13 min read
Most Korean hairstyles men ask for come down to 6 cuts: the two-block, comma hair, curtain hair, the side part, the dandy cut and the ivy league. Most of them depend on a Korean technique few people abroad have heard of, the down perm, which flattens puffy side hair so the shape holds all day. This guide covers what each cut looks like, which face shapes it suits and the exact Korean phrases to use in the chair, whether you’re in Seoul or at home.
Key takeaways
- The two-block (투블럭) sits under most Korean men’s cuts: short clipped sides, with a longer top that falls over them and hides the line.
- Comma hair (쉼표머리) curls the fringe inward like a comma. It flatters long faces and high foreheads more than round ones.
- A down perm (다운펌) chemically presses side hair flat. It grows out with your hair, so many men repeat it every month or two.
- Bring 2 or 3 photos and say “사진처럼 해 주세요” (like this photo, please). A picture works better than any translation app.
Korean hairstyles men ask for: the 6 cuts compared
Korean salons keep a fairly small menu of men’s shapes. The variety comes from the details: how long the fringe is, where the part sits and whether the top is permed. Use the table to shortlist two options, then read the sections below to choose between them.
| Cut | Korean name | What it looks like | Best face shapes | Upkeep | Usual styling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-block | 투블럭 (tubeulleok) | Short clipper sides and back, longer top hanging over them | Round, square, oval | High: the sides grow out first | Light wax or nothing |
| Comma hair | 쉼표머리 (swimpyo meori) | Fringe split and curled inward at the ends | Long, oval, heart | Perm, or a few minutes with a flat iron each day | Hair essence, light spray |
| Curtain hair | 5:5 가르마 (o-dae-o gareuma) | Center part, fringe falling to both sides | Long, oval | Medium, often permed | Blow-dry, light cream |
| Side part | 6:4 or 7:3 가르마 (gareuma) | Off-center part, top swept to one side with lift at the root | Round, square, oval | Medium; a part perm helps | Wax or pomade, spray |
| Dandy cut | 댄디컷 (daendi keot) | Soft, full fringe brushed down toward the brows, no part | Long, oval, wide forehead | Low | Blow-dry only |
| Ivy league | 아이비리그컷 (aibirigeu keot) | Short sides, short top pushed up and to the side, forehead showing | Oval, square | Low | Matte wax |
A note on gareuma (가르마): it simply means “hair part”. Koreans describe the position as a ratio, so 5:5 is a center part and 6:4 or 7:3 is a side part. Use those numbers at the salon and the stylist will know exactly where you want the line.
What is a two-block haircut (투블럭)?
A two-block cut has two separate zones. The sides and back are clipped short, and the top is left noticeably longer and isn’t blended into them. When the top falls naturally, it covers the short section, so from the front you see a full, rounded shape with neat edges and no visible fade.
The name is Konglish, the Korean habit of building new words from English parts. You’ll hear plenty more of those in our guide to why Koreans say “fighting”.
Two-block vs undercut vs fade
On paper, a Western undercut is the same structure. The difference is how it’s worn. An undercut is usually slicked back so the disconnection shows. A two-block top is worn down, forward or parted, so it hides the short sides.
A fade is a different idea altogether: the hair gets gradually shorter from top to bottom with no hard line. If you show a Korean stylist a fade photo and say “two-block”, you’ll get mixed results, so pick one reference and stick to it.
Why the two-block suits thick, straight hair
Thick, straight hair tends to stick out above the ears as it grows. Clipping that zone short removes the bulk, which is the main reason the two-block works as a base for almost every other style on this list. Comma hair, curtain hair and side parts are often a two-block underneath with a different top.
Skip it, or ask for the sides left a little longer, if the hair on top is fine or thinning. Very short sides next to a sparse top make the top look thinner.
Comma hair (쉼표머리): how it works and who it suits
Comma hair is a fringe long enough to reach the eyebrows or below. It’s split near the center, and each side curls inward at the ends toward the forehead, which gives it the curved shape of a comma (쉼표, swimpyo). It became the signature look of K-drama leading men and idols, and it’s probably the style people abroad most often mean when they search for a “Korean haircut”.
It grew out of the softer, fringe-heavy styles of the 2010s that we cover in our guide to ulzzang fashion, but it’s tidier and more deliberate.
Perm or flat iron?
There are two ways to get the curl. A salon perm on the fringe (often called a C-curl perm, C컬펌) sets the inward bend, so you only need a quick blow-dry each morning. The other way is a flat iron, called 고데기 (godegi) in Korea, used to bend the ends inward every day. The perm saves time. The iron lets you test the look before committing.
Comma hair vs curtain hair
They’re close relatives. Curtain hair is about the part: the fringe opens in the middle and falls to the sides. Comma hair is about the ends: they curl back in toward the face. A curtain fringe with inward-curled tips is comma hair. A curtain fringe that falls straight is just curtain hair.
Comma hair looks best on long and oval faces, because the curved fringe shortens the face and softens a high forehead. On a very round face it can add width at cheek level, so ask for the curl to start higher.
Curtain hair, side part and the gareuma perm
Part-based styles are the grown-up end of the Korean menu. You’ll see them on actors in office dramas, on grooms and on men who need their hair to look neat in a meeting without much effort.
Curtain hair (5:5 center part)
A center part with the fringe swept outward on both sides. It shows a narrow strip of forehead and keeps volume at the temples, which balances a long face. It’s harder to pull off on a round or very wide face, because the symmetry draws attention to width.
Side part (6:4 or 7:3)
The off-center part is the most flattering option for round and square faces, because the diagonal line breaks up a wide jaw or full cheeks. Korean stylists usually add lift at the root so the top doesn’t lie flat on the scalp.
What is a gareuma perm (가르마펌)?
A gareuma perm sets the part and root lift chemically, so the hair falls the right way after washing instead of springing back to its natural direction. It’s often booked together with a down perm on the sides. If your hair always “forgets” its part by lunchtime, this is the fix Korean salons usually suggest.
Dandy cut and ivy league: the low-maintenance options
Not every Korean style needs a perm. The two shorter cuts on the list survive on a towel-dry and a minute with your fingers.
Dandy cut (댄디컷)
The dandy cut is a soft, textured fringe brushed down toward the brows, with no visible part and tapered sides. It looks clean and young, suits long faces and wide foreheads, and is the easiest style to grow into comma hair later. The risk is a flat, helmet look on very straight hair, so ask for texture to be cut into the fringe (숱 치기, sut chigi, means thinning).
Ivy league cut (아이비리그컷)
Short sides, a short top pushed up and slightly to one side, and the forehead fully on show. It’s the go-to choice for men who want a sharp, sporty look with almost no styling. It suits oval and square faces. On a long face it adds height, so keep the top short.
The shortest look of all is the near-buzz cut many Korean men get before enlisting. Our explainer on Korean military service covers why every eligible man serves.
What is a down perm, and why do Korean men get one?
A down perm (다운펌, daun peom) is a straightening-type perm applied only to the hair on the sides, above and around the ears. The stylist coats that hair with perm solution, combs it flat against the head and lets it set, so it lies down instead of sticking out. It doesn’t change the cut. It changes the direction the hair grows away from the scalp.
This is the hidden step behind the smooth, rounded silhouette in Korean photos. Thick, straight hair tends to stand out from the side of the head as it grows, which makes the head look wider. A down perm keeps that area flat between cuts, so the two-block or comma shape stays neat for longer.
How long does a down perm last?
It doesn’t wear off like a wave perm. The treated hair stays flat, but new growth at the root comes in with your natural direction, so the effect fades as the hair grows. Men who rely on it often redo it with every haircut, roughly every month or two depending on how fast their hair grows.
Who should be careful
Perms use chemical solutions. If your scalp is sensitive, broken or irritated, tell the stylist before they start, and skip the treatment if you have an active scalp condition. See a dermatologist for that first. Already-curly hair may not need a down perm at all, because the curl sits closer to the head.
You’ll also hear about volume magic (볼륨매직), a straightening treatment that smooths frizz while keeping a curve at the ends. Men with wavy or frizzy hair sometimes book it before attempting comma hair.
Which Korean haircut suits your face shape?
Korean stylists usually look at face shape before anything else, and so should you. These are starting points. Your hairline, hair thickness and cowlicks (가마, gama, the crown whorl) can override them.
Round face
Go for height and asymmetry: a 7:3 or 6:4 side part on a two-block base, or an ivy league with lift on top. Avoid heavy, straight-across fringes and center parts, which repeat the circle.
Long or oblong face
This is the face shape comma hair, curtain hair and the dandy cut suit best. A fringe shortens the face, and some width at the temples balances the length. Skip tall styles with lots of lift on top.
Square face
A side part with soft texture rounds off a strong jaw. A two-block works, but keep a little length on the sides so the jaw isn’t framed by a hard line.
Oval face
Almost everything on the list works. Choose by hair type and how much time you’ll spend each morning.
Heart shape or wide forehead
Fringe styles (comma, dandy, curtain) cover the widest part of the face. The ivy league puts the forehead on show, so it’s the one to avoid.
What if my hair is curly or thin?
Curly hair can wear a two-block or a textured dandy cut without perms. Ask the stylist to cut it dry or to account for shrinkage. Thin hair does better with a side part that has root lift than with comma hair, which needs density in the fringe to hold the curl.
How to ask a Korean barber for the cut you want
Most Korean men go to a miyongsil (미용실), a unisex hair salon, rather than a barbershop. Stylists there are called designers (디자이너), and the senior stylist or owner is the wonjang (원장). Barbershops (바버샵) exist too, and they’re the better pick for fades, pomade styles and shaves. For comma hair or a down perm, a miyongsil is the safer bet.
In Korea, many salons take bookings through Naver Map, where you can also see the stylists’ portfolios. Prices for cuts and perms vary a lot by salon and by designer level, so check the salon’s own Naver or official page before you go. Outside Korea, salons in Koreatown districts usually know these cuts by their Korean names.
- Save 2 or 3 photos of the same style, from the front and side, on hair similar to yours.
- Name the cut and the part (for example, two-block with a 6:4 part).
- Say how short you want the sides and whether you want a down perm.
- Agree on fringe length using your own face as the ruler: eyebrows, eyes or above the brows.
- Ask the designer to show you how to blow-dry it before you leave.
| English | Korean | Romanization | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Like this photo, please (polite) | 사진처럼 해 주세요 | sajincheoreom hae juseyo | Show your reference photo |
| A two-block, please (polite) | 투블럭으로 해 주세요 | tubeulleogeuro hae juseyo | Naming the base cut |
| A down perm on the sides, please (polite) | 옆머리 다운펌 해 주세요 | yeommeori daunpeom hae juseyo | Adding a down perm |
| Fringe to my eyebrows (polite) | 앞머리는 눈썹까지 해 주세요 | ammeorineun nunsseopkkaji hae juseyo | Setting fringe length |
| Please thin it out (polite) | 숱 쳐 주세요 | sut chyeo juseyo | Thick, heavy hair |
| Not too short, please (polite) | 너무 짧지 않게 해 주세요 | neomu jjalji anke hae juseyo | Protecting length you want to keep |
| Just a trim, please (polite) | 조금만 다듬어 주세요 | jogeumman dadeumeo juseyo | Maintaining a cut you already like |
Korean hair styling products and a 5-minute routine
Korean men’s styling is lighter than the Western pomade look. The goal is hair that looks soft and touchable but still keeps its shape. That’s why Olive Young, Korea’s big health-and-beauty chain, gives so much shelf space to light waxes, hair essences and sprays from Korean brands such as Mise en Scène.
Wax, clay or pomade?
- Matte wax or clay: hold with no shine. Use it for the two-block, ivy league and side parts that should look natural.
- Hair essence or light oil: controls frizz and adds a soft finish. It’s the main product for comma and curtain hair.
- Pomade: shine and a firm, slick finish. Keep it for classic side parts and barbershop styles.
- Hair spray: a light mist at the end keeps a comma curl or part in place through the day.
The 5-minute morning routine
- Start with damp hair, not soaking wet. Towel-dry first.
- Blow-dry the sides downward and toward the back of the head, pressing with your palm so they sit flat.
- Dry the top in the direction of your part, lifting at the root with your fingers or a round brush.
- For comma hair, aim the dryer at the fringe while bending the ends inward with a brush, or use a flat iron on low heat with a heat protectant.
- Rub a pea-sized amount of wax or essence between your palms and work it in from the back. Finish with a light spray.
Good hair looks better with good skin, and the same Olive Young trip can cover both. Our Korean skincare routine for men keeps that side to 4 steps.
FAQ
What is the most popular Korean hairstyle for men?
The two-block is the most common base, and comma hair is the look most people abroad picture when they think of Korean men’s hair. In practice, many Korean men wear a two-block with either a comma fringe or a side part on top.
Is comma hair the same as curtain hair?
No. Curtain hair is a center part with the fringe falling to both sides. Comma hair adds an inward curl at the ends of that fringe, usually set with a perm or a flat iron.
Can I get a Korean haircut outside Korea?
Yes. Korean-run salons in Koreatown neighborhoods usually know the cuts by name. Any skilled stylist can cut a two-block from good photos, but a down perm is a specialized service, so check that the salon offers it before booking.
How long does a down perm last?
The treated hair stays flat, but new growth comes in with its natural direction, so the effect fades as your hair grows. Many men redo it with each haircut.
Do Korean hairstyles work on curly or wavy hair?
Many do. The two-block and a textured dandy cut work well on curls without chemical treatment. Comma hair on wavy hair often starts with a straightening treatment such as volume magic, so ask the stylist whether your hair needs it.
What should I say to a Korean barber if I don’t speak Korean?
Show a photo and say “사진처럼 해 주세요” (sajincheoreom hae juseyo, like this photo, please). Add “투블럭” (two-block) or “다운펌” (down perm) if you want them, and agree on fringe length by pointing to your eyebrows.
What to try at your next haircut
If you’re new to Korean styles, start with a two-block and a side part. It’s the easiest combination to wear and it flatters most faces. Once the top is long enough to reach your brows, you can move to comma hair, first with a flat iron to test the shape, then with a perm if you like it.
Before booking, collect reference photos on hair like yours, check the salon’s portfolio and price list on its official or Naver page, and ask whether it offers down perms. Bring the phrase table, and save our K-drama guide for beginners for more reference photos. The leading men are a good catalogue of every cut on this list.
Related reading
Sources k-korea.blog
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