Korean Hair Salon Etiquette for Foreigners
Korean hair salon etiquette is relaxed: arrive on time, greet the staff, say what you want clearly, and do not tip unless a salon says otherwise. Norms differ between salons, so this guide marks what is common and what to ask.
WENEED Seomyeon Lotte · Updated October 2026
Before you arrive
Plan to arrive a few minutes early. A late arrival can shorten the time the designer has for you, because the next client is usually already booked. If you need to change or cancel, tell the salon as early as you can, and ask what their rule is when you book, since it differs by salon.
Come with clean, dry hair styled the way you normally wear it. If you wore a hat or tied your hair up all day, a quick brush helps the designer see how it falls.
Who does what
In many Korean salons the person you book is a designer (디자이너). The designer talks with you about the style, and often cuts and styles the hair. Other staff, sometimes assistants, may help with shampooing, applying products or rinsing. This split is common, not universal. Ask who will do each part if it matters to you.
Expect a short greeting when you enter, and a cape or gown. Bags and coats usually go in a locker or a basket, and staff will point to it. At WENEED, each of the seven designers has their own price sheet, so the person you ask for can change the price.
In the chair
- Speak up early. It is polite to be direct about what you want. Korean staff will not be offended by a clear request, and it is harder to fix a result after the cut.
- Phones are fine. Most people look at their phone during a perm or color wait. Keep calls short and quiet.
- Photos are normal. Many salons are happy for you to show reference photos, and some designers take a photo of the finished style. Ask first if you want to photograph the salon or other people.
- Drinks and wait time. Salons often offer water or a drink during longer services. Do not assume this, and ask if you need anything.
For help in phrasing your request, see the guide to explaining your hairstyle.
Payment and tipping
Tipping is not a normal part of Korean service culture, and many salons do not expect it. The designer confirms the price before work starts, and that is what you pay. Our separate page, do you tip at a hair salon in Korea, covers the topic in more depth. Ask the salon at the end of the service if you are unsure how to pay.
If you are not happy with the result
Say so before you leave, calmly and with details: “The left side feels shorter” or “I wanted it lighter at the front.” Many salons will adjust a small problem on the spot. Whether the salon offers a fix after the visit is a policy you should ask about before the service. Salons differ on this, and we do not state a policy for WENEED here.
Small courtesies and language
A simple greeting is enough: 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) when you enter, and 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) when you leave. A deep bow is not expected. A smile and eye contact work in any language.
If you come with a friend or partner, ask how seating works, since salons arrange chairs differently. Keep your voice low during long services, and be mindful of strong scents, because the room is shared. If you plan to bring a child, ask the salon first.
If you cannot follow what the staff say, ask them to show it on a phone screen. This is common, and people are used to it.
At WENEED Seomyeon Lotte
You will find us on the 3rd floor of Jeongsan Building, 71 Bujeon-ro. La Ham Brunch café is on the ground floor. For booking steps see how to book, and for what we offer see the services page.
Questions guests ask
Do I tip at a Korean hair salon?
Tipping is not customary in Korea, and many salons do not expect it. You pay the price confirmed before the service.
Can I use my phone during the service?
Yes, in most salons. Keep calls short and quiet, and put the phone down when the designer needs to talk with you.
What if I arrive late?
Tell the salon as soon as you know. Late arrivals may shorten the time available, and the salon decides how to adjust.
Who washes my hair?
At many Korean salons an assistant or another team member does the shampoo and the designer handles the cut. Practice varies, so ask.
Related services in Seomyeon
Ready for your visit?
Questions about a style or price? We are on the 3rd floor of Jeongsan Building, 412 m from Seomyeon Station Exit 7.