Highlights in Korea

Whether you're looking to add subtle brightness to your hair or go for a bold K-pop look, getting highlights in Korea is a trendy and professional experience. Korean hair salons are masters of natural, face-framing highlights—but also offer vivid contrast and fashion colors for the adventurous. If you're a foreigner visiting or living in Korea, here's what you need to know before booking your highlight session.

🎨 Why Highlights Are Popular in Korea

Korean hairstylists specialize in dimensional, natural-looking highlights that blend seamlessly into your base color. They're often used to:

• Brighten the face without a full-color dye
• Add depth to dark hair
• Transition into ash or pastel tones
• Create “hidden highlights” (peekaboo color underneath)

Plus, Korean salons use high-end toners and bond protectors to minimize damage—even for bleached highlights.

💁‍♀️ Popular Highlight Styles in Korea

1. Balayage
Hand-painted, natural-looking color with a soft gradient effect. Minimal root line, low maintenance.

2. Babylights
Very fine, subtle highlights that mimic natural sun-kissed hair.

3. Foil Highlights
Traditional method for strong, visible contrast—great for blonde or ash tones.

4. Face-Framing Highlights (Money Piece)
Bright strands around the face to create a youthful, lifted look.

5. Underlights (Hidden Highlights)
Color placed beneath the top layer—shows when hair moves or is tied up. Very popular in K-pop styling!

💰 How Much Do Highlights Cost in Korea?

Pricing varies depending on length, thickness, and style:

• Partial Highlights / Face-framing: ₩80,000 – ₩150,000
• Full Highlights / Balayage: ₩180,000 – ₩350,000
• Hidden or Peekaboo Color: ₩100,000 – ₩250,000
• Add-ons (Olaplex, toner): ₩30,000 – ₩80,000

💡 Blonde or vivid color highlights may require bleaching, which adds to time and cost.

📍 Top English-Friendly Salons in Korea for Highlights

1. Soonsiki Hair – Hongdae
Trend-forward styles and expert color blending. Known for working with foreigners and K-pop-style coloring.

2. Hair & Joy – Hongdae
Professional consultations and natural-looking highlights with English-speaking staff.

3. Bitnari Hair – Gangnam
Stylists here are known for soft balayage, Korean ash tones, and low-damage coloring.

4. The Day Hair Salon – Itaewon
Popular with expats and tourists; great for hidden highlights and bold color contrast.

5. Juno Hair – Various Locations
Consistent service across branches, with some offering English menus and booking support.

⏱️ How Long Does It Take?

• Partial or money piece: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Full head or balayage: 3 to 5 hours
  Time may increase if bleaching or multiple tones are involved.

🧴 Aftercare Tips for Highlights

• Use color-safe shampoo and purple shampoo if going blonde or ash.
• Avoid washing hair for at least 48 hours after treatment.
• Deep condition weekly to keep color-treated hair soft and healthy.
• Toner refreshes are recommended every 4–6 weeks for ashy or cool tones.

🌍 Can Foreigners Get Highlights in Korea Easily?

Yes! Salons in Gangnam, Itaewon, Hongdae, and Myeongdong regularly serve international clients. Tips:

• Bring clear reference photos
• Ask if they use Olaplex or bond care
• Look for salons that offer English consultation or online booking

✨ Final Thoughts

Getting highlights in Korea is a great way to upgrade your look—whether you're going soft and natural or bold and bright. With top-tier products, trend-savvy stylists, and English-speaking service in many salons, it’s a stress-free beauty upgrade you’ll love.