South Korea stands as a significant cultural influence, having produced some of the most beloved entertainment in recent times. From highly acclaimed K-pop sensations like BTS to blockbuster films and series like Squid Game, the country's impact is undeniable.
Consequently, South Korea has gained global recognition for its distinctive approach to men's hairstyles. K-pop artists, in particular, are renowned for sporting bold and unconventional cuts that exude style.
Primarily embraced by younger men seeking to express themselves through their hair, these Korean men's hairstyles often push boundaries. Nonetheless, these cuts may also inspire individuals of all ages to explore new hair trends and styles.
Considering this, here are 10 of the most renowned hairstyles for Korean men.
THE TOP KOREAN MEN’S HAIRSTYLES
Featuring innovative takes on traditional styles and adventurous new looks, here are 10 of the most emblematic Korean hairstyles for men.
The two-block haircut stands as one of the prevailing Korean hairstyles currently. Essentially, it embodies the timeless concept of long hair on the top and short sides, infused with a distinct Korean flair.
The top is usually heavily textured and resembles a bowl cut in its shape. The hair hangs down instead of being brushed up or back, but there’s volume on the top as well. Essentially, the hair is so long and thick that it blooms at the top and falls down around the circumference of the head.
The sides are kept shorter for contrast, but there’s no gold standard for exactly how short to go. Typically, two-block haircuts feature sides that are longer than what you’d see with styles like the undercut. (Think around a #5 clipper or so).
Every K-pop boy band singer has rocked a curtain hairstyle at one point or another. This hugely popular style features long bangs parted in the middle for a dramatic curtain-like result.
There are plenty of ways to style this haircut. Some guys go for a straighter fringe that’s a little on the bolder side, but other guys opt for a wavy fringe that creates a softer look.
Like numerous Korean men's hairstyles, the curtain style is intended to appear long and tousled. To achieve this look, you'll need bangs that extend at least past your eyebrows, and as demonstrated here, many opt for even longer lengths so that the fringe cascades to the bottom of the eye or lower.
The versatility of this hairstyle lies in its adaptability to various hair types and textures, whether curly, wavy, or straight. Curtain bangs offer an appealing option to explore.
In discussions about Korean hairstyles, the mushroom cut, also known as the "mash" haircut, is a staple. The term "mash" is derived from "mush," short for "mushroom." Essentially, it's a style characterized by a top-heavy appearance reminiscent of a bowl cut, featuring a mushroom-like shape.
Like other Korean men’s hairstyles, the mash cut is quite textured and features a long and disheveled fringe. The hair is usually the same length all the way around for the head as in a bowl cut, though the sideburns are typically cut shorter.
The asymmetrical fringe is another hairstyle you’ll often see K-pop stars wearing. It’s essentially the curtain hairstyle minus one of the sides, resulting in a neat style that subtly stands out.
There’s no one way to style the fringe, but for maximum Korean style, it should be at least a little messy. Also, consider which side you want the fringe to be on — you might discover you prefer one side over the other.
This isn’t so much a singular hairstyle as it is a crucial element of Korean men’s haircuts. All kinds of Korean styles feature these thin bangs with spaces in between that allow the forehead to be seen.
See-through bangs are useful for just about every Korean style, from the two-block to the mash. Having thin bangs looks more casual and adds a bit more visual variation to a haircut, which is presumably why it’s such a popular technique.
You don’t have to look far to find Korean guys and K-pop idols with bleached or colored hair. Typically, lighter and more metallic colors are most common. Blonde, silver, and even rosy colors are all popular choices.
As with see-through bangs, bleaching and coloring hair isn’t associated with any one haircut. The color choice is more important than the hairstyle — avoid going too dark if you want maximum Korean style.
Chances are you’ve seen a wolf cut before — this viral (and instantly recognizable) Korean look is all over social media. Essentially, it’s a cross between a shag and a mullet that resembles a wolf’s shaggy mane.
The wolf cut is characterized by its thick, jagged layers and messy silhouette. It’s not uncommon for the hair to fall onto the shoulders, though you can go with a shorter mullet for a tamer look. For extra texture, use a sea salt spray, and don’t brush your hair too much.
If you don’t want to go full wolf, you can always get a regular mullet. But the Korean mullet isn’t exactly the typical ‘80s MacGyver haircut — rather, it’s usually a more textured cut with shorter wings.
The mullet can be curly or feathery, and the top is usually styled in two-block or mash fashion. Alternatively, you can opt for an asymmetrical fringe with a short mullet at the back for a cleaner look with an edge.
By now, you’ve probably noticed a trend — the Korean style is full of fringe-heavy hairstyles and textured hair. One option is to keep the bangs long, loose, and unbrushed for a devil-may-care look.
Similarly to most of these Korean hairstyles, a textured fringe all but demands loads of texture and an overall messiness. (This gives the hair the just rolled out of bed look). However, it’s important for the sides and back to be more neatly cut to contrast with the hair on top and anchor the style.
The brushed back style is one of the few Korean men’s haircuts that doesn’t feature a fringe. Instead, this look borrows from hairstyles like the quiff to create a polished yet carefree vibe.
Note that the top and sides are much longer than similar Western hairstyles — you’ll want at least three inches on top and around a #4 or #5 clipper on the sides.
This length ensures the hair can be brushed back and looped over to create unkempt waves. You don’t need to worry too much about volume, but you’ll want to nail the texture.
KOREAN HAIRSTYLES FOR MEN FAQ
Here are a few common questions about Korean hairstyles, along with handy answers.
WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR MEN’S HAIRSTYLE IN KOREA?
The two-block haircut, mash haircut, and curtain haircut are all popular Korean men’s hairstyles right now.
WHAT HAIRCUT DO KOREAN GUYS USE?
Korean men often have haircuts that are longer on the top and shorter on the sides, though the styles are often longer than what you’ll see in the US.
IS THERE A TRADITIONAL KOREAN HAIRSTYLE?
One of the most noteworthy traditional Korean hairstyles is the sangtu, which is a style of topknot that married men wore during the Joseon Dynasty.
Which hairstyle do you like most comment down!!
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