Straight from the streets of Seoul to your hair salon 

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few years, you'll know that K-beauty has taken the West by storm. But what you might have missed is the next big wave: Korean hairstyles. 

 

Just scroll through your FYP—every It Girl is rocking lustrous glass hair, audacious two-block cuts, and a whole host of other effortlessly edgy styles straight from Seoul.

 

And here’s some good news: Korean hairstyles offer something for everyone, whether you have short hair, long hair, curly hair, straight hair, or anything in between. From bold, quirky hair colors to low-maintenance cuts, there's a K-hairstyle out there that's perfect for you.

 

Eager to ditch the done-to-death dos? Tap into the trendsetting looks coming all the way from Korea. Start by exploring our handpicked styles below that will have everyone saying “OMG, who does your hair?!”

 

Korean hairstyles 101

Step aside, basic cuts and colors—Korean hairstyles are snatching the spotlight with their boundary-pushing aesthetics. Why are they so trendy right now? It's all about the hair artistry seen on both K-drama stars and K-pop idols who are making these looks iconic.

 

The latest obsession? Glass hair. If you're familiar with the dewy, poreless "glass skin" trend, then you'll get the concept. Glass hair is all about achieving that same ultra-smooth, high-gloss finish, but on your strands. Think of it as the ultimate hair flex: healthy, shiny, and impossibly sleek.

 

Also central to this trend are ethereally soft layers, playful bangs that coyly cover the forehead, and bold color innovations that render the usual salon shades downright basic. Yearning for the glossy waves showcased at Seoul’s fashion week, or the edgy, textured cuts flaunted by icons like BTS and Blackpink? You're in good company.

 

These styles are heavily influenced by Korean pop culture's heavyweights and are being noticed by fans all over the world. Take, for example, Blackpink's Lisa, who continually reinvents her style with dramatic transformations from ice-blonde to deep burgundy waves. Then there's actor Hyun Bin, whose famous curtain bangs set a new trend benchmark following his hit drama.

 

But what exactly sets Korean hairstyles apart? It's their cutting-edge blend of soft yet defined layering, innovative use of color—from natural shades to pastel experiments—and the dynamic range of bangs, from full and sweeping to light and wispy. These elements combine to create exciting new looks, perfect for anyone ready to lead the style pack rather than follow.

 

So, if you're contemplating a hair makeover, let this be your sign: Korean hairstyles offer a dynamic approach that can take your look from mundane to magazine cover worthy. Consider swapping your usual salon request for a fresh, K-inspired transformation. 

 

Korean short hairstyles

We're kicking things off with a style revolution that’s sweeping the hair scene. It’s time to swap your average bob for something with a little more Seoul. Bask in the blunt bob, ride the textured waves of the lob, and get acquainted with the audacious bixie—a bold cross between the bob and pixie cut. Discover the top trends and Korean short hair styling tips below. 

 

Blunt bob

An indisputable style statement. This sharply defined silhouette is all about geometric precision, offering a sleek, contemporary look that's both sophisticated and daring. Ideal for those with fine to medium hair, the blunt bob adds a visual thickness to the ends, making each strand appear fuller and more robust. Its straight edges frame the face in a dramatic way, particularly complementing oval and long face shapes. 

 

Styling tips: Master the sleek edge with a high-gloss serum and a ceramic flat iron to achieve glass-like strands. For a more relaxed look, work in some dry texture spray for a tousled yet polished vibe. This precision-styled cut shines in the spotlight of high-stakes professional environments or evening outings where a sleek, bold hairstyle will help you make a lasting impression.

 

Wavy lob

The wavy lob, often just long enough to tuck behind your ears, adds a splash of casual cool to the classic lob with its breezy, undulating waves. This style is perfect for those teetering on the edge of going short but who still cherish a bit of length. It's particularly flattering for round and square face shapes, as the waves add softness and the illusion of length to the face.

 

Styling tips: Begin with a lightweight curling cream to define your waves without weighing them down. Apply from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots to keep volume where it counts. Use a wide-barrel curling iron for loose waves, then gently tousle with your fingers for a lived-in look. A quick flip of your part to the opposite side adds instant volume, creating a natural full-bodied effect.

 

Bixie cut

This cut combines the short, fuss-free maintenance of a pixie with the slightly longer, style-flexible length of a bob. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who loves to experiment with their hair but desires a cut that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. The Bixie is especially suited for those with heart-shaped or angular faces, as it highlights the cheekbones and jawline while softening sharper facial features.

 

Styling tips: Start with a volumizing mousse applied to the roots of damp hair to add lift and texture. Blow-dry with a small round brush to boost body and smooth out the edges. For a more textured, edgy look, work a small amount of pomade or wax through the ends of your hair, twisting and pinching to create definition and separation. For more formal events, sleek the hair back with some gel for a chic, sophisticated look that still holds a touch of rebellion.

 

Going short is already bold. All about attitude and confidence, these short Korean hairstyles take boldness up a notch. Go on, we dare you to give one a try!

 

Korean long hairstyles 

Long hair, don't care? Let's rethink that. Korean long hairstyles bring life, movement, and a dash of drama to those flowing locks. From layered cascades that sway with an air of mystery to the ever-versatile long bobs and the voluminous butterfly cuts, these styles are turning heads and setting trends

 

Layered cuts 

Layered cuts in Korea are highly favored for their versatility and ability to add movement and volume to any hair type. These cuts feature varied lengths within the hair, from subtle layers that enhance natural flow to more pronounced, choppy layers for a bold look. A gorgeous choice for round or square faces, layers can elongate and soften facial features, while also making the hair both manageable and stylish. 

 

Styling tips: To really make those layers pop, work in a volumizing mousse at the roots for lift and a light texturizing spray on the ends to enhance the layered effect. For a sleeker look, a few drops of serum can smooth out frizz and add that glossy magazine finish.

 

Long bobs 

The long bob, or "lob", has carved out its niche in the K-beauty world as the quintessential combo of edge and elegance. Falling just above the shoulders, the lob often incorporates subtle layers and a soft, inward curl at the ends, tailored to frame the face delicately. It particularly suits those with oval and heart-shaped faces, enhancing the natural lines of the jaw and cheekbones. It's also a no-brainer for those with finer hair, as the cut can create an illusion of thickness and volume while maintaining an airy feel.

 

Styling tips: To achieve that quintessential Korean lob look, start with a lightweight volumizing product product at the roots. Blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting at the roots and curling inward at the ends to create a polished yet soft frame around the face. For a more casual, textured look that’s often sported by K-pop stars, apply a sea salt spray and scrunch the ends, letting them air dry to achieve a more tousled finish.

 

Butterfly cut 

The butterfly cut is taking the K-beauty scene by storm, captivating onlookers with its quirky layered approach that creates a voluminous, cascading effect that resembles the wings of a butterfly. It excels on individuals with naturally wavy or curly hair, as the layers enhance the hair’s natural texture, but is also incredibly flattering for those with longer face shapes, as the volume on the sides adds width and balance.

 

Styling tips: To maximize the voluminous potential of the butterfly cut, start with a volumizing mousse on damp hair, focusing on the roots. Diffuse dry to boost the natural body, or if you have straight hair, add curls with a medium-barrel iron focusing on the mid-lengths. This will help to emphasize the layered cut and create that sought-after bouncy effect. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the layers defined without sacrificing movement.

 

Longing for Rapunzel-esque locks with a touch of K-drama flair? Take these style suggestions along with you to your next salon visit. They bring all the drama while keeping styling low-maintenance. 

 

Korean hairstyle bangs 

Bangs and fringes are a staple in Korean hairstyling, framing the face and adding character to any look. From the airiness of see-through bangs to the bold statement of full fringes and the chic flow of side-swept styles, each type brings its own flavor to the forefront of fashion.

 

See-through bangs

See-through bangs, a hallmark of K-beauty, feature lightly feathered ends that softly curtain the forehead, allowing glimpses of the forehead through a sheer veil of hair. They're perfect for adding a subtle mystique without the weight of a full fringe, suitable for heart-shaped and oval faces which benefit from the soft framing.

 

Styling tips: Keep them wispy with a light touch of texturizing spray or a dab of serum at the tips to maintain a breezy, “woke up like this” look. Blow dry with a round brush to slightly curl the ends inward for that quintessential K-drama star vibe.

 

Full fringes 

Full fringes make a bold statement, cutting across the forehead with a dense, straight line. They're a favorite in Korean pop culture for their dramatic transformation potential, ideal for those with longer face shapes looking to add breadth and balance.

 

Styling tips: Use a smoothing brush and a blow-dryer to keep your fringe sleek and even. A small amount of styling wax can help tame any flyaways, giving you a polished look that holds throughout the day.

 

Side-swept styles

Side-swept bangs offer a versatile and flattering option that can shift from casual to glamorous with a simple restyle. These bangs sweep gracefully across the forehead, often blending into the hair at the sides, making them a great choice for almost any face shape, particularly those with sharper features looking to soften their appearance.

 

Styling tips: Apply a lightweight mousse to keep your bangs in place without stiffness. For added volume, blow-dry them to the side, lifting at the roots and sweeping outward for a full, flowy effect.

 

So, whether you're drawn to the understated allure of see-through bangs, the drama of full fringes, or the versatility of side-swept styles, there's a Korean bang out there that's perfect for you. Go ahead, give them a try, and see how this simple addition can completely revolutionize your look.

 

Korean hairstyle colors 

Aside from Korean haircut styles, there are some color options to consider. Like the rest of the fashion world, Korean hair color trends are constantly evolving, offering everything from subtle, natural hues to daring statements. This year’s palette includes the understated elegance of milk tea shades, the cool sophistication of ashy undertones, the retro flair of vintage orange, and the enigmatic allure of smoky purple.

 

Milk tea shades 

Milk tea hair colors are like the no makeup makeup of hair trends. Inspired by everyone's favorite boba drink, these soft blends of beige and brown are all about enhancing your natural beauty. It's the perfect way to go lighter without doing a full blonde, and it complements pretty much every skin tone. Trust us, it's a subtle yet chic color that'll have everyone asking, "Did you just get back from Seoul?". 

 

Ashy undertones

Think of these as the cool-girl filter for your hair. Ashy tones are all about those smoky gray undertones that cut through any brassiness. It's a subtle yet impactful way to add dimension and depth to your hair, especially if you're into the whole "effortlessly cool" K-pop idol vibe. It's also a great way to tone down warmer colors, like blondes or browns, and give them a modern edge. Bonus points: ashy undertones tend to work well with a variety of skin tones, so it's a pretty safe bet if you're not sure what to go for.

 

Vintage orange 

Picture a sun-kissed sunset, but for your hair. Vintage orange is like the nostalgic sibling of the copper hair trend, but with a softer, more muted vibe. It's a warm, inviting color that's perfect for adding a touch of retro flair to your look. And the best part? It's surprisingly versatile. Whether you have a warm or cool skin tone, you can find a shade of vintage orange that complements your complexion beautifully. Just ask your stylist for a shade that's a bit more muted and less in-your-face than a true orange.

 

Smoky purple

This isn't your grandma's purple hair. We're talking about a sophisticated, smoky hue that's equal parts edgy and ethereal. It's a statement color, for sure, but it's also surprisingly wearable. Smoky purple looks stunning on a variety of skin tones, especially if you have cool or neutral undertones. And don't worry about looking like a cartoon character—the smoky undertones give this color a more grounded feel. If you're ready to take a walk on the wild side, this is your color.

 

Color care tips:

Your freshly dyed hair needs extra TLC to stay vibrant and healthy. Here are a few tips to keep your new, K-inspired color looking its best:

 

– Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Look for products specifically designed for colored hair. They'll help prevent fading and keep your locks looking lively.

– Wash your hair less often. Overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause your color to fade faster. Leave a few days between washes, and use dry shampoo for a refresh.

– Turn down the heat. Heat styling can damage your hair and cause your color to fade. Air-dry whenever possible, and use a heat protectant spray when you do use hot tools.

– Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays can fade your color, so wear a hat or use a UV-protectant spray when you're spending time outdoors.

– Get regular trims. They will help prevent split ends and keep your color looking fresh.

 

Forget blonde ambition—Seoul is calling. If you're tired of the same old hair colors, it's time to embrace the fresh energy of K-beauty-inspired hues.

 

Ready to break up with boring hair? K-beauty is calling

Let's be real, who doesn't want hair that's as envy-inducing as their skincare routine? Korean hairstyles are the missing piece to completing your K-beauty transformation. Whether you're drawn to the laid-back vibe of long layers, the bold statement of a blunt bob, or the playful charm of see-through bangs, there's a Korean hairstyle out there that's ready to revolutionize your look. And with a spectrum of trendsetting colors to choose from, you can express your personality in a way that's uniquely you.

To maintain that coveted glass-like sheen, you’ll want to arm yourself with some Korean hair styling products. Consider Lauren Ashtyn’s Moroccanoil© Hair Products, which is perfect for adding that extra gloss and smoothness your new hairstyle craves.