What is a Korean magic perm?

Author: Prof. Christopher Spencer  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

The "Korean Recovery Magic Perm" is a specific type of hair treatment and styling technique that originated in South Korea. This method combines elements of hair perming and treatment to achieve not only the desired wave or curl pattern but also to improve the overall health and condition of the hair.

How long does Korean Magic perm last?

On average, a Korean Style Perm can last between three to six months. However, some people find that the perm's effects begin to wear off after just one or two months. To prolong the life of your Korean Style Perm, it's important to use the appropriate hair products and avoid heat styling tools as much as possible.

What is the difference between a perm and a Korean perm?

The traditional perm just turns your hair into curly fries and usually makes you look like a broccoli head or like you have a head with ramen noodle hair. The Korean wave perm on the other hand gives your hair a wavy texture that can be styled like the picture you included or other k-pop looking hairstyles.

What is the difference between Japanese straight perm and Korean magic perm?

Korean perms offer more pronounced curls and waves, while Japanese perms provide subtle, natural-looking waves. The choice depends on your desired level of curl definition.

Are Korean perms bad for your hair?

The good news is that when done correctly and with proper aftercare, a Korean perm should not cause significant damage to your hair. The key to minimizing damage during the perming process is choosing a reputable salon with experienced stylists who specialize in Korean perms.

getting a magic straight PERM in korea! 매직스트레이트파마

What is the least damaging perm for hair?

If you're worried about hair damage or have fine, brittle hair, opt for Japanese airwave or cold perm, as they are the least damaging perm techniques across all types of perm. Both methods are quick and affordable to retain the look and subtlety of natural curls without the use of heat.

How much does a Korean perm cost?

A Korean perm typically costs between $100 and $300, depending on factors like hair length, perm type, and salon reputation. Cold perms start at around $100, while digital perms, which last longer and use advanced techniques, usually cost $200-$250.

Who should get a Korean perm?

A Korean perm is a hair styling technique focused on achieving an effortlessly natural look. If you love the perfect waves and well-structured curls sported by K-Pop stars and celebrities, a Korean perm could be the perfect option for you. Korean perms differ from traditional perms in a few ways.

What is the most popular type of perm?

Looser perms or beach waves as they are more commonly known by are by far the most popular choice for clients looking for a natural look curl. They offer clients versatility, ease of maintenance, and the ability to add volume and texture to much finer hair.

Is a Korean perm digital or cold?

It is a type of hairstyle/hair curls, creating light soft waves as the bottom of the hair goes with S or C shapes. Korean Perm is a type of Digital Perm focusing on these alphabetically shaped curls. It is invented in Korea where they have advanced skills/techniques of Digital Perm.

Are Korean perms high maintenance?

Most people usually find it easier to maintain a Korean perm than a traditional perm. Since Korean perms typically create more natural looking curls and waves, it's a lot easier to maintain the same consistent look for longer. However, that doesn't mean you can avoid investing in any maintenance at all.

How to sleep with Korean perm?

Wrap your perm in a satin or silk scarf.

It also prevents your permed hair from getting squeezed between your head and the pillow. Simply gather your hair up toward the top of your head (if you have longer hair), loosely wrap the scarf around your head a few times, and tie off the ends.

What is magic perm?

A MAGIC STRAIGHT PERM IS A CHEMICAL TREATMENT THAT PERMANENTLY STRAIGHTENS THE TEXTURE OF UNRULY, FRIZZY HAIR BY USING A SOLUTION (SIMILAR TO PERM) AND SPECIALIZED STRAIGHTENING IRON. THE RESULTS OF MAGIC STRAIGHT LEAVE HAIR SMOOTH, SHINY, RELAXED, AND STRAIGHT. DEPENDING ON HAIR LENGTH AND CONDITION.

What is Korean Magic setting perm?

Magic Setting involves rebonding and setting perm. It smoothens the top of the hair and adds C curls/ S curls at the ends. It is recommended for those with frizzy hair and those who want natural smooth curls and more volume, like Korean celebrities.

When can I wash my hair after Magic perm?

There is no wait time for washing after Magic Sleek. How long do I have to wait to bleach my hair? There is a 2 week waiting period for highlights, balayage or any bleach after a Magic Sleek treatment.

Can I perm just my bangs?

Absolutely, whether you're looking for a way to keep your bangs straight and frizz free, you want to add curls and waves around your face, or you just need to restructure your bangs, a bangs perm is a great option. You can even use it to revitalize your entire look.

What perm looks the most natural?

Multi-textured perm

This style is a great way to create natural-looking curls that vary in texture. Like a stack perm, your stylist can use different-sized rods and rolls to create a combination of tight and loose curls. This results in a layered style that closely resembles natural curls that vary in tightness.

What is the healthiest perm?

All-Natural Perms are better for you, your hair and the environment, since they are void of toxic and harmful chemicals and toxins. Caring for the environment while caring for your hair will leave you feeling great and looking just as stunning with your Natural Perm look.

What is the best perm for thin, fine hair?

Chemical Type

The acidic perm solution, also known as a hot perm, is ideal for thin, damaged, and delicate hair. It produces more natural-looking curls. An alkaline one, known as a cold perm, is ideal for coarse and textured hair.

What is the best low maintenance perm?

An American Wave Perm is perfect for a client who is looking for a low maintenance kind of perm. Because of the gentle nature of the formula a client would not need to keep up with maintaining the perm if they decide they no longer desire the look.

Who should not get a perm?

But those with damaged, dry, chemically processed, and colored hair should proceed with caution when considering a perm. Otherwise, perms are a hairstyling hack for a range of benefits for your hair. From changing hair's texture to styling and adding volume and body, these are the pros of permed hair.

How do you maintain a Korean perm?

After you get a perm, it's even more important to ensure you're not washing it too often. Try to stick to shampooing and conditioning once every 3 days, and use dry shampoos to get rid of extra oiliness. Another routine to update, aside from your hair washing schedule, is your sleeping strategy.

What's the difference between a Korean perm and a regular perm?

Korean hair perms typically use softer, more natural-looking curls than other types of perms, and they can be customized to suit your individual hair type and desired look." Traditional perm methods result in springy curl patterns that take the shape of the curling rods that were used.

How to ask for Korean perm?

How do I ask for a Korean perm at the salon? Request a perm style based on the curl pattern you want. Talk to your stylist about what you want to accomplish with your perm—like extra volume at the roots, effortless tousled waves, or taming straight hair that sticks out.

What is the point of a Korean perm?

Korean perming techniques are designed to add volume and texture to even the finest hair types. Whether you have straight, limp hair or simply want to enhance your natural waves, a Korean perm can give you the fullness and body you desire.

Previous article
Can you flush cellulite out of your body?
Next article
How close are we to reversing gray hair?