Korean Perm Types Explained
“Korean perm” is a broad label, not one technique. Perms differ by method (cold or heat), by curl shape (C-curl, S-curl and others) and by where on the head they work. Pick the shape and method together.
WENEED Seomyeon Lotte · Updated October 2026
Three ways to sort Korean perms
Most confusion comes from mixing three different questions. Keep them apart and the menu makes sense.
- Method: how the curl is made, with a room-temperature solution (cold perm) or with heated tools (digital or setting perm).
- Shape: what the curl looks like, such as C-curl, S-curl, build, jelly, hippie or layered.
- Area: which part of the head is treated, such as roots, sides, bangs or the whole length.
Method: cold perm vs digital perm
A cold perm wraps hair on rods and uses a chemical solution without heat. Curls often look bouncy and springy when hair is wet.
A digital or setting perm uses heated rods or a heat step. Curls are often more defined when the hair is dry and can be easier to style with a dryer. Results vary with your hair and the designer’s technique, so the designer explains which suits you. Our digital perm page covers the heat method in more detail.
Shape: C-curl, S-curl and others
- C-curl: ends curve inward under the jaw or shoulder in a C shape. See C-curl perm.
- S-curl: a wave that moves through the length in an S shape. See S-curl perm.
- Build perm: a wave with body, often made with heat. See build perm.
- Jelly perm: a soft, bouncy curl; the exact look differs by salon. See jelly perm.
- Hippie perm: a thick, loose curl. See hippie perm.
Area: roots, sides and straightening
Some perms do not curl the length at all. A root volume perm lifts flat roots. A down perm flattens hair that pushes outward. A bangs perm shapes only the fringe. A magic straight perm does the opposite and smooths the hair, so it belongs in a separate decision.
WENEED menu prices by perm type
The table below lists perm prices from WENEED Seomyeon Lotte’s menu. Each designer has their own price sheet, so a range is normal, and a plus sign means the price rises with length or condition.
| Perm | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Root volume perm | ₩66,000 – ₩85,000 | Lifts flat roots |
| Layered perm | ₩115,000 – ₩150,000+ | Movement for layered cuts |
| Sleek perm | ₩120,000+ | Smooth, clean flow |
| Hippie perm | ₩120,000+ | Thick curl |
| Signature perm | ₩130,000 – ₩207,000 | Customized wave |
| Setting perm | ₩180,000 – ₩200,000+ | Heat-set, defined curl |
| Digital design heat perm | ₩180,000+ | Heat method |
| Straight magic perm | ₩120,000 – ₩200,000+ | Straightening |
Terms you will see on Korean menus
- Setting perm (셋팅펌): a heat-set perm that gives a defined, styled curl.
- Digital perm (디지털펌): a heat method that is popular for defined, natural-looking waves.
- Magic straight (매직): a straightening treatment, not a curl.
- Volume perm (볼륨펌): adds lift, usually at the roots or crown.
- Layered perm (레이어드펌): a perm chosen to work with a layered cut.
The same English label can cover slightly different services at different salons, so ask the designer to describe the look and the steps rather than relying on the name.
Style references
Common mistakes when choosing
The first mistake is picking from a photo of hair that is longer, thicker or darker than yours. Show your own hair at its current length so the designer can compare. The second is choosing a tight pattern and later wishing for a softer one, so say how much curl you want on a scale from barely wavy to clearly curly. The third is ignoring upkeep. A loose wave dries easily with a few minutes of effort, while a defined curl may need a routine.
How to choose
Decide the area first, then the shape, then the method. Bring a photo of the curl you like and say how much time you spend styling each day. The designer judges the rest from your hair length, thickness and treatment history. For lifespan and care, read how long a Korean perm lasts.
Questions guests ask
What are the main types of Korean perm?
They differ by method (cold or heat), shape (C-curl, S-curl, build, jelly, hippie) and area (roots, sides, bangs or full length).
What is the difference between a C-curl and an S-curl?
A C-curl bends the ends inward in a C. An S-curl makes a wave that travels through the hair.
Is a digital perm the same as a cold perm?
No. A digital perm uses heat, while a cold perm uses a solution without heat. The look and styling feel often differ.
Which perm is cheapest on the WENEED menu?
Among full perms listed, the root volume perm is ₩66,000 – ₩85,000, which affects only the roots.
Can I get a perm without curling my whole head?
Yes. Root, down and bangs perms treat one area only.
Related services in Seomyeon
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Questions about a style or price? We are on the 3rd floor of Jeongsan Building, 412 m from Seomyeon Station Exit 7.