Why Getting Your Hair Done in Korea Is Different

Why Getting Your Hair Done in Korea Is Different

 

Going to a hair salon in South Korea isn’t just a routine appointment – it’s a full experience. Korean salons are known for their precision, their attention to detail, and their obsession with softness, shine, and perfect layers. But if you’re a foreigner, especially with a different hair type or texture, choosing the right salon matters.

 

Luckily, Seoul has more and more foreigner-friendly hair salons with English-speaking staff, online reservation systems, and stylists trained to work with all hair textures.

 

 

Best Foreigner-Friendly Hair Salons in Seoul

 

1. Juno Hair (Multiple Branches)

Juno Hair is one of the most popular salon chains in Korea. Almost every branch has at least one English-speaking stylist, and their services range from simple cuts to balayage, perms, treatments, and K-drama style layers. The Hongdae and Gangnam branches are especially used to foreigners.

Good for: Layer cuts, bangs, soft waves, cold perm, scalp treatments.

 

2. AUBE Hair (Gangnam / Hongdae)

A Japanese-style salon popular among expats. Stylists are comfortable with international textures and trends, especially natural colors, waves, and soft highlights.

Good for: Dyeing, balayage, damage-free perms.

 

3. L7 Hair / Lucy Hair (Itaewon)

Located in Itaewon – the heart of the foreign community – this salon is fully English-friendly and trained for a wide range of hair textures, including curls and waves.

Good for: Curly hair, textured hair, color correction.

 

4. Chloe Hair (Hongdae)

Small, cozy, English-friendly salon known for color work and soft Korean-style layers. They’re great at listening and reproducing reference photos.

 

5. Soonsiki Hair (Hongdae)

Famous on TikTok and YouTube for K-pop style cuts. Some stylists speak English, and the salon is trendy, fast, and foreigner-friendly.

Good for: K-idol cuts, ash tones, bleach + tone.

 

 

Prices (Approximate)

• Cut: 20,000–60,000 KRW
• Color: 80,000–200,000 KRW
• Bleach + Tone: 150,000–350,000 KRW
• Perm: 70,000–200,000 KRW

 

Tips for a Successful Salon Visit

• Always bring reference photos – Korean stylists LOVE them.
• Specify if you want your hair dry cut or wet cut.
• If your hair is curly/wavy, tell them before.
• If you’re bleaching, ask for a strand test.
• Book on weekdays → weekends are crowded.

 

What Is a Head Spa in Korea?

The head spa is one of the most relaxing beauty experiences you can try in Korea. It’s a mix between a scalp massage, a hair treatment, and a mini wellness ritual. Think of it as a “facial for your scalp” — soothing, hydrating, and incredibly satisfying.

Korean head spas usually include:

• Scalp diagnosis (camera scan to check dryness, oil, sensitivity)
• Deep cleansing shampoo with warm water pressure
• Long scalp massage with aroma oils or cooling gel
• Steam or mist treatment to open pores
• Hair mask or ampoule treatment
• Neck and shoulder massage (in some salons)
• Blow-dry and styling to finish

The whole process lasts between 40 and 90 minutes depending on the package. It’s deeply relaxing and perfect if you are stressed, tired, or dealing with sensitive scalp (common when you move to Korea because of water changes).

 

 

Why You Should Try a Head Spa in Korea

• Korean stylists are trained in scalp health, not just hair.
• The techniques are extremely gentle and precise.
• Products are high-quality and usually customized to your scalp type.
• It’s cheaper than in Europe for the same quality (or better).
• You finish with soft, shiny hair and a refreshed scalp.

 

How Much Does a Head Spa Cost?

• Basic head spa: 40,000–70,000 KRW
• Premium treatments: 80,000–150,000 KRW
• Luxury packages: 150,000–250,000 KRW

 

Best Head Spa Places in Seoul (Foreigner-Friendly)

 

1. Juno Hair Head Spa (Multiple Branches)

Many Juno Hair branches offer head spa services with scalp analysis and premium treatments. Staff is used to foreigners and can explain the steps in basic English.

Good for: Aromatherapy scalp massage, deep cleansing, premium treatments.

2. BOHÈME Head Spa (Gangnam)

One of the trendiest head spa studios in Seoul. Calm, aesthetic, focused only on scalp care. Many expats recommend it for its relaxing atmosphere.

Good for: Long massages, quiet setting, luxury experience.

3. Spa The Day (Sinsa / Apgujeong)

A full spa offering professional head spa programs with steam dome treatments. Staff is friendly and used to tourists.

Good for: Steamed scalp treatments, anti-hair loss ampoules.

4. Amoris Hair & Head Spa (Itaewon)

Located in Itaewon, this salon is very foreigner-friendly and offers head spa services adapted to different hair textures.

Good for: Sensitive scalp, foreigners with fine or curly hair.

5. Jenny House (Cheongdam)

A celebrity-loved beauty salon offering high-end scalp treatments. Expensive but exceptional service and premium products.

Good for: Luxury experience, K-celeb vibes.

 

How to Make an Appointment

1. By Phone

You can call the salon directly – most big chains like Juno or Soonsiki have staff who understand basic English.

2. Online Reservation Platforms

• Naver Booking – most salons have a 예약 (reservation) page
• KakaoTalk Channels – many salons reply directly on Kakao
• Instagram DMs – specially for trendy or boutique salons
• Creatip, klook, Trazy – applications for foreigners only

Tip: Many salons ask for a Korean phone number for confirmation. If you don’t have one, Instagram DM is usually the easiest option.