alone as much as possible.
Hairdressers don't do as many perms because they're less taught in cosmetology schools, leading to stylist inexperience; the process can damage hair; there's lower demand due to trends favoring natural or heat-styled textures; and modern hot tools offer more flexibility for temporary waves, reducing the need for a permanent chemical change. Perms are seen as risky, often resulting in high complaints, but some salons still offer modern versions for texture and volume.
1. Body Wave Perm. A body wave perm uses large curling rods to create soft, subtle waves that add volume without looking overly curly. This style adds a natural, effortless texture and balances strong jawlines (square faces) while also adding fullness to the lower face (heart-shaped faces).
The rarest hair type (texture) is often cited as Type 1A, which is extremely fine, straight, and wispy, lacking any natural bend, making it hard to style. However, if considering color, natural red hair is the rarest in the world, found in only 1-2% of the population, with the combination of red hair and blue eyes being exceptionally rare.
If the chemical overstays, then the hair becomes over processed. If the chemical is left for less time than intended, then the hair becomes under processed and comes out looking frizzled. The chemical solution needs to be completely rinsed off from the hair, otherwise the hair will get damaged and start breaking off.
Digital Perm
The addition of heat makes this technique a bit longer-lasting than other types of perms—you can expect the results to hold for three months up to a year with proper care. While anyone can get a digital perm, it's especially well-suited for those with ultra-thick, straight strands.
Jelly perm is a hair styling technique that creates soft, bouncy waves. 🌊💁♀️ It adds volume and a natural flow, giving your hair a lively, jelly-like look!