2026 Korean Men’s Hair Trends | Explaining the Difference Between Comma Bangs × Down Perms and How to Request Them in Seoul
💈 A guide to ordering comma bangs × a down perm in Seoul
🎯 Interested in clean, polished hair like a Korean drama actor?
Have you ever wished your partner or friends would try clean, polished hair like a Korean drama actor?
Alternatively, more and more people recently say they would like to style their hair at an authentic salon while visiting Korea.
The key words strongly associated with Korean men’s hairstyles for spring and summer 2026 are “a clean look” and “natural hair flow (moryu).”
Until recently, the dominant style was one that used wax to create sharply defined strands.
But the trend has shifted.
Natural center parts that flow as if blown by the wind, as seen on the leading actors of Korean dramas from 2025 to 2026.
The response on popular Korean hair salon social media accounts and Korea travel beauty communities also shows that interest in this style is rapidly increasing.
When YEPPURIKO actually visited men’s salons in Seoul, the request for “comma bangs × hair-flow perm” had already become a standard.
💡 What is the difference between comma bangs and a hair-flow perm?
These two are often discussed together.
However, they serve different purposes.
Comma bangs refer to “the shape of the bangs.”
One or both sides of the bangs are curled inward to create a shape resembling the punctuation mark “comma (，).”
By showing an appropriate amount of forehead, you can create a mature and refreshing look at the same time.
On the other hand, a hair-flow perm (such as a comma perm) is a technique for creating an “overall flow.”
It does not create strong curls.
It is a recent perm that only sets the hair so it flows neatly backward or to the sides.
It is easy to style into a natural hair flow simply by blow-drying, and many people say that their morning styling has become easier.
✅ Roles to remember
Comma bangs = the “shape” of the front hair. Hair-flow perm = the “direction” of the overall hair. Only by combining these two can you achieve that Korean actor-style silhouette.
🔥 The Hidden Main Star of Korean Men’s Hair: What Is a “Down Perm”?
This is the menu that makes the biggest impression on Japanese men at hair salons in Seoul.
The down perm (다운펌).
It has become a standard menu item at Korean men’s salons and is such a popular technique that many male customers request it.
Why is it necessary?
East Asian hair tends to have the characteristic of spreading outward at the sides.
A down perm is a perm that uses special chemicals to press down side hair that tends to stick out, keeping it flat against the scalp.
It reduces the volume on the sides while creating natural height at the top.
This brings you closer to a beautiful “diamond-shaped” silhouette.
When YEPPURIKO interviewed local stylists, several salons also said, “For Japanese guests, we first recommend a down perm.”
✅ Results vary depending on the condition of your hair
The duration and effects may vary from person to person depending on hair type and volume. For peace of mind, consult your hairstylist beforehand to determine whether it is suitable for your hair.
✂️ 3 essential rules for ordering at a Seoul salon without regrets
If you are going all the way to a popular salon in Seoul (such as in Hongdae, Seongsu, or Apgujeong), you want to get as close as possible to your ideal look.
Following the three points below will make it easier to communicate, even with a language barrier.
① Prepare a video that shows the “direction of the hair flow”
Rather than showing a still photo, show a video lasting a few seconds that reveals the direction the hair flows when the model runs their fingers through it.
This is the smart way to place an order in 2026.
② Specify “semi-two-block + down perm” as a set
“Please don’t shave the sides too short; connect them naturally with scissors (semi-two-block). Please flatten the sides with a down perm.”
Simply explaining it this way makes it easier to achieve a polished style that blends well with Japanese street fashion.
③ Specify “hair oil” or “balm” as your styling product
The styling product trend for 2026 is not wax.
Hair oil or balm.
If you set it too firmly, it will ruin the hair’s natural flow.
It’s best to request this as your finishing product at the salon as well.
🔗 Read also
▶ Click here for a roundup of popular hair salons in Seoul
▶ Packing list for beauty trips to Korea
📋 What to Confirm During Your Consultation
✅ Items to Ask About During Your Consultation
・Whether a down perm is suitable for your hair type
・Whether it can be performed at the same time as a hair-flow perm
・How long it will last and how to care for it afterward
・What items are needed for styling at home
・Treatment time and the schedule for the day
Especially when having a down perm and hair-flow perm on the same day, it’s important to discuss the strain on your hair with your stylist in advance.
Depending on your condition, there may be cases where it is necessary to have the procedures performed separately.
🗓️ Booking & Transportation Tips
✅ Salon Availability in Seoul’s Popular Areas
Men’s specialty salons in Hongdae, Seongsu, and Apgujeong tend to fill up with reservations on weekends and during consecutive holidays. To be on the safe side, it is best to secure a reservation slot that offers Japanese-language support or is intended for visitors to Korea well in advance. In some cases, you should expect the treatment to take approximately 2–3 hours in total for a haircut + down perm + hair-flow perm.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does a down perm last?
A. In general, it often lasts approximately 2–3 months, but this varies from person to person depending on hair type, hair volume, and how quickly your hair grows. To be on the safe side, confirm this with your stylist in advance.
Q. What is the difference between comma bangs and a center part?
A. A center part is simply a style in which the hair is parted in the middle. Comma bangs refer to a finish that also involves curling the ends of the bangs inward to create a comma-like shape.
Q. Can a down perm and a hair-flow perm be done on the same day?
A. Many salons can perform both treatments on the same day, but depending on the condition of your hair, there may be cases where they recommend having them done separately. Please consult with them during your pre-treatment consultation.
Q. Can I get the same style at a salon in Japan?
A. More and more hairstylists who are familiar with Korean men's styles are able to accommodate these requests. When placing your order, it is recommended to show the video and explain the relevant terminology together, just as in this article.
Q. Can women also get comma bangs or a flow perm?
A. Yes. Recently, more women have been incorporating them as genderless styles, and many opt for a softer silhouette by adjusting the length and volume.
✨ Summary
✔ The foundation of 2026 Korean men's hair is “comma bangs × flow perm”
✔ A “down perm” that controls the volume on the sides is the key to a slimmer-looking face
✔ Use hair oil or balm as a styling product, without making it too stiff
✔ When placing your order, request the combination of “video + semi-two-block haircut + down perm”
✔ Be sure to confirm in advance whether it suits your hair type
“Moving hair” is the new definition of a clean look. The courage not to make it stiff is the right answer for 2026 Korean men's hair.
The latest information on Korean hair is also shared on YEPPURIKO's social media.
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