Types of Perm in Korea: A Visitor's Guide
Digital, setting, cold, down perm, volume magic — Korean perm names can be confusing. Here is what each one does, who it suits and how to choose, from the perm team at JUNO HAIR Myeongdong.
The main types of perm in Korea are digital, setting and cold perms (the methods), C-curl, S-curl and mixed curls (the shapes), plus root volume, down perm and volume magic straight. Men usually choose shadow, texture or wave perms. At JUNO HAIR Myeongdong Branch 4, perms start from ₩120,000, with English consultation.
Two questions behind every Korean perm
Most confusion disappears once you split a perm into two parts. The method is how the curl is made — with heat (digital and setting perms) or without (cold perm). The shape is what you see — a C-curl, an S-curl, a mix, lift at the root or flatness at the sides.
So a 'C-curl digital perm' simply means a C-shaped curl created with heat. When you visit, you only need to show the shape you like; the designer chooses the method. Start with our perm services overview or browse the perm lookbook for references.
- Method = heat (digital, setting) or no heat (cold)
- Shape = C-curl, S-curl, mix, root lift or down perm
- Long hair usually suits heat perms
- Short hair and men's styles usually suit cold perms
- Hair history decides what is safe to do
10 types of perm you'll hear in Korea
Prices are JUNO HAIR Myeongdong Branch 4 menu prices; your designer confirms the final cost at consultation.
Digital Perm
Heated rods set soft waves that look best when dry. The go-to perm for medium and long hair.
from ₩250,000 02Setting Perm
Heat-assisted perm for rounder, bouncier, more 'styled' curls with fullness through the lengths.
from ₩250,000 03Cold Perm
No heated rods; curl is most defined when damp. Ideal for short hair and close-to-root curl.
from ₩160,000 04Root / Volume Perm
Lifts only the roots for height at the crown or parting; lengths stay unchanged.
from ₩120,000C-Curl Perm
Ends curve inward in a 'C' — classic on bobs and shoulder-length cuts.
from ₩250,000S-Curl Perm
Flowing S-shaped waves through the lengths, usually on long hair.
from ₩250,000Mix Perm
C-curl and S-curl combined — for example, waves in the lengths with inward ends or face-framing curl.
from ₩250,000Volume Magic Straight
Straightens frizz and waves while keeping root lift and soft inward ends.
from ₩250,000Down Perm
Mostly for men: presses puffy side and back hair flat so the cut sits neatly.
ask on WhatsAppMen's Perms: Shadow, Texture & Wave
Shadow perm adds subtle direction, texture perm adds messy movement, and wave perm adds visible curl on top.
from ₩160,000One haircut, two perm shapes
Drag the slider to compare a C-curl bob with long S-curl waves — the two shapes most visitors ask about.
Before
After
Example styles only. Individual results vary with hair type and condition.
How to choose the right perm
Start with your length
Short hair and men's cuts usually suit a cold perm; medium and long hair usually suit a digital or setting perm.
Pick the shape you like
Decide between C-curl, S-curl, a mix, root lift only, or smoothing with volume magic straight.
Think about your mornings
Air-dry lovers prefer digital perms; if you style with product when damp, a cold perm works well.
Be honest about hair history
Recent bleach, color or straightening changes which perms are safe — tell your designer everything.
Bring a reference photo
Show the result you want and let the designer choose the method, then confirm the price before starting.
Perm prices in Myeongdong
Menu prices at JUNO HAIR Myeongdong Branch 4. Prices may vary depending on your style and are confirmed at consultation.
Get a Quote on WhatsApp| Service | From |
|---|---|
| Root perm | ₩120,000 |
| Men perm | ₩160,000 |
| Women perm | ₩250,000 – ₩350,000 |
Prices in Korean won (KRW) from our in-salon menu. Final price depends on hair length, density and condition — confirmed at consultation before we start.
Hye-young Noh (노혜영)
“Guests don't need to learn perm names. Show me the shape you like and tell me about your hair's history — choosing the method is my job.”
- 25 years as a hair master
- Certified Scalp Care Specialist Lv.2
- Vidal Sassoon Advanced Cut & Color
- Former JUNO Academy Perm Instructor
- No.1 Growth Branch 2024–2025
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Meet the full designer team
Korean perms — common questions
What is the most popular perm in Korea?
For women, digital perms with C-curl or S-curl shapes are among the most requested; for men, texture and shadow perms. JUNO HAIR Myeongdong Branch 4 offers all of these.
What is the difference between a digital perm and a cold perm?
A digital perm uses heated rods and looks best dry, suiting longer hair; a cold perm uses no heat, looks best damp and suits short hair. JUNO HAIR Myeongdong chooses the method after checking your hair.
What is a down perm?
A down perm is a Korean men's service that flattens hair that sticks out at the sides and back, so a short cut sits neatly. Ask JUNO HAIR Myeongdong on WhatsApp for a quote.
How much does a perm cost in Seoul?
At JUNO HAIR Myeongdong Branch 4, a root perm is ₩120,000, a men's perm ₩160,000 and a women's perm ₩250,000–₩350,000, confirmed at consultation.
Can I get a Korean perm as a tourist?
Yes. JUNO HAIR Myeongdong Branch 4 offers English-speaking support and WhatsApp booking at +82 10-4627-0605, a short walk from Myeongdong Station.
How long does a Korean perm last?
Most perms last around 3–6 months, while a root perm usually lasts about 1–3 months as the hair grows. Results depend on hair type and aftercare.
Find your perm in Myeongdong
