Foreigner’s Guide to Hair Salons in Gangnam, Apgujeong, Cheongdam

Foreigners’ Guide to Hair Salons in Gangnam

Perfect for visitors and expats around Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Cheongdam, this guide explains booking, services, pricing, etiquette, and essential phrases so you can get a polished K-style look—stress-free.

Quick Overview (TL;DR)

  • Most popular services for visitors: K-style cut, gloss color, highlights, C/S-curl perm, keratin, head spa
  • Communication: Many salons are English-friendly; bring 2–3 reference photos
  • Time planning: Cut 45–60 min, Color 90–150 min, Perm 120–180+ min, Keratin 60–120 min
  • Payment: Card-friendly (Visa/Master/Amex), Apple/Google Pay common; no tipping in Korea
  • Best areas: Stations near Gangnam District Office, Apgujeong, Apgujeong Rodeo, Cheongdam

How to Choose a Salon

  • Language support: Look for “English consultation available” on site/Instagram
  • Portfolio fit: Match your hair type (fine, thick, curly, bleached) and target style (K-layer, bob, ash beige, balayage)
  • Damage-care focus: Bond builder options, pH/heat control, and repair add-ons
  • Convenience: Near subway (Bundang Line for Gangnam District Office / Apgujeong Rodeo) and your hotel
  • Consistency: Reviews that mention clear consultation, realistic expectations, and clean grow-out

Booking & What to Bring

  • DM or KakaoTalk for fastest response; share:
  1. Desired style + 2–3 photos
  2. Hair history (bleach, dye, perm, keratin within 12 months)
  3. Availability window and preferred date/time
  • Arrive on time; salons run on tight schedules
  • Wear a dark/neutral top for accurate color assessment
  • Allergies/sensitivities: Tell the stylist; ask for scalp protect or gentler formulas

Typical Price Ranges (guide only; salon-specific)

  • Cut: 35,000–90,000 KRW
  • Color (single process): 120,000–220,000 KRW
  • Highlights/Balayage: 180,000–380,000 KRW+ (depends on density/length)
  • Perm (C/S-curl, digital/setting): 160,000–320,000 KRW+
  • Keratin/Smoothing: 180,000–380,000 KRW
  • Head Spa/Scalp Treatment: 60,000–150,000 KRW
  • Blowout/Styling: 30,000–80,000 KRW

Note: Long/thick hair, extra bleach/toner, or bond repair add-ons increase pricing. Always request an estimate before starting.

Salon Etiquette (Korea)

  • No tipping (service charge is included)
  • Be clear and polite; stylists appreciate reference photos
  • If unsure, ask for “natural look” or “low maintenance” options
  • Phone calls kept short; many salons offer Wi-Fi
  • If you need to cancel, message ≥12–24 hours ahead

Service Glossary (What to Ask For)

  • Haircut: Korean layer cut, mini bob/long bob (lob), see-through bangs, two-block (men)
  • Color: Korean brown gloss, milk-tea brown, ash beige, tone-down, gray blending
  • Highlights: babylights, face-framing/money piece, balayage, root shadow + gloss
  • Perms: C-curl (inward), S-curl (wave), root volume, digital/setting, mix perm
  • Straight/Smooth: natural straight, volume straight, keratin treatment
  • Care: head spa, scalp treatment, protein/deep repair treatment
  • Finish: K-style blowout, root volume set

Essential Phrases (English → Korean romanization → Korean)

  • I’d like a trim/just a little shorter. → Jogeumman jjalra juseyo. → 조금만 잘라 주세요.
  • Please keep it low-maintenance. → Yuhon georiji anneun style-euro juseyo. → 유혼 거리지 않는 스타일로 주세요.
  • Layers around the face. → Eolgul-line layer juseyo. → 얼굴 라인 레이어 주세요.
  • Natural brown gloss color. → Natural brown geulose juseyo. → 내추럴 브라운 글로스 주세요.
  • Subtle highlights/babylights. → Seuteu-beul haillaiteu/babeul-laiteu juseyo. → 섭틀 하이라이트/베이비라이트 주세요.
  • I have a sensitive scalp. → Dupega yaganhaeyo. → 두피가 약해요.
  • Please use gentle products. → Yagan yongpum-euro juseyo. → 약한 용품으로 주세요.
  • Not too short. → Neomu jjalgeun geon anieyo. → 너무 짧은 건 아니에요.
  • Can I see the price before we start? → Sijak jeon gabyeogeul boyeojuseyo. → 시작 전 가격을 보여주세요.

What to Expect (Timeline)

  1. Consultation – goals, photos, hair history (5–10 min)
  2. Design/Prep – cut plan or color/perm patch test (5–15 min)
  3. Service – application, processing, and checks
  4. Finish – K-style blowout, photo check, and aftercare tips
  5. Rebook – recommended cycle: Cut 4–6 wks, Color 4–6 wks, Highlights 8–12+ wks, Keratin 2–4 mos, Perm 2–4 mos, Head Spa 2–4 wks

Aftercare Basics

  • Use color-safe, low-sulfate shampoo; always heat protectant
  • Weekly mask (1–2×) for moisture and shine
  • Dry bangs forward then out for Korean fringe
  • For perms: avoid washing 24–48 hrs; diffuse low heat or air-dry
  • For keratin/straightening: avoid tying tightly for 48 hrs

Safety & Sensitivity Tips

  • Previous box dye or bleach? Expect warmth; plan for toner or staged sessions
  • Sensitive scalp: request scalp protect and cooler water rinses
  • Allergies: ask for patch test and ingredient info
  • Photoshoot/event: book Blowout or Gloss at the end of the service

Getting Around (Gangnam / Apgujeong / Cheongdam)

  • Subway: Bundang Line for Gangnam District Office and Apgujeong Rodeo
  • Taxis: widely available; show the salon’s Korean address on your phone
  • Time buffer: add 15–20 minutes for traffic or station transfers

Packing List (Mini Checklist)

  • Reference photos (front/side/back)
  • List of recent hair services (with dates)
  • Sensitivities/allergies
  • Payment card enabled for Korea
  • A light top for color consultation (neutral colors)

FAQs

Do salons speak English?
Many in Gangnam do. Message first to confirm; Instagram DM often gets quick replies.

Do I need to tip?
No—tipping is not customary in Korea.

Can I book same-day?
Weekdays are easier; weekends/evenings book out. Try DM early.

Will the style suit my face shape?
Ask for face-shape design (oval/round/heart/long). Stylists will adjust layers and fringe.

Is bleaching safe in one visit?
Depends on hair condition/history. Some clients need 2–3 sessions.