In this blog, we'll use Soonsiki Hair, Hongdae's most popular hair salon for trendy Korean hairstyles, as an example!
In this guide, you'll learn:
- How to book and communicate at Korean hair salons (with or without Korean)
- Price differences by designer grade & extra charges to expect
- 9+ FAQ: from curly hair care to scalp treatments & timing for multiple services
Updated: April 2026 | Based on actual visit to Soonsiki Hair, Hongdae
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.
💡 Editor's TIP
If you're unsure which designer grade to choose, start with an S Designer (2-3 years experience). From our experience, they offer excellent quality at a reasonable price—perfect balance for first-time visitors!
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.
💡 Editor's TIP
If you're getting bleach + color, always add the treatment. We skipped it once to save money and regretted it for weeks—dry, damaged hair isn't worth the 30,000 KRW savings. Invest in the treatment, especially for chemical services.
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.
💡 Editor's TIP
The Hanok branch's private scalp treatment room is a game-changer. We tried both the open-space head spa and the private room—the latter felt like a mini retreat. Worth the extra 10,000 KRW for a truly relaxing experience!
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!
FAQ
What payment methods do Korean hair salons accept?
Soonsiki Hair accepts:
- ✅ Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- ✅ Cash (KRW only)
- ✅ Creatrip booking (pay online in advance)
Note: Mobile payment apps like KakaoPay require a Korean bank account, so stick to cards or cash.
Do I need to tip at Korean hair salons?
No tipping required! Tipping is not part of Korean culture, and salon staff won't expect it. The price you see is what you pay—simple and stress-free.
Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Yes, but notify the salon at least 24 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees. If you booked through Creatrip, contact our customer service at help@creatrip.com for assistance.
Will the salon provide hair products for my hair type?
Korean salons primarily use products suited for Asian hair. If you have specific needs (e.g., products for African or very curly hair), ask the salon in advance or bring your own preferred products.
What's the biggest difference between Korean and Western hair salons?
Many first-time visitors to Korean salons notice they pay exceptional attention to styling details—bangs curvature, face-framing layers, and overall silhouette. Additionally, Korean perms tend to be more natural-looking compared to tighter curls popular in other countries. Discuss your expectations thoroughly with your stylist beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Will my Korean perm/color be hard to maintain back home?
It depends on the style you choose and your daily styling habits. Some Korean hairstyles look effortless but actually require blow-drying techniques, curling irons, or styling products to achieve the salon-fresh look. If you're not comfortable styling hair, tell your designer you want a "low-maintenance" or "air-dry friendly" style.
Do Korean salons constantly push upsells like treatments?
Some salons may recommend add-on treatments, especially if they notice dry/damaged hair or if you're getting chemical services. This isn't necessarily a hard sell—it's often genuine advice to minimize damage and improve results. If you have budget concerns, politely decline or check pricing beforehand.
What should I bring to my Korean hair salon appointment?
✅ Must bring:
- Reference photos (saved offline to your phone gallery)
- Passport or ID (some salons require it for membership/booking records)
- Credit card or cash (KRW)
✅ Nice to have:
- Your own hair products (if you have specific needs for textured/curly hair)
- Translation app (Google Translate, Papago work well)
- Previous hair history (if you've had bleach/perm/straightening in past 6 months)
💡 Editor's TIP
Save at least 3-5 reference photos showing front, side, and back views of your desired style. I also recommend screenshotting photos instead of relying on Instagram saved posts—wifi at salons isn't always reliable!
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!
About the author:
Written by Creatrip Content Editor with 5+ years living in Seoul. This guide is based on my personal visit to Soonsiki Hair in March 2026, where I got a Korean setting perm and color treatment. Photos and pricing verified on-site.
