The Korean hair care routine has become the talk of the town. But, how does it work wonders for your hair?
Just like Ayurveda in India, Koreans have stood by a specific hair care routine for generations, which targets hair as well as scalp health.
Let’s take a closer look at what a K-hair care routine is and how you can follow it to maintain your hair health.
Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks
“Similar to Ayurvedic hair wash procedures, Koreans too focus more on massaging their scalp and hair during hair wash.”
-Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix
Highlights:
The 10-Step Korean Hair Care Routine
The Korean hair care routine predominantly involves the following ten steps:
Step 1: Scalp Scaler
Koreans use a scalp scaler to remove the dead skin, oil, and accumulated pollutants from their scalp. The scalp scaler is nothing but a shampoo that is meant for cleansing your scalp. It is typically made up of salicylate [1] and does not lather when you apply it to your scalp.
It is recommended to use the scalp scaler, not more than once a week. Before shampooing your hair, you need to apply it directly to your scalp and wash it off after 10 minutes. “If you have dry scalp and hair, limit the usage of the scalp scaler to once in two weeks,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.
Step 2: Shampoo
Korean hair care regimen includes using a gentle shampoo that works on your specific hair type and hair needs. Besides cleansing your hair and scalp without disturbing your scalp’s pH [2], your shampoo needs to be nourishing as well.
“Similar to Ayurvedic hair wash procedures, Koreans too focus more on massaging their scalp and hair during hair wash,” says Dr. Zeel.
Step 3: Scalp Massage
Koreans use specially designed scalp massagers or scalp brushes regularly to improve the blood circulation to the scalp tissues, which in turn aids in hair growth stimulation. Once your hair is dried properly after shampooing, you can use a scalp massager in circular motions to activate your scalp follicles gently.
Step 4: Conditioner
Similar to any other hair care routines, Koreans also use conditioners after shampooing their hair. However, it is recommended to dry your hair a bit before applying the conditioner to your hair shaft. “You can choose a herbal conditioner for natural hydration and to avoid unwanted build-up on your hair,” says Dr. Zeel.
Step 5: Hair Mask
Hair masks play a significant role in the Korean hair care routine. This is to impart deep nourishment and conditioning to the hair. They use oils such as argan oil, coconut oil [3], or castor oil among other emollient ingredients in their hair masks to treat dry hair, frizziness, and split ends. Make sure you put on a natural hair mask with added carrier oils, at least once a week.
Some of the most common ingredients you find in korean home-made hair masks are rice, banana, mayonnaise, coconut, strawberries, yogurt, honey, avocado, etc. Avoid hair masks or products that contain parabens, silicones, or sulfates.
Step 6: Vinegar Rinse
Rinsing your hair with vinegar is a default step in the Korean hair care routine. This helps to maintain the balance of your scalp’s pH. Dilute a cup of apple cider vinegar with two cups of water and pour it onto your scalp and hair. Wait for 5 minutes and then give a final rinse with cold water.
Step 7: Scalp Scrub
Koreans rejuvenate their scalp tissue with regular scalp scrubbing. It helps to exfoliate your scalp tissue deeply and eliminate any dirt and grime accumulated in your follicles. This, in turn, enhances the oxygenation of your scalp. It is recommended to use a herbal or mild scalp scrub once a week after the hair wash.
Step 8: Scalp And Hair Toners
A scalp toner aids in soothing inflammation, eliminating dandruff and infections with its anti-microbial properties, and hydrating your scalp tissue. Hair toner works to volumize and moisturize your hair shaft evenly. You need to pick the toners for your scalp and hair with the right ingredients suitable for your hair type. After taking a shower, pat dry your scalp and hair with a soft towel. Then, spray the toners gently onto your scalp and hair.
Vedix Tip: A freshly extracted and diluted aloe vera solution [4] can be used as a natural toner for your scalp and hair.
Step 9: Scalp And Hair Serums
A scalp serum helps to nourish your follicles deeply and stimulate hair growth. A hair serum, whereas,works as a protective layer on your hair shaft against pollutants, heat, and radiation. It also binds your cuticles, thus, imparting a smooth and glossy texture to your hair. Apply hair serum after drying your hair post hair wash.
Step 10: Overnight Treatment
Koreans use special hair products or sleeping hair packs occasionally which help to nourish hair deeply when applied overnight. These packs help to repair your damaged hair caused by various factors such as heat, chlorine, harsh chemicals, etc.
Korean Hair Care Home Remedies
1. Soak a cup of rice in water for 20-30 minutes. Strain the rice water and use it as a hair rinse after shampooing. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein that nourishes your hair.
2. Massage your scalp and hair with Moroccan oil regularly to keep your hair well hydrated. Moroccan oil is one of the key ingredients in most Korean hair care products.
3. Try Korean diets that have Kimchi, made of fermented veggies and seasonings packed with the right nutrients for hair growth. Also, Koreans include Cheonggukjang (fermented soybean paste) regularly in their diet, which contributes phenomenally to their healthy and thicker hair growth.
Korean Hair Care Tips
1. Ensure the products you use are suitable for your hair type. Using any product with the wrong ingredients may worsen your scalp and hair condition.
2. Use a scarf or hat to shield your hair against UV rays, pollution [5], and other harmful chemicals in the environment.
3. Minimize heat styling your hair as it leads to hair breakage. Use a heat protectant before styling your hair with flat-irons, curling rods, or blow dryers.
Traditionally, Koreans (both men and women) use ‘Daenggi’, a special ribbon made of cloth to tie and decorate their braided hair.
How Often Do Koreans Wash Their Hair?
Most of the Koreans wash their hair every day because of the high environmental pollution. “Although the weather conditions in Korea may support everyday hair wash, it is recommended for people in tropical countries such as India to limit hair wash to twice or thrice a week,” says Dr. Zeel.
Important Note:
Before using any product as mentioned in the Korean hair care routine above, please seek your doctor’s advice to pick the most suitable ingredients for your hair type.
The Last Word
Similar to the Ayurvedic hair care routine, scalp health plays a significant role in the Korean hair care regimen too. Try this rigorous hair care routine of Koreans on your hair and let us know how it worked. At Vedix, we analyze your tridoshas and formulate a customized Ayurvedic hair care regimen that your hair needs.
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