Once you find a good hairdresser, you tend to stick with them for life. Whether youโre in your home country, or here in Korea, most of us understand the stress that comes with trying a new salon. If, like me, your hair is very different to that of Koreans, you may be worried about damaging your hair, or coming out of the salon with the wrong look. Thankfully, there is a stylist in Seoul with international experience and an attention-to-detail thatโll put your mind at ease.
Hair Care in Korea
People of Asian ethnicity typically have hair that is dark, thick and straight. Therefore, when you see a Korean with dyed hair, they will have endured multiple rounds of bleach in order to attain their new colour. My hair, on the other hand, is naturally fine and light brown. Pretty much the opposite of Korean hairโฆ
My hairdresser back home mastered the art of adding fresh colour to my hair, while minimising damage. Natural-style highlights approx. 2-3 times a year with a trim and strengthening treatment every few months.
Hair Horror Story
Last year, whilst in Korea, I tried hard to ignore my exposed roots and split ends, but eventually, I had to go to the salon. I decided to go to my Korean friendโs recommendationโฆItโs only a cut and root touch-up, itโll be fine right?
Well, the photo speaks for itself. Did I mention I prefer a natural look? I explained to the stylist that in the UK, I used foils, but they insisted it wasnโt necessary. They proceeded to bleach my entire head, taming the colour slightly with a brown toner.
In the weeks that followed, small clumps of my hair fell out and the hair that remained slowly tinted yellow. The colour may look okay in these photos, but they do not accurately show how damaged my hair was. Safe to say that after that experience, I wanted to avoid Korean salons like the plague.
My UK stylist ended up dyeing my hair its original brown in order to repair the damage. I saw her again before returning to Korea this year, where she re-highlighted my hair. 4 months down the line and my hair needed some TLC but I was in Korea.
Captain Housae and LUMIO Beauty House
I discovered Captain Housae through a KoreabyMe article about his salon. It was clear that he had a lot of international experience, and so I contacted him via KakaoTalk, explaining what I was looking for and the problems Iโd had previously. He was very receptive and understanding and booked me an appointment with him personally.
Foil Highlights & Cut
Over KakaoTalk, we agreed on a full-head foils and cut. However, when I arrived, he inspected my hair closely and suggested we go for a root touch-up instead, which was cheaper than our original plan. He was clearly attentive to my needs and honest with me throughout, despite the language barrier.
As he applied the foils, we chatted away and I learned that he had gained a lot of experience abroad, which explained why he was so attuned to different types of hair. The wall was lined with barbie dolls, along polaroid photos of some of his more famous clients. Notably, YouTube sensations Q2han.
He cut strips of foil and applied the dye in a staggered fashion, just as my stylist back home would do. He also applied them strategically to create a long-lasting natural look without obvious root exposure.
Complimentary Hair Treatment
The price was very reasonable; less than $200 for highlights and cut*. Whatโs more, the session included a complimentary treatment and curling, which added much-needed volume to my hair. He understood clearly that I was going for a natural look and wanted to minimise the damage as much as possible.
** Price may vary with hair length, desired treatment etc.
Before & After
By the time he was ready to cut my hair, I trusted him enough to cut what he felt was necessary to achieve a healthy length. Needless to say, he did the job perfectly
Book an Appointment
To make an appointment with a LUMIO Beauty House stylist, you can send them a DM via Instagram (@lumio_beauty_house). To book with Captain Housae specifically, message him via KakaoTalk (ID: dote84) or Instagram DM (@leekyungyong84).
Location & Directions
LUMIO Beauty House Address: 19 Bongeunsa-ro 4-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 10:00am - 8:30pm everyday Directions: Sinnonhyeon Station (Subway Line 9 - Express, All-stop) Exit 4. Take the first right, then bear left at the CU. Turn right again and walk straight until you reach LUMIO Beauty House on your left.
Conclusions
I cannot understate how happy I am to finally find an understanding stylist in Korea. Whatโs more, Captain Housae and the rest of the team at LUMIO Beauty House were all extremely kind and considerate. It is clear they are passionate about hair care and style, as they are even open on public holidays!
