Korean men’s hair is known for soft, controlled volume and fringes that frame the face, and much of that look comes from salon techniques that are less common elsewhere. This gallery covers the most recognisable cuts, including the two-block, the comma hair shape, the curtain and flow cuts, and a wispy Korean wolf cut, along with perms such as the down perm, leaf perm, shadow perm and airy AS perm.
Many of these styles were designed for thick, straight hair that tends to stick out at the sides. A two-block or down perm flattens that puffiness, while perms add bend and movement that straight hair would otherwise lack. If your hair is fine, look at textured crops and swept-back styles rather than heavy fringes.
Consider your forehead and lifestyle too. See-through bangs and comma fringes soften the face but need daily styling and frequent washing, whereas the business cut and neat cut are quick to manage for office settings.
1. Ivy League Cut
The familiar Ivy League shape is given a softer, ruffled finish on top, showing how classic Western cuts have blended with Korean styling. The texture makes it feel modern rather than strict. A little matte wax adds definition.
Inspiration: @concavebarbers
2. Down Perm
Thick, stubborn hair that sticks out at the sides can be calmed with a down perm. The salon treatment reshapes keratin bonds to flatten volume, leaving a two-block cut looking sleeker and more controlled. The result usually lasts a few months.
Inspiration: @id_suum
3. Wolf Cut
A Korean take on the wolf cut keeps the messy, textured ends but adds polish. Wispy layers build volume at the crown and taper down towards the collar. A light texture spray keeps the layers piece-y and adds grip.
Inspiration: @kkmminnn_men
4. Spin Swallow Perm
Naturally straight, thick hair gets curl from a spin swallow perm. Alternating inward and outward spirals produce mixed curl directions, so the result looks natural rather than uniform. A curl cream or light wax helps the spirals keep their definition.
Inspiration: @lcn13_official.bc
5. Two-Block Haircut
Now a staple of men’s fashion, the two-block contrasts a longer top with shorter, often faded sides and back. The top can be parted in the middle or to one side, here swept back. Wax or a light clay keeps the swept-back top in place all day.
Inspiration: @niyomphom_
6. Textured Crop with a Fade
Texturising adds subtle layers and dimension, giving a tapered crop more movement. It works on most hair types, though very fine, thin or damaged hair is not the best match. A matte paste applied to dry hair brings out the layers and adds natural movement.
Inspiration: @__e.soo
7. Leaf Perm
A leaf perm creates gentle waves that curve outward and inward like the edge of a leaf. Here it softens a Korean mullet and enhances the face-framing pieces. Dry it with a round brush to bring out the curves.
Inspiration: @ken_menshair
8. Layered Cut with Highlights
Dark, single-tone hair can look flat, and layering adds the base for texture. Gradient blonde highlights and choppy styling push that effect further on this tapered crop. A matte paste worked through dry hair brings out the choppy layers.
Inspiration: @goaldeddy
9. Off-Centered Part Haircut
Instead of a centre part, the hair is split roughly sixty-forty. The slight asymmetry feels relaxed and less deliberate, pairing nicely with a two-block cut. Blow-dry the hair in the direction of the part to set it, then finish with a light wax for gentle hold.
Inspiration: @charlesdessin_chomo
10. Bleached Tousled Hairstyle
Feathery texture and a light blond shade give this short cut an airy feel. On dark, straight hair it may take several appointments to lighten, tone and perm, so plan it with your stylist. Hydrating masks help keep bleached hair soft and healthy.
Inspiration: @theodorahairmichaela
11. Curtain Hairstyle
A Korean curtain cut is looser than the traditional version, with light volume and a softer part. The bangs usually fall just below the eyes and move freely. A round brush and a light spray help shape the parted bangs.
Inspiration: @iron_yb
12. See-Through Bangs
Airy see-through bangs sit right on the forehead, so they get oily quickly and may need more frequent washing. Use very little product to keep them light. A dry shampoo can help refresh them between washes, and regular trims keep the ends airy.
Inspiration: @lcn13_official.bc
13. Flow Cut
A flow cut frames the face, with bangs wrapping the forehead and grazing the cheekbones. Korean versions often have soft but defined layers and a longer nape for a fuller finish. A round brush helps shape the bangs.
Inspiration: @selene_shoya_0919
14. Hairstyle with AS Perm
AS perm, short for airy and soft, curves the hair outward to create a face-slimming effect. It works with layered cuts and can be left to air-dry or styled lightly. A light cream can define the curve.
Inspiration: @hankuk_hair
15. Sides and Back Undercut
Neatly tapered sides and back with a slightly longer, naturally textured top make this business cut ideal for professional settings. It looks formal and tidy while still reflecting current Korean grooming trends. Book trims every few weeks to keep it crisp.
Inspiration: @peterhue_kami
16. Shadow Perm
A shadow perm needs plenty of length on top. It creates a curly, voluminous fringe that casts a slight shadow over the face, perfect for anyone who wants maximum texture. Diffusing on low heat keeps the curls full.
Inspiration: @soonsiki_mujin
17. Nerd Perm
The nerd perm, popularised through Korean dramas and celebrities, uses relaxed, tousled waves for an effortless, slightly quirky look. It suits anyone drawn to a soft, bookish aesthetic that needs little daily styling. A light cream keeps the waves soft.
Inspiration: @hairvive_taegeon
18. Two-Block with Smooth Layers
A smooth gradient defines this two-block, with visible layering running from the temples up to the crown. The side part looks clean and natural, and the soft layers keep the top from looking heavy. A light wax adds subtle hold.
Inspiration: @goaldeddy
19. Sleek Style
Tidy tapered sides and back with two to four inches on top make this neat cut popular with students and professionals. It can be worn parted or unparted. A light wax gives shine without stiffness and keeps the top tidy.
Inspiration: @kikibeautyspace
20. Messy Two-Block
Thick, fluffy hair looks great in a messy two-block, combining density with wispy ends. A little product tames flyaways when a more formal finish is needed. Ask for thinning at the sides to keep the bulk under control and help the top sit naturally.
Inspiration: @thuy.anguyen
21. Swept Back Hairstyle
Rather than wearing a long fringe over the forehead, it is swept back here to open up the face, a cleaner alternative to the usual Korean flow cut. A blow-dryer and light pomade help keep the fringe lifted and back.
Inspiration: @essentialshairdressing
22. Comma Haircut
A comma-shaped curl in the fringe bends outward to frame the face, giving this cut its name. The shape is usually created with a garma perm at the salon and refreshed with a round brush at home.
Inspiration: @kkmminnn_men
23. Wet-Textured Mullet
A tapered, longer back and shaggy bangs falling across the forehead give this Korean mullet a relaxed attitude. Work mousse or gel through damp hair and scrunch to recreate the glossy wet-look texture. Expect regular trims at the nape.
Inspiration: @tseutatz_hwyydo
Understanding Korean perms before you book
Korean perm names describe the curl shape rather than a single chemical process. A down perm flattens hair at the sides; comma and garma perms curve the fringe; shadow, nerd and spin swallow perms add more curl throughout. Bring photos, explain how much curl you want, and ask how long the result usually lasts on your hair type, as perms loosen over several weeks.
Styling at home
- Blow-dry fringes forward and slightly down, then shape the curve with a round brush.
- Use a light hair essence, wax or matte cream; heavy products weigh down airy fringes.
- Avoid washing a fresh perm for 48 hours so the new shape can set.
- Ask for the sides of a two-block to be trimmed every three to four weeks to keep the contrast clean.