Korean haircut styles for men: the shapes and how to ask

What defines the look

A common pattern is shorter, tidy sides and back, with more length on top for texture and movement. Some styles rely on a perm for volume and shape. Trends shift, so use the names below as vocabulary when you talk to a designer.

Popular shapes

• Two block cut. Sides and back are cut short, and the top is left longer. The gap between the two blocks gives it the name. See the two block cut and perm page.
• Comma hair. A fringe that curls into a comma shape over the forehead. It often needs a perm or a styling habit to hold.
• Dandy cut. A neat, side-swept or parted top with clean sides. Often styled with a dryer.
• Crop or short cut. Short all over, simple to keep.
• Down perm cuts. The sides are relaxed so they lie flat. See the cut and down perm page.

How to pick one

Start with the daily routine. If you want to style in two minutes, a cut with a perm may do more of the work. If you prefer to air dry, ask for a cut that falls in place. Consider your hair type too: thick, straight hair can stand up at the sides, and a down perm can help. Fine hair may need less thinning to keep body.

WENEED men’s prices

Menu reference points: men’s cut from ₩20,000 (price varies by designer), men’s design cut ₩25,000, men’s change cut (체인지컷) ₩30,000 on Jin’s price sheet and men’s cut + down perm from ₩38,000. A men’s design perm is ₩90,000. The designer confirms the final price based on length and condition. See the men’s haircut page and the price list.

How to ask for it

• Bring photos of the front, side and back.
• Give lengths in centimeters. “Short sides” is vague, while “1 cm on the sides, 6 cm on top” is clear.
• State your hairline and cowlick, if you have them.
• Say how you style: dryer only, wax or nothing.

More tips are in the guide on explaining your hairstyle.

Maintaining the shape

A cut is only half of the style; how you finish it matters just as much. Many Korean men’s styles are finished with a dryer: lift the top with the dryer pointing forward, then set the shape with a little product. Dry hair that looks flat after a cut is common, and the designer can show how to build volume at the root. Bring your usual product to the visit if you like, so the designer sees what you work with. For a perm-based style, ask how to wash and dry it so the shape lasts.

Short-sided styles tend to look tidy for a limited time, and the shape grows out as the sides lengthen. Many people re-cut every few weeks, though the right interval depends on how fast your hair grows and how sharp you want the shape. Ask the designer what they suggest.

Plan around events too. If you have a wedding, an interview or a trip soon, book the cut a week or so before, not on the day, so the shape settles. A fresh short-sided cut can look very sharp for the first few days and softer afterwards.

Visiting WENEED

The salon is 71 m from Jangsan Station Exit 5 on Line 2, in Room 251, 2F, Sejong World Plaza Building B. The 2nd floor is stairs only. Open daily 10:00 to 20:00.

Frequently asked questions

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