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As you may know by now, I’m a huge fan of Korean beauty and what it has to offer – I even wrote a comprehensive 10-step Korean skincare guidea while ago. Although the Koreans are known for their perfect porcelain skin, rigorous haircare is also one of the many heavily implemented beauty practices of the country’s women.
It’s common that many Asians, not just Koreans, don’t experience gray hairs until their far later years in life. Some would say in Western culture that our reason for premature gray hair is stress, but it’s widely known that many Asian countries like Korea and Japan have adopted a “do-or-die” educational mentality as well as life-consuming careers far worse than what the American culture deals with. It’s also been reported on numerous studies that Korea and Japan face extremely high student suicide rates due to the pressure of scholastic success. How’s that for stress?
With such a stressful and success-oriented culture, it’s hard to imagine many Asian people don’t struggle with dying their gray roots the way even the younger Western generation is beginning to do. Stress aside, there has to be some sort of explanation as to how they maintain their vibrant locks for centuries, right?
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They maintain their hair like they do their luxury goods
Just like their skin, they believe in nourishing it rather than abusing it. Regular scalp massages and bedtime hair masks are just a few of the many steps of the Korean haircare regimen. They may use heat-styling and hair dye just like we do, but they take plenty of extra measures to undo or prevent damage.
Their lifestyles are far healthier
Gray hairs are often not a sign of premature aging, but are usually an indicator of health problems. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and many other illnesses may halt or inhibit the production of melanin, causing a lack of color within incoming hair. Koreans tend to have a more disciplined diet and live generally active lifestyles. It is frowned upon in Asian culture to be overweight, so healthy lifestyle habits are adopted by force of habit and upbringing.
They eat fermented foods
Kimchi, dongchimi, kkakdugi – a lot of banchan (side dishes) that Koreans eat are very high in vitamins and minerals that keep the hair, skin and nails healthy. Packed with probiotics, Korean meals have plenty of nutrients that aid in cell regeneration and fight against free-radicals. Eating these foods are a daily practice that adds up over the years.
Ever since I adopted the Korean hair care regimen, my hair’s health and strength have significantly improved. Just months ago, my hair was brittle with infinite amounts of split ends due to keratin in all my products. After discovering Korean hair care I quickly traded my expensive salon shampoo, conditioner, and serum forseveral Korean hair products.
Some may wonder: why make such an expensive investment? I believe that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for hair care, just like skin care. The expensive salon shampoos and conditioners I used seemed to damage my hair with sulfates and protein buildup and my scalp was suffering, so I needed to focus on taking care of my scalp and strands separately. Korean hair care is centered around the belief that scalp and hair need two separate formulations, and this was the biggest reason why my hair improved.
10 products may seem extremely unaffordable, but many of these products are only around between $10-20, and combining them may reap better results than a simpleand overpriced trio of shampoo, conditioner, and a serum.
Of course, you may not need every single one of these products, and I currently only use 2/3 of them. If rebuilding your hair’s health is a goal for you, continue reading and decide what suits you best.
The basis of Korean hair care: scalp treatments!The beginning of each hair starts at the follicle right at the scalp. Korean beauty experts say that by keeping the scalp clean, healthy and exfoliated, we can allow for healthier hair to grow in. Enter the scalp scaler! Scalers are salicylic acid-based pre-treatments that exfoliate the scalp to remove and debris, dead skin cells, and oil build-up.
My favorite scalp scaler:I used to use Missha’s Procure Jin Mo Scaler and Innisfree’s Green Tea Scalp Scaler, but Missha’s was discontinued and Innisfree’s is becoming hard to find (I am suspicious it was discontinued). I saw Esthetic House CP-1 Scalp Scaler on Amazon and tried it out – I was not disappointed! I would say this product wells just as well if not better than the previous exfoliating treatments I’ve used.
How to use:Once every week or two weeks, use a scalp scaler before shampooing on dry hair. Using the tip of the scaler bottle, divide hair into sections and squeeze product into scalp in a checkerboard fashion. After applying, rub thoroughly into the scalp for full coverage and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse off and shampoo as normal.
Other notable scalp scalers:
- Innisfree Green Tea Scalp Scaler: $15.99
- LA’DOR Tea Tree Scalp Clinic: $17.99
My favorite shampoo and conditioner:Ryo‘s anti-hair loss formula is amazing – although I don’t experience hair loss enough to need such a specific formulation, this combo makes my hair super soft. Most American drugstore shampoos have so many stripping ingredients that can dry out hair, but this one gives just the perfect amount of hydration. Don’t forget the matching conditioner!
Other notable shampoo and conditioners:
- Ryo Scalp Deep Cleansing & Cooling Shampoo & Conditioner
- Ryo Damage Care & Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner
- Doori Daeng Gi Meo Ri Ki Gold Energizing for Hair Loss
- Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care for Damaged Hair
Scalp Massage
Of course, we all know that technically the first step to hair care is shampooing. But by adapting the scalp care principle, we need to cleanse the scalp thoroughly. Integrating the use of a scalp brush during shampoo sessions gives a lot of benefits: it maximizes lather, promotes blood circulation and stimulation, and provides a thorough cleanse of all remaining dead skin cells and debris. I personally use Tsubaki’s Scalp Brush since it came with a previous shampoo and conditioner set I purchased, but there are plenty of other scalp brushes available that serve the same purpose.
Shampoo Scalp Massage Brush: $2.91 on Amazon
High-rated scalp brush:This $4 unbranded scalp massage is an extremely popular choice on Amazon with hundreds of customer reviews.
How to use:Using hands, rub shampoo all over your hair, and then use the brush and massage your scalp. The brush will lather up your shampoo and give you an extra thorough cleanse!
Other notable scalp brushes:
- Babyliss Scalp Massage Brush: $2.25
- Zyllion ZMA-12-GR Shampoo Scalp Brush: $5.95
- Kent SH1 Shampoo Brush: $7.50
I’m really not a fan of 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner products because they’re drying and lead to tangles and split ends. If you’re currently using a conditioner and it isn’t working for you, try leaving it on longer. The point of a conditioner isn’t just to quickly detangle your hair, it’s to … condition it. Applying it like shampoo and rinsing it out simply will not do.
My favoriteconditioner:I definitely suggest pairing your conditioner with the same brand and formulation of your shampoo, because these manufacturers design their shampoos and conditioners to work together with similar ingredients.
Conditioning tips:
- Apply your conditioner and let it sit in your hair while you do other things like washing your face or shaving. This allows more time for the conditioner to work its magic.
- Avoid wetting your hair while the condition is in. I keep a hair clip in the shower and clip my hair up while conditioning.
- Avoid applying conditioner on the scalp.The scalp’s pH level is 5.5, whereas the hair shaft is 3.7. When using different products that have different pH levels, you can dry out one or the other.
Other notable shampoo and conditioners:
- Ryo Hair Strengthen & Volume Conditioner
- Ryo Scalp Deep Cleansing & Cooling Conditioner
- Doori Daeng Gi Meo Ri Ki Gold Energizing for Hair Loss
- Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care for Damaged Hair
Some people like to conditioner and then follow up with a hair mask afterward, but I prefer to use a hair mask in its place. Hair masks, or “packs” as they’re known by in Korea, are an ultra-dose of nutrition and powerful ingredients blended into one. Just like conditioning, I leave this on my hair while I shave and wash my face.
My favorite deep conditioning treatment: Skinfood’s Argan Oil Silk Hair Mask is a godsend! I’ve forked over so much cash on so many hair masks – Keune, Aquage, Biolage, you name it – This $15 bottle is the best thing I’ve ever used. It’s one of those products where you can feel the results after the first use. This treatment leaves my frizzy hair extremely soft and gives it a punch of moisture.
How to use: After shampooing, squeeze excess water out of hair and apply the treatment. Let sit for 15 minutes and then rinse. Instead of your regular conditioner, use this in its place once a week. Bonus: Using a deep conditioning treatment every so often will help stop the vicious cycle of running out of conditioner before your shampoo!
Other notable hair masks:
- Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Hair Pack
- Ryoe Korean Herbal Anti Hair Loss Damage Care Hair Treatment
- Tonymoly Haeyo Mayo Hair Nutrition Pack
- Ryo Korean Herbal Damage Care Treatment
- Amore Pacific Camellia Damage Care Treatment
Withboth hair and skin, it’s important to strive for the correct pH level. Normal pH levels on the scalp and skin are slightly acidic between 4.5 and 5.5. The skin has an“acid mantle,” which is a thin film of acid that helps seal out bacteria (aka sebum! Natural moisture!). Dry and itchy scalps often mean that your scalp’s pHis too alkaline and has a weak acid mantle – this can cause acne, eczema, and dandruff. If you have a dry and itchy scalp or suffer from dandruff, a vinegar rinse can help!
Apple cider vinegar has a pH level of about 3, which is on the acidic side. By diluting it with water you can bring it down to around 4, and use it as a rinse. By bringing down your hair’s acidity levels, your cuticles can seal properly instead of unevenly, resulting in split ends. Your itchy scalp will also thank you!
Even if you don’t have dandruff, a routine vinegar rinse can help bring down the alkalinity of your hair and scalp that may have been caused by styling products. A single vinegar rinse will give noticeableresults right out of the shower… I actually just did one before writing this and my scalp and hair both feelamazing.
My favorite vinegar rinse: I use Esthetic House CP-1 Raspberry Vinegar Rinse on the days where I’m going out and need a vinegar treatment but don’t want to smell like vinegar. Otherwise, a cost-effective solution is to mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts and put it in a pump or spray bottle. You can use distilled white vinegar, but it is about 2.5-3 on the pH scale and therefore needs to be diluted more.
How to use: Apply vinegar on the scalp and all-over hair after conditioning. Rinse out thoroughly!
Side note: It can be tough to get the vinegar smell completely out of your hair. You can do this step after shampooing and before conditioning. However, I strongly recommenddoing a vinegar rinse last because water normally has a pH level of about 7-8. By rinsing it out, conditioning, and rinsing with water again, you’d be going backward.
Other notable vinegar rinses:
- Yves Rocher Rinsing Vinegar
- Natural First Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse with Green Tea
- Girl and Hair Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
- Mellowtouch Clean & Soft Apple Hair Vinegar
RELATED POST – Forever Young: The 10-Step Korean Skincare Guide
My favorite scalp mask: NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrubis my go-to for the summer weather where oily scalp constantly makes me itch (and even winter when my scalp is dry). My scalp is very sensitive to buildup, but this scalp scrub alleviates the itchiness by exfoliation. Plus, it contains probiotics to rebalance your scalp pH!
How to use: After shampooing, squeeze excess water out of hair and apply product to roots, gently massaging. Rinse off completely.
Other notable scalp masks:
- Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
- NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub
After washing your face with a cleanser, you should use a toner and then moisturize, right? With hair, a scalp tonic is the equivalent of a toner and a great way for you to prep your scalp for the next few steps.
My favorite scalp tonic: Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Detoxifying Tonic isquite cooling to dry skin post-shower, especially if you’re the type that takes hot showers – which, by the way, you should refrain from doing if you don’t want to dry your hair and skin out.
How to use:After your shower, dry hair with a towel, making sure not to rub your hair together as this encourages frizziness (squeeze and pat dry). Simply spray the tonic into the scalp and leave on.
Other notable scalp tonics:
- Daycell MBA Scalp & Hair Treatment Tonic
- The Face Shop The Therapy Essential Tonic
- Aromatica Rosemary Root Enhancer Scalp Treatment Spray
- Legitime Anti-Thinning Scalp Hair Tonic
Similar to the Korean skincare regimen, applying an essence or serum to the scalp is similar to an ingredient-packed serum for the face. Depending on your needs, alightweight essence or leave-in fluid may help for oily scalps and a serum may be better for a dry scalp in need of hydration. Some who have normal scalps may choose not to use a scalp essence or serum and stick to a tonic.
My favorite scalp essence: LA’DOR Silk-Ring Hair Essence is perfect for those with extremely dry scalps. My scalp tends to get irritated, especially during the summer when sweat and product buildup can’t get thoroughly cleansed from my scalp. By the time my scalp is clean it’s then dry and irritated, but this essence helps re-hydrate it.
How to use: Using the nozzle, point directly at thescalp and spread a thin layer across the scalp in a checkerboard fashion. Rub into scalp to cover any missing areas.
Other notable scalp essences & serums:
- Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Hair Essence
- CNP Laboratory Derma Scalp Solution Essence
- Milbon Base Act Beauty Essence For Scalp
- Whamisa Hair Scalp Essence
The Korean market formulates different essences and serums forthe hair and scalp – again, this is due to the difference in pH levels between both. Just like skin serums, hair serums are designed to deliver a large amount of active ingredients to the hair, while an essence acts like a moisturizing agent that hydrates hair.
Some may use both an essence and serum while others may only use one or the other – it simply depends on your needs. I use a serum for to continuously treat my hair with nurturing ingredients and follow up with an essence to lock-in moisture.
My favorite leave-in fluid: Etude House Silk Scarf Hologram Hair Serum softens my hair, and unlike most hair serums it absorbs so well into my strands. It isn’t labeled as an essence, but I consider it as such because it’s so lightweight and doesn’t feel oily.
Other notable serums and essences:
- Etude House Silk Scarf Hologram Hair Serum
- Skinfood Argan Oil Silk Hair Essence
- Mise En Scene Damage Care Perfect Repair Serum
I love using Tonymoly’s Haeyo Zayo Hair Sleeping Packafter a day at the pool to help buffer the blow of chlorine damage. After showering, I towel-dry my hair, apply my tonics, serums, and essences, apply a small amount like I would a leave-in conditioner and then let it dry. Some people feel this is too heavy for their hair, so applying a minimal amount of product or wearing it overnight with a shower cap and then rinsing off in the morning may work better.
RELATED POST – Forever Young: The 10-Step Korean Skincare Guide
While I love getting most of my products from Amazon, Korean hair care is still relatively new to Amazon, so it’s not surprising if products aren’t available. Luckily, eBay has a huge market of K-beauty sellers that have been selling for many years. One of my favorite trusted Korean beauty eBay shops is RoseRoseShop.
*Note: All prices and stock are subject to change.
Will you be trying some new Korean hair care products? Let’s chat in the comments and subscribe below for more beauty and health posts. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more beauty tips & tricks!
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