What are Korean perms and why are they so popular? If you are like me and enjoy watching Korean dramas, you’ve probably noticed the long gorgeous hair of the female actresses. They’ve got such pretty hair. Yes, I know they have personal hairstylists who work on the hair for hours before a shoot but wouldn’t it be nice to have beautiful locks like them? But wait… maybe we can? The secret may be in Korean perm technology.
My challenge whenever I go to Korea is deciding on what kind of perm I should get by the end of the trip. During my most recent summer trip, I asked myself multiple times whether I should get a straight magic perm or a digital perm. What kind of perms are these you may wonder. There seems to be an endless list of perms: hippie perm, lovely perm, magic perm, wave perm, C curl perm, S curl perm, baby perm to name a few.
First and foremost, there are two main types of perms: regular/cold perm, ilban 일반 파마 and heat perm, yeol 열파마. Perming, or permanent waving, is a chemical treatment that breaks and rebuilds your hair to a desired look altering your natural texture.
- Traditional/cold perms do not involve heat but does involve applying a chemical solution, wrapping hair around rods, and then neutralizing the curls with another solution.
- Digital/heat perms are when the applied solution sits on the hair, is rinsed off, and then the wet hair is rolled up and rods are heated up to activate the perm.
There is no one perfect style. And luckily many of the new digital perms are available in the US at Korean hair salons. Be proactive and ask your stylist about the different styles and combinations for the best waves for you. I personally wouldn’t mind trying the S Curl digital perm in the near future.
Here’s a Handy Guide to Korean Perms:
| Traditional Perm (Cold Perm) | Digital Perm (Heat Perm) | |
| Treatment method | Dry hair is segmented and rolled up on a plastic rod, then the cold wave solution is poured all over the hair. After fifteen to thirty minutes, another solution is applied to neutralize the previous solution and set the curls. | A treatment of permanently curling hair utilizing a combination of chemical and heat restructuring. In the method, the hair is divided into sections and then poured over by a chemical that breaks down the structure of the hair. Each part is then rolled up on a rod and left for various lengths of time (according to different hair types). The rods are then removed and additional chemicals are put in to secure the waves permanently. |
| Characteristics | 1. Causes less damage 2. Curls are more obvious when wet and loosen up as it dries 3. Tighter and voluminous curls 4. Shorter process 5. Less expensive |
1. Waves look more natural and bouncy 2. More waves as it dries 3. Less maintenance 4. Curls stay in longer 5. Curls seem to remain even after a cut 6. Similar flowing curls as if using a curling iron 7. Setting perm uses a much higher temperature, so rods cannot be used close to the scalp 8. Post perm care is essential since heat permed hair is more vulnerable to damage |
| Types | 1. Hippie perm 2. Wave Perm 3. Baby Perm |
1. C Curl Perm 2. Short bob S Curl Perm 3. Lovely Perm 4. Setting Perm 5. Magic Perm |
Cold/Traditional Perm
- Causes less damage
- Curls are more obvious when wet and loosens up as it dries
- Tighter and voluminous curls
- Shorter process
- Less expensive
Heat/Digital Perm
- Waves look more natural and bouncy
- More waves as it dries
- Less maintenance
- Curls stay in longer
- Curls seem to maintain even after a cut
- Similar flowing curls as if using a curling iron
- Setting perm uses a much higher temperature, so rods cannot be used close to the scalp
- Post perm care is essential since heat permed hair is more vulnerable to damage
Types of Korean Cold Perms
1. Hippie Perm 히피펌
Hippie perms feature curls that are ideal for volume.
Volume with looser curls are also achieved with layers and thicker rods.
2. Wave Perm 물결펌
Soft wavy curls deliver a structured, romantic look.
Try beachy waves at home with a triple barrel hair curler.
Try beachy waves at home with a triple barrel wave iron.
3. Baby Perm 베이비펌
Baby perms offer cute short curls for volume.
Types of Korean Heat/Digital Perms
1. C Curl Perm 컬펌
C Curls speak for themselves since the ends resemble the letter C whether flipped in or out.
Simulate a C Curl digital perm with a jumbo 1.5 inch curling iron.
2. Short Bob S Curl Perm S컬펌
These perms also look like their namesake with ends that resemble the letter S.
3. Lovely Perm 러블리펌
A Lovely Perm features long, loose, natural looking waves that can start at the top of the head.
To try this look at home, a triple barrel hair waver offers dummy proof temporary waves.
4. Setting Perm 셋팅펌
This Korean perm starts at the midsection due to higher heat and is best for longer hair. The look mimics one that results from having your hair set in hot rollers.
5. Magic Perm 매직펌
If sleek and straight are what you seek, ask for some Magic. This is one perm that you can try at home if you’re brave!
Special Korean perms are available in most major cities where there is a large Korean population. Bring along some pictures of the style you are going for and your stylist can help you decide which perm is best for you. The Korean pronunciation of perm is ‘pahma’ so keep that in your back pocket in case there is any communication difficulty. As with any perm, your hair will benefit a little extra TLC so consider a protective shampoo and treatment.
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