In this blog, we'll use Soonsiki Hair, Hongdae's most popular hair salon for trendy Korean hairstyles, as an example!

Do Korean hair salons provide services in English?

*Soonsiki offers interpreters at specific times to help you clearly communicate your needs to your hairdresser!

Yes! Let me clarify the extent to which they speak English. Although some salons may advertise "English-friendly," they often rely on translation apps for communication. Don't be too concerned about language barriers. It's highly recommended to bring photos of the hairstyle you want, as this helps your hairdresser understand what you want. Additionally, some salons have interpreters available or staff members who are fluent in English. 

Are there additional prices? 

*Prices range depending on the designer's experience (refer to the picture above)
P DESIGNER - 1~2 years of experience
S DESIGNER - 2~3 years of experience
D DESIGNER - 3~5 years of experience
M DESIGNER - 5~10 years of experience

(Based on Soonsiki Hair) Prices at Soonsiki vary depending on the hair designer's grade, which is determined by their years of experience. Designers are promoted to a higher grade after reaching certain years of experience and passing a promotion test. This system motivates hair designers to keep their skills updated and ensures that Soonsiki retains only the most talented professionals.

However, if a specific designer is not chosen by the client, a uniform rate of 33,000 KRW is charged for whichever designer is assigned. Additional costs apply for extra hair length.

How long do the services last?

Here’s an approximate time you might spend on different services:

• Haircut: 1 to 1.5 hours (including shampoo and styling)
• Perm: Approx. 3 hours
• Color (without bleach): Approx. 3 hours
• Color (with bleach): Approx. 3 to 5 hours
• Scalp treatment (including cut and styling): Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Can you book an appointment just for a haircut?

Yes, it's definitely possible to book just a haircut, which includes styling. It’s a great way to experience a Korean salon without spending too much! 

Can you get multiple services in one visit? 

Thinking of getting both a Korean perm and color on the same day? It's possible if your hair is in great condition, but it's generally not recommended. Stylists might refuse to perform both services simultaneously to prevent damaging your hair. Having at least 15 days in between getting a perm and dyeing your hair is recommended by most hairdressers!

Check out our visit to Soonsiki Hair below!

Can Korean hair salons work with curly hair?

In Korea, many hair salons are not accustomed to working with curly hair, which often leads to disappointing experiences for foreigners whose hair is damaged after a visit. However, some foreigner-friendly salons have specialists trained to handle curly hair. For instance, Soonsiki Hair in Hongdae employs designated hairdressers at each branch who are skilled in caring for curly hair. If you're unsure whether the salon you're interested in has a stylist experienced with curly hair, consider sending them a picture via social media DMs to ask!

Check out Soonsiki Hair's Yoniyoko's Instagram page to see all the wonderful clients she's worked with!

Should you get the hair treatment?

There may be instances where the hairdresser recommends that you get a hair treatment. If you're getting a perm or color, the chemicals can end up severely damaging your hair so adding a treatment to minimize damage is advisable. There are various treatments available, so choose the one that suits your hair type for the best results.

What type of additional services are provided at Korean hair salons?

Expect to be pampered! Korean salons typically offer a range of complimentary services:

• Drinks and snacks to keep you refreshed.
• Lockers for storing your personal belongings securely.
• Shampoo and styling are included with your haircut. Note, if you're getting a perm, they might not fully dry your hair afterwards.
• A brief massage during shampooing, adding a relaxing touch to your visit.
• Soonsiki Hair provides an amenities pouch that includes a phone charger, wet wipes, mouth wash, and more to ensure a comfortable visit. They also provide a personal color analysis during consultation, to help you find what colors fit you best. 

What is a Head Spa (Korean Scalp Treatment)?

A head spa is a treatment designed to soothe your scalp, offering a relaxing and calming experience. This treatment has gained popularity on social media, and it's easy to see why—it provides a deep scalp cleanse at an excellent price. However, it's important to remember that not all hair salons use the same procedures or equipment. To ensure the best experience, choose a salon that meets your specific needs and expectations.

*Soonsiki Hair Hanok has a private room dedicated to scalp treatments. If you want a private, relaxing experience, book an appointment for a Korean scalp treatment at Soonsiki Hair. 

Soonsiki Hair uses the latest head spa devices and products that are currently trending on Instagram and TikTok, ensuring a comfortable experience. They offer an extensive range of tools and products. Additionally, their AI-powered scalp diagnostic tool allows you to conveniently receive and view your scalp analysis directly on your smartphone.

Tip! You can get the scalp treatment along with other services as well! For example, you can get the head spa before your haircut! If you're planning on getting a Korean perm, protect your scalp from the chemicals by getting the scalp treatment in between. 

Visiting a hair salon in Seoul is more than just about getting a new hairstyle—it's about experiencing the culture of care and attention to detail that Korean beauty establishments are known for.

We highly recommend Soonsiki Hair for their exceptional expertise and dedication to customer care. They are the top salon in Hongdae for good reason, and our glowing review is truly heartfelt. Book your appointment at Soonsiki Hair through Creatrip for an unforgettable experience! 

Are you all set for your Korean hair salon appointment? If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!