Types of Perm in Korea

Korea is famous for its advanced perm techniques, designed to create natural volume, long-lasting curls, and low-maintenance styling. Below are the most common types of perms in Korea, explained clearly so foreigners can understand what to choose at a Korean hair salon.

1. Digital Perm (디지털 펌)

Best for: Medium to long hair

• Uses heat rods + digital machine
• Creates defined, bouncy curls
• Curls look best when hair is dry
• Very popular for glamorous, styled looks

Result: Large, polished waves
Maintenance: Easy daily styling with blow-dry

2. Setting Perm (셋팅 펌)

Best for: Long hair, layered styles

• Similar to digital perm but with stronger hold
• Creates elegant waves starting mid-length
• Often used for Korean celebrity hairstyles

Result: Softer than digital, but still structured
Maintenance: Moderate

3. Cold Perm (일반 펌)

Best for: Short to medium hair

• No heat; chemical processing only
• Curls show best when hair is wet
• Ideal for natural, casual textures

Result: Smaller, softer curls
Maintenance: Needs styling products

4. Volume Perm / Root Perm (볼륨 펌)

Best for: Flat hair, thin hair, Asian hair

• Focuses on root lift, not curls
• Often done only on the crown or bangs
• Very popular with men and women

Result: Natural volume at roots
Maintenance: Very low

5. C-Curl Perm (C컬 펌)

Best for: Straight hair wanting soft ends

• C-shaped curl at the ends
• Gives a clean, feminine look
• Often paired with layered cuts

Result: Inward-curled ends
Maintenance: Easy

6. S-Curl Perm (S컬 펌)

Best for: Natural wave lovers

• Creates soft S-shaped waves
• Looks effortless and trendy
• Common for long hair

Result: Loose, flowing waves
Maintenance: Moderate

7. Mix Perm (믹스 펌)

Best for: Customized styles

• Combination of C-curl + S-curl
• Used to shape different sections differently
• Very popular in Korea

Result: Natural, dimensional waves
Maintenance: Moderate

8. Volume Magic Straight Perm (볼륨 매직)

Best for: Frizzy or wavy hair

• Straightens hair while keeping root volume
• Unlike classic straight perm, not flat
• Extremely popular in Korea

Result: Smooth but voluminous hair
Maintenance: Low

9. Down Perm (다운 펌)

Best for: Men with puffy or wide hair

• Flattens hair on the sides
• Common men’s Korean hairstyle technique
• Often combined with haircut only

Result: Clean, slim head shape
Maintenance: Very low

10. Men’s Perm (남자 펌)

Best for: Men’s short to medium hair

Common styles include:

• Shadow perm
• Texture perm
• Wave perm

Result: Natural movement & volume
Maintenance: Easy daily styling

How to Choose the Right Perm in Korea

• Want big waves? → Digital or Setting Perm
• Want natural texture? → Cold or S-Curl Perm
• Flat hair? → Volume Perm or Root Perm
• Straight but polished? → Volume Magic Straight
• Men’s styling? → Down Perm or Men’s Perm

Tip for Foreigners at Korean Hair Salons

Always show reference photos and ask:

• Where the curls start
• How strong the curl will be
• Daily styling requirements
• Damage level & aftercare

Korean salons are highly technical, but clear communication is key for the best result.