If there’s one thing that sets the Korean aesthetic apart, it’s the range of stunning hairstyles designed for every occasion imaginable. You see them on female protagonists in K-dramas and K-pop idols, perfectly unruffled by even the most dramatic plot twists or high-energy performances. The biggest shocker? They’re so easy to recreate at home.
Whether you’re getting ready for a or a casual coffee catch-up with friends, you’ll find the perfect Korean hairstyle from this list. Plus, tips for keeping your ‘do look neomu yeppeo all day long.
Chunky Highlights
Before you cringe from flashbacks of Kelly Clarkson’s infamous stripey hair, know that the Korean version is nothing like it. Case in point? Ryujin’s trendy Korean shoulder-length hair. Her chunky blonde highlights bring out the playfulness in her edgy style. Best of all, the two-toned look can work with any skin tone (Hi, !). It’s also your chance to play around with different hues, from blonde to electric blue.
The key to DIY this hairstyle is good sectioning. Use your rattail comb to tie the front part of your mane and go to town with the bleaching powder. Do invest in toner spray and to prevent your hard work from fading and .
Mermaid Waves
Forget . The era of mermaid waves has dawned, and it’s a style you don’t want to miss out on. While many have opted for perms to achieve this look, you can get the same effect with a three-barrel curling iron. You can also take the by braiding your damp hair and leaving it overnight. You’ll wake up with soft, natural-looking crimped waves.
The Goddess Hair
It wouldn’t be a Korean aesthetic-inspired look without the goddess hair. The S-shaped waves and swoopy exude a timeless charm that’s romantic and elegant. If you have an asymmetrical face, this hairstyle can also help soften your features. Plus, it gives off a chaebol vibe, as seen on Jun Ji Hyun.
To copy her goddess hair, divide your strands into upper and lower sections. Take a 38-millimeter curling iron and roll away from the face. Once finished, gently brush through the curls and finish with one to two pumps of TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum. It has and marula oil that can fight frizz, detangle knots, boost shine, tame, flyaways, and soften your tresses in one application.
The Princess Twist
Want something a tad sweeter? The princess twist is a mix of French braids and a half updo, which adds fairytale magic to the . Hair accessories like bows and cute barrettes are your best friends when it comes to perfecting this hairstyle.
Creating the princess twist is quicker than it looks. Start with a French braid on each side of your head and secure with a tie. If plaiting is not your forte, do the faux version like the one shown in video.
Baby Braids
Another throwback hairstyle that’s a Korean aesthetic staple? Baby braids. They’re low-maintenance and can be accomplished in under 10 minutes. And did we mention that this trend is suitable for ? Whether you have long or short hair, straight or wavy, baby braids are a worthy addition to your repertoire. P.S. Dress your hair up with butterfly clips or pearl pins for a dreamy feel.
Tousled Chignon
Seo Yea Ji’s intricate chignon in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay made us all swoon. Think of it as the more sophisticated sister of messy topknot. It accentuates your jawline and gives the illusion of a slender neck. You can wear it at formal events like a , , or even your .
If you have fine hair, put on some extensions to achieve a fuller bun. French pins do a better job of securing the chignon than bobby pins. Last but not least, pull off several hair tendrils to frame your face.
Spiky Half-Up Bun
The spiky half-up bun combines and the Korean aesthetic. It’s a level-up from the OG hairdo you know and love with a dash of grunge. What’s more, it’s super versatile. You can lean toward the punk-rock style by donning a pair of combat boots or embrace your girliness with a sundress à la IU.
It doesn’t take much effort to do this half-updo 2.0. Instead of putting your hair in a pony, twist it into a bun and tug at a few strands to create those spiky ends. Then, secure it with a hair clamp for more volume.
Wrapped Low Bun
If you never know what to do with your long hair, make do like NewJeans’ Haerin. Her low bun is the perfect day-to-night look. For , wear it sleek in the front to achieve that business-in-the-front-party-in-the-back effect.
Gather your locks at the nape of your neck and create a bun. Take the loose ends and wrap them around the bun. Tie everything together with a clear elastic, or a scrunchie for a more laid-back vibe.
Low Ponytail with Ribbon
Sleek, chic, and effortless, Jennie’s low ponytail ticks all the boxes that define the Korean aesthetic. The matching ribbon is just the cherry on top, and you can customize based on your outfit and mood for the day, BTW. But perhaps the best part of this classic hairstyle is it doesn’t overcomplicate things.
Before wielding your trusty flat iron, prep your hair with Sunsilk Expert-Perfect Straight Shampoo. Its Straight Lock technology is infused with jojoba oil, vitamin E, and silk protein that helps keep your strands straight as they dry. This means shorter styling time and less heat exposure to your tresses!
High Pigtails
K-pop idols like TWICE’s Momo and Red Velvet’s Joy have taken high pigtails to a new level. Let’s take a moment to appreciate all the details. The layered hair adds more dimension and modern glam. Meanwhile, the fuzzy scrunchies are an ode to Britney Spears’ schoolgirl persona of the yesteryears.
Steal the look by parting your hair in the middle and creating a ponytail on each side. Smooth your strands with a tiny amount of hair gel, and you’re all good. Extra points if you style the pigtails with .
It doesn’t take a glam squad to achieve the Korean aesthetic. With these hairstyles, you can effortlessly pull off the coveted ulzzang look.