How can I explain the haircut I want at a Korean hair salon?
What is the difference between a Korean barbershop and a hair salon? Which should I go to, and what services does each offer?
Note: This is an editorial persona question created from common experiences of foreign residents in Korea.
1 Answer
Great question! Here's the difference between Korean barbershops and hair salons, and how to communicate what you want:
Barbershop vs. hair salon
- Barbershop: Focuses on men's cuts, beard trimming, classic styles. More casual atmosphere. Prices: 15,000-25,000 won.
- Hair salon: Serves all genders. Offers cuts, coloring, perms, styling. Wider range of services. Prices vary by designer rank.
Which should you choose?
- For a simple men's haircut: Either works. Barbershops are quicker and cheaper.
- For coloring, perming, or complex styles: Go to a salon.
- For women's cuts: Always a salon.
How to explain what you want
- Show photos! This is the most effective method. Save 2-3 reference photos on your phone from Instagram or Pinterest.
- Show front, side, and back views if possible.
Useful phrases
- "Just a trim please" = 다듬어주세요
- "This much off" = 이만큼 잘라주세요 (show with fingers)
- "Keep the bangs" = 앞머리 남겨주세요
- "Thin it out" = 숱 쳐주세요
- "Two-block cut" = 투블록 (short sides, longer top - very popular Korean men's style)
- "Layers" = 레이어드
What to expect
- Korean salons include shampoo + cut + blow dry as a set
- Stylists are ranked: intern, designer, director, head. Higher rank = higher price.
- You'll be offered a drink (tea, coffee, water) while waiting
Foreigner-friendly salons
- Juno Hair, Lee Chul Hair, Park Jun Beauty Lab: Major chains with consistent quality
- Itaewon and Hannam-dong areas: Many English-speaking stylists
- Book through Naver or Kakao Map to choose your preferred stylist
Tip: If you find a stylist you like, keep going to them. Building a relationship means they'll know your preferences over time.