K-dramas may have set unrealistic expectations in romance with their melodramatic love lines, but there’s at least one thing that’s realistic about them: hair. Those soft waves, curtain bangs, and milk tea colours made popular by your fave K-drama actors and K-pop idols are completely achievable at Korean hair salons in Singapore.
Here are some we’ve found that will give you hair like these unnies and hyungs:
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Image credit: @aquakhs via Instagram
Aqua Korean Hair Salon has amassed a tonne of good reviews since setting up shop in Orchard over 10 years ago. Their team of stylists are a mix of local and Korean professionals, all of whom have been trained in Korea. The place is known for their C and S-curl perms (from $180), so expect luscious and voluminous locks post-perm.
Despite its location in town, the salon’s pricing remains affordable. Haircuts go at $55 for men, $65-$75 for ladies, and $45 for students aged 18 years old and below. Whether you’re team natural or neon, hair colouring rates start from $150. Scalp treatment is also available from $75 if you’d like a lil pamper sesh.
Bada Hair is the newly rebranded LeeKaJa, a renowned hair salon chain in Korea frequented by K-pop artists like 2NE1 and Big Bang. New name aside, they still provide the same Korean hair services they’ve become known for, such as their seamless balayage that looks more natural than chunky highlights.
Prices here start from $60 for a haircut for men and $70 for women. If you’re looking to add style, prices start from $150 for a perm and $200 for rebonding. Colouring rates range from $120 to touch up roots up to $180 for a full head of highlights, with bleaching and toning charged separately from $80-$140.
Image adapted from:@badahair.sg via Instagram
A common misconception is that dyeing your hair will make it frizzy and dry. That’s not entirely true, especially if you have your locks coloured by the stylists here. You can still get beautifully coloured hair without that air-fried texture thanks to their ammonia-free hair dye. The formula provides long-lasting colour without draining moisture from your hair cuticles.
If you’re unsure of what to get, Bada Hair provides free consultations on Mondays to Thursdays. You don’t need an appointment for this, just walk in to enquire at the salon. Once you’re certain of the style you’re looking for, it’s recommended that you book an appointment via WhatsApp.
Image adapted from: Hair Plus Korean Salon via Facebook
The senior stylists at Hair Plus Korean Salon earned their chops in Seoul before coming to Singapore, so you know you’re getting legit Korean hair styling here.
They offer a number of styling services, including cut, colour, and treatment. But this salon is best known for its perms, of which they offer 9 different kinds such as C-Curl Perm (from $230) and Volume Rebonding (from $240).
Of course, these treatments aren’t just for the ladies. Boys can get perms too, which Hair Plus Korean Salon does specially for men. If you’d like more volume or are looking to switch up your look, opt for their Down Perm (from $80). It relaxes stiff, stubborn hair so it sits neatly on the head instead of sticking out from the sides like a sea urchin.
Image credit: Hair Plus Korean Salon via Facebook
If you’re looking to get your hair done here but can’t bear to spare that much money, fret not because promotions aren’t a once-in-a-blue-moon situation here. Make sure to be on the lookout for their latest deals, as they usually have monthly promos on various treatments including discounts on digital perms and volume rebonding packages.
The salon is strictly by-appointment only. You may call to book a slot or drop them a message via the Hair Plus Korean Salon contact page.
Image credit: @johwa.sg via Instagram
Get cosy at Jo:Hwa Hair & Living with their spacious Nordic style-inspired interiors. At first glance, the white walls and wooden floors don’t give any implication that you’re stepping into a salon. However, take a seat and you’ll realise otherwise.
Despite being a small team of 2, both stylists have years of experience under their belts. Jun Park, their head stylist, has won 2 awards from Sassoon Academy, while co-founder Jacob Kim is a celebrity stylist who is often booked for editorial photoshoots around the world.
Image credit: @johwa.sg via Instagram
Their haircuts are on the pricier side starting from $90 but for good reason. For those who don’t fancy picking a style out of an outdated lookbook, put your trust in the stylists, as they use a face-framing technique that best suits your features.
After a cut, get pampered with one of their signature head spas (from $150). Their Time Foret Headspa ($350) is a 70-minute session with 20 minutes of blow-dry that includes a rhythmic water fountain that massages your head and scalp. This is coupled with aromatherapy to help put you in a relaxed state.
Since the team is small, there are only a few available slots daily, so it’s best to make a reservation far in advance to not be disappointed. You can contact the team via WhatsApp to check when books are open for a hair appointment.
Image credit: Suchehwa By Ted Hair Salon via Facebook
Suchehwa By Ted Hair Salon is spearheaded by experienced stylists who’ve spent years honing their craft in Korea. Directors Ted Kim and Ji An themselves have both worked on a long list of clients, including celebs and models for Seoul Fashion Week, before they came to Singapore to run their own hair salon.
Image credit: @ted_kim_sg via Instagram
Signature to the salon is their 7-Step Korean Suchehwa Treatment (from $250) which remedies brittle strands into silky smooth locks. The procedure uses a combination of protein-rich gels and creams to strengthen hair cuticles. It also includes misting and a leave-in restoration cream to moisturise hair ends, so you’ll walk out with bouncy, shiny hair.
On the other hand, the Suchehwa Derma Relief Scalp Treatment($150) provides an individualised approach to tackle diverse scalp concerns, including issues such as hair loss, oily scalp, and dry scalp. This treatment involves scalp exfoliation using perlite micro-grains, followed by a thorough cleansing, and concludes with the application of a scalp mask and serum.
Other services here include the usual perm (from $160) and straightening (from $200), as well as colour (from $150). If you’re happy with your current hair but just want something fancier for a special occasion, the salon also offers styling services from $45 for a wash and blow. More glamorous updos are available from $200, regardless of your hair length.
Image credit: J’s Salon
For those who don’t have the time to visit a bunch of salons and aestheticians for your monthly grooming needs, check out J’s Salon – a one-stop place to get your hair, makeup, nails, and facial done.
The salon offers a number of trendy Korean styles such as balayage and ceramic perms that combine French and Korean technology to add volume and long-lasting curls to finely textured hair. And if you’re uncertain about either getting a haircut or trying a new hair colour, you can choose their Colour Concept package, which includes both services in a single deal.
Besides styling, you can even consult their in-house trichologist for a scalp analysis, especially if you struggle with scalp-related issues like hair loss.
While you’re here, you can also book yourself a body massage or facial for a full-body pampering session. These treatments incorporate the use of machines and technology to promote skin cell regeneration and blood circulation.
Walk-ins are available at J’s Salon but it’s recommended that you call ahead first before dropping by just in case they’re fully booked for the day.
Address: 392 Havelock Road, Level 3 Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore 169663
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-10pm
Contact: 6733 3882 | J’s Salon website
Image credit: Style Na Hair Korean Salon by Joel Park
While stylists at Style Na Hair by Joel Park are all trained and experienced, each one has their own specialty in hairstyles like Korean perms, rebonding, and men’s hair styling. If there’s a specific look you’re hoping to achieve, you’ll be able to pick your own hair expert when you make an appointment.
Image credit: @stylena_bella via Instagram
All that bleaching, dyeing, and perming can do extensive damage to your hair, which is why this salon also offers a Botox Hair Treatment (from $275 for men and from $330 for women). Don’t worry, there are no injections required; it’s actually a deep conditioning keratin treatment. 2 options are available: Violet, which straightens unruly hair, and Vanilla, which restores moisture to dry ends.
Style Na Hair by Joel Park accepts walk-ins until 5pm for more complex services such as colour and perm. Otherwise, you can make an appointment online or through WhatsApp. You can also schedule appointments through their mobile app, accessible on both Apple and Android devices, or make same-day bookings by calling them.
Full list of Style Na by Joel Park outlets.
Image adapted from: @myeongdonghairstudio via Instagram
Think of Korean hair salons and you might think of chic ones in the heart of town. But you can now get such hair services right in the heartlands. With 10 outlets across Singapore from Pasir Ris to Choa Chu Kang, Myeongdong Hair Studio makes getting K-drama hair possible without leaving your ‘hood.
Prices are affordable too, with haircuts for men at $20 and women at $25, and Korean-style perms and rebonding from $288. They also make sure to use hair products from trusted hair care brands such as Mucota and L’Oreal, so you know your hair is in good hands. If you’re interested in purchasing their products to help you recreate a similar salon-hair effect at home, you can check out their online store on Lazada.
The salon chain is popular, so reservations are required for all locations. You’ll have to book an appointment online at least 2 days in advance for any hair service.
List of Myeongdong Hair Studio locations.
Image credit: Palette Hair
Not only is Palette Hair Korean & Japanese Salon economical, but it’s also inclusive. Their VIP rooms are specially designed for a Muslim-friendly experience so those wearing hijabs can have a comfortable space to pamper themselves. Plus, it doesn’t cost extra to book these private spaces.
Price-wise, the salon offers services from $38 for a cut, wash, and blow for men and from $48 for women. More creative ‘dos such as perms start from $208, while hair colouring is $138 for the full head.
Furthermore, first-timers to the salon can score discounts as well, such as $129 for a Korean wave perm or $69 for Japanese hair dye. These include a hair shield, which extends the life of your new hair job, so you don’t have to return to the salon regularly.
No appointment is necessary at this salon and walk-ins are welcome. Do note that certain styles such as colour, perm, and straightening treatments require a few hours in the salon chair, so come way ahead of closing to prevent from being turned away.
Image credit: @walkingonsunshine.sg via Instagram
Walking On Sunshine isn’t your typical Korean hair salon. For one, they’ve got IG-worthy interiors with their hanging plants and floral decor that will make your post-hair makeover selfies pop.
Image adapted from: @walkingonsunshine.sg via Instagram
The salon works on a tiered pricing system, where haircuts start from $50, depending on the stylist you book. If you prefer the more experienced hands of a senior director, you’ll be looking at $120 for your haircut. All their services also come with a 10-day promise, where the salon will fix any concerns with your new look free of charge.
Image adapted from: @ftlof.sg via Instagram, Walking On Sunshine
They aren’t just a salon though. You can literally spend a whole day here with their on-site cafe and integrated art jamming studio. Their cafe menu boasts delectable Korean fusion food, including items such as Buttercream Latte (from $7) and Chocolate Cream Kroffle ($15).
While you won’t need a reservation for the cafe, both the salon will require prior appointments to be made via WhatsApp.
For trendy and fashionable hairstyles that are popular among Korean celebrities, head down to Mago Korean Beauty Salon. Their portfolio includes hair styling for both local and Korean influencers, so you can be rest assured that the stylists know what they are doing.
Besides hair, the salon also has its Lash Room services, which focuses on all things lash-related. From a natural collagen lash lift ($78) and eyebrow embroidery (from $488) to full 5 to 6D voluminous lash extensions ($158), there is no shortage of options so you’re bound to find a style that works best for you.
Walk-ins are welcome at this salon but you can also make an appointment via WhatsApp as well.
Founded in 2003, Ocean Hair Salon boasts over 2 decades of experience, positioning itself as one of the pioneer Korean hair salons in Singapore. Their Nano Hair Extensions are highly praised for their featherweight, yet full appearance and non-invasive procedure that grants natural-looking hair.
Moreover, they provide makeup services and bridal makeup using a selection of BB cushions, dewy foundations, and lip tints carefully chosen by their stylists.
Known for their soft aesthetic, the perms (from $160 for women) Ciel Hair Salon specialises in are designed to give you an elegant look. For smoother locks, you can also try their Organic Smooth Keratin Treatment (from $300) to tame dry and frizzy hair.
Apart from their timeless styles, the stylists at Ciel keep themselves abreast of the current trends to offer you innovative hair colors (from $130) that reflect your personality.
Zinc Korean Hair Salon is completely staffed by trained Korean hair stylists proficient in various styles, but well-known for their classic Korean perms (from $150) with a natural and healthy appearance.
People usually feel hesitant to try out a new hairstyle. So, we’ve addressed some of your concerns below to help you make your decision.
For men, current popular long hairstyles include the mullet and a wavy wolf cut while the curtain hair, wavy perm, and two-block cut are favoured for short to medium-length hairstyles.
For women, layered haircuts such as the butterfly and hush-cut are common favourites for medium-length to long hair, and blunt bobs and pixie cuts for short hair. These are usually paired with see-through, wispy bangs to complete the look.
Korean see-through fringes, or air bangs, are typically feathered out across the forehead, so that bits of skin peek through. In contrast, curtain bangs are parted directly in the middle to frame the sides of your face.
Air bangs are also cut all in one length. but curtain bangs are slightly more layered by keeping the middle short before tapering out to a longer length at the sides.
People with thinner hair might want to reconsider getting a Korean perm, as their hair might lack the necessary strength and elasticity to hold curls effectively. Similarly, if your hair has been coloured or rebonded, getting a perm will not be encouraged as the curls may end up appearing frizzier as opposed to healthier hair.
For a chic hair makeover, look no further than these Korean hair salons. They don’t only make you look good, but they also prioritise hair health thus reducing frizz for easy-to-manage locks.
It may be too late to be a K-pop idol, but it’s never too late to look like one.
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Cover image adapted from: Palette Hair, @johwa.sg via Instagram
Article originally published by Ong Yee Ching on 27th March 2023. Last Updated by Mae-Z Fam 24th February 2024.
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