How can I explain the haircut I want at a Korean hair salon?

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.