Korean scalp care routine: a simple weekly plan

The idea behind the routine

Many Korean routines start from one idea: the scalp is skin, and healthy skin is where good hair starts. Care is therefore about cleanliness, balance and gentleness rather than about strong products. This is a general approach, not a rule, and routines differ from person to person.

None of this treats a medical condition. For persistent itch, redness, pain or sudden hair loss, see a doctor.

A basic routine, step by step

1. Brush before washing. A gentle brush loosens dust and surface build-up and spreads natural oil through the lengths.
2. Wet fully. Use lukewarm water. Very hot water can leave the scalp feeling dry and tight.
3. Shampoo the scalp, not the lengths. Apply it to the scalp and work with the pads of your fingers, not the nails.
4. Massage for a minute or two. Small circles, moving from the front to the back.
5. Rinse longer than you think. Left-over product is a common cause of a heavy, itchy scalp.
6. Condition the lengths only. Keep conditioner away from the roots if your scalp is oily.
7. Dry the roots. Dry the scalp with a towel and then a dryer on a medium setting, held at a distance.

Weekly and occasional steps

• Once a week or so: a deeper cleanse for build-up from styling products or sweat. Many people use a scalp scrub or a clarifying wash. Use gentle pressure.
• When the scalp feels tense: a short massage on dry or wet hair.
• Every few weeks to a few months: a salon service. The right interval depends on your scalp and your designer’s advice.

Where a salon service fits in

A salon scalp service can do what home care cannot do as easily: look at your scalp closely, clean it deeply and match products to what it needs. The WENEED menu includes a scalp clinic (두피 클리닉) at ₩120,000 on Jin’s price sheet, and a scalp scaling and head spa are also offered, with prices quoted by the designer. For the difference between them, see head spa vs scalp treatment.

Habits that help any routine

• Wash at a pace that suits your scalp. Oily scalps may need daily washing, dry ones less often.
• Do not scratch with nails when itchy. Press with fingertips instead.
• Clean combs and brushes regularly.
• Do not sleep with a wet scalp if you can avoid it.
• After a perm, color or bleach, ask the designer when the scalp is ready for a deep cleanse.

What to tell the designer

A scalp routine only works if you keep it up, so choose steps you will actually repeat. Three well-done steps beat ten rushed ones. Check how your scalp feels after one or two weeks, and change one thing at a time so you can tell what helped. If you travel, bring a small bottle of your usual shampoo, because a sudden change of water and product can make a scalp feel different. Hard water, sea air and strong sun can all play a part.

Describe what you notice: oil by the afternoon, flakes, itch, tight skin, or a heavy feeling. Mention products you use and any recent chemical service. The designer then suggests one of the treatment services. See the price list for the numbers.

Visiting WENEED

The salon is 71 m from Jangsan Station Exit 5 on Line 2, on the 2nd floor of Sejong World Plaza Building B, reached by stairs only. Open daily 10:00 to 20:00.

Frequently asked questions

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