Achieve healthy, vibrant hair with the 10-step Korean hair care routine. This scalp-focused regimen includes exfoliation, hydration, pH-balancing, and overnight treatments—combined with diet and lifestyle habits for long-term hair health and growth.
“Korean hair care is not just a routine—it’s a philosophy rooted in patience, nourishment, and respect for the scalp.”
Charlotte Cho, K-beauty expert & founder of Soko Glam
The Korean hair care regime has become a hot potato. May you wonder how it works for your hair? It is as intense as their 10-step skincare routine. Haircare routine entangles ten phases that meticulously focus on keeping on scalp healthy and enhancing hair health and appearance. The goal of the Korean hair care routine is to promote healthy hair.
The 10-Step Korean Hair Care Routine
Here’s a detailed guide to the 10-step Korean hair care routine if you want to give it a shot.
Step 1: Scalp Scaler
Yup, you read it right. Koreans apply a particular scalp treatment. Scalp cleaning necessitates the use of specialized equipment. I think you had no idea until you became interested in hair care.
It is an important step. The scalp follicle needs to be kept clean and exfoliated to grow healthy hair, and the hair will be born ready to shine.
A scalp scaler is used to accomplish this. It is a salicylic acid-based treatment that helps exfoliate the scalp, getting rid of dead skin cells and excess oils.
How to Use
Apply your dry scalp treatment before shampooing. Spread it all over your head and leave it to work for around 20 minutes before rinsing it off and moving on to the next step.
Secret Tip: a scalp scaler is used only once a week or twice a month.
Step 2: Shampoo
Koreans use gentle shampoo according to their specific hair type and hair needs–be part of the Korean hair care regimen. Without disrupting the pH, this shampoo should be nutritious and wash the hair along with the scalp. Koreans focus more on massaging their scalp and hair during hair wash.
How to Use
Apply it to your scalp and gently massage it all over the scalp.
Secret Tip:
- Panthenol shampoo for oily hair.
- Fatty alcohols shampoo like cetyl alcohol for dry hair with split ends.
- Shampoo with ingredients like jojoba oil and vitamin E, best for colored hair to maintain hydration.
Step 3: Scalp Massage
Now the magic comes, a scalp brush. Surprise, why is it called magic when you add it? Since a scalp massager or scalp brush is highly recommended for more hair growth. Using a scalp massager can help encourage hair growth by improving blood circulation in the scalp.
A study found that massaging the scalp resulted in thicker hair. That is why scalp massaging is a noteworthy aspect of Korean hair care.
How to Use
After shampooing, hold the brush and gently massage your scalp in circular strokes. Do this until you have covered every inch of your head, then rinse thoroughly.
Secret Tip: Focus on bristles-thicker, soft silicone.
Step 4: Conditioner
The next step is conditioning the hair. Use a towel to dry the hair before using a conditioner. And be sure to apply it to the shaft of the hair rather than the scalp. Conditioner hydrates and nourishes the hair; therefore, it is a must-do step.
How to Use
Ensure to get rid of excess water before using your conditioner, leaving your hair moist but not soaked. Before rinsing it off, let it rest for at least five minutes.
Secret Tip
- Apply on your hair, not your scalp.
- Focus on the lower half of your hair, especially if you have oily hair.
Step 5: Hair Mask
A good hair mask is essential for achieving lustrous hair, a core belief in K-beauty. It is a similar face mask; however, it works to help hair growth, hair damage, split ends, breakage, hair fall, and more. A hair mask contains nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, coconut oil, castor oil and, other similar oils.
How to Use
Apply the treatment to your hair after shampooing and leave it for some time.
Secret Tip
- Once a week, on for 15-20 minutes.
- Replace your conditioner with a hair mask.
Step 6: Vinegar Rinse
We have arrived at the funny part. To keep the acidic pH levels of both the hair and the scalp, it is mandatory. It is necessary to prevent bacterial the growth of bacteria.
It indicates the alkaline nature of the scalp whether, suffering from dryness, itchiness or, Excess oil. And the consequences lead to hair conditions like eczema or dandruff.
Meaning, the scalp’s pH is probably too high or too low, and it gets back to normal. How solves this problem? Rinse with vinegar. Yeah, you read that correctly. By balancing the pH, it (vinegar) can do wonders for the hair, which will bring brightness and health to your hair.
How to Use
After rinsing your conditioner, apply your vinegar rinse on both your scalp and hair. Then rinse it out with lukewarm water until it is s gone. To dilute the strong scent, you can mix the vinegar with some water before applying.
Secret Tip: Once a week.
Step 7: Scalp Mask
If you think, you are surprised enough. Then big no. There is also a scalp mask as a hair mask. Treat scalp and hair separately because the structure of the scalp differs from the hair. A scalp treatment is an excellent technique to clean the scalp and remove any dirt or oil buildup. As it designs for the scalp, applying both at the same time.
How to Use
Apply the mask on your entire scalp after shampooing. Before rinsing off, allow a few minutes.
Secret Tip
- 10-15 minutes
- Once a week
Step 8: Scalp and Hair Toners
A scalp toner assists not only in hydrating the scalp tissue but soothing inflammation, eliminating dandruff and infections since it has anti-microbial properties. Hair toner works by equally volumizing and moisturizing your hair shaft. Choose toners for the scalp and hair that have the proper components for hair type. An aloe vera solution can use as a natural toner for scalp and hair; yet, freshly extracted and diluted.
How to Use
After showering, spray the toner all over your scalp and hair. There is no need to rinse or dry it. Massage it in for a few seconds to help it absorb more quickly.
Secret Tip
- Ensure to get rid of excess water with a towel or soft cloth.
Step 9: Scalp and Hair Serums
Continuing the next step, apply essence or serum to the scalp and hair just like the skincare routine–need a different serum for the scalp and hair. A scale serum will help hydrate, heal, and calm down your scalp, especially if you suffer from dryness or excessive oil. While hair essence maintains the moisture inside, it does the same thing for your hair.
How to Use
In your palm, pump the serum and spread it all over your scalp. Apply enough hair serum/essence to your hair, starting at the ends, after applying your scalp serum. Avoid it to the roots.
Secret Tip
- Rub the scalp serum in evenly.
- Massage the hair essence into your hair for a few seconds to help it absorb better and faster.
Step 10: Overnight Treatment
Heat, chlorine, harsh chemicals, and other various factors play a significant role in damaged hair. It helps to repair this problem. A special hair product or sleeping hair pack helps to nourish hair deeply, Koreans apply it occasionally.
How to Use
Apply the product to your hair and leave it on overnight to get the best results.
Tip: a pea-sized amount.
How They Maintain Their Vibrant Locks
There have been some explanations for maintaining Koreans vibrant locks for centuries,
Eating Habit
Korean banchan (side dishes) like kimchi, dongchimi, and kkakdugi are high in vitamins and minerals that keep hair, skin, and nails healthy. Korean meals are high in probiotics and nutrients that aid in cell regeneration and the fight against free radicals.
Healthier Lifestyles
Grey hairs are an indicator of health problems rather than a symptom of premature ageing. A lack of colour in new hair is a result of slowing or stopping the production of melanin–reasons are vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and many other illnesses. Koreans tend to have a more balanced diet and live active lifestyles.
Treat Their Hair as Their Luxury Items
They believe in nourishing rather than abusing their skin, as well. Regular scalp massages and nightly hair treatments are just a few of the Korean haircare regimen’s many phases. They take plenty of extra measures to undo or prevent damage for heat styling and hair colour.
Additional Korean Haircare Suggestion Must Follow
Here are a few extra haircare tips to help you keep your hair healthy and strong.
- Use Moroccan oil on the ends of your hair to prevent split ends every day.
- Once a week, apply a hair mask to keep your hair healthy and lustrous. It aids in the restoration of damage caused by heat treatment or dying regularly.
- If you have an oily scalp, mix 2-3 drops of oil with a few drops of water in your palms, then apply to your hair. It gives you quick radiance and hydration without the greasiness.
- Preventing damage and color-fading, use UV-protectant sprays.
- If you want to change your look without damaging your hair, use wigs. For this, you do not need to cut your hair or expose it to chemical dyes and treatments.
- Check the label before you buy the product because there are different shampoos for different hair types.
- To minimize hair damage and dryness, avoid hair dryers and heat treatment tools. Allow your hair to air dry.
- Friction and hair damage is caused by sleeping with wet hair. Wet hair is also more susceptible to breakage and bacterial infections.
- Regular conditioning and treatment is the most effective method for keeping your hair smooth and tangle-free. It is beneficial for color-treated and over-processed hair and protects your hair from external stressors.
Ending
Unlike the Western hair care regime, the 10-step Korean hair treatment may be intense. However, Korean hair care addresses the source of the problem and promotes scalp health, as a healthy scalp can nourish healthy hair. To maintain your hair looking lovely and healthy, follow the steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequently asked questions add here.
How Do K-Pop Idols Keep Their Hair in Good Condition?
It’s no surprise that K-pop idols always look picture perfect because religious hair and scalp care is a part of K-beauty. While celebrities in Korea are likely to have access to more exclusive hair care products and procedures, replicating their hairstyle shouldn’t be too difficult.
Is Korean Hair Care Better?
Most people who have tried the step-by-step Korean hair routine have had great results. This routine prioritizes deep cleaning and regular treatment over anything and results in healthier, more nourished hair.
There is just no one-size-fits-all routine but similar to the skin and beauty world. Some products will not work with you the way they do other people since we all vary in hair type. If you have problem hair and are unsure how to adopt this routine, you should seek professional advice.
Final Thought
The 10-step Korean hair care routine is more than just a beauty trend—it’s a commitment to nurturing your scalp and hair from the root up. Unlike quick-fix solutions, this method prioritizes long-term health, focusing on cleanliness, balance, and nourishment. Each step is thoughtfully designed to address specific needs, from exfoliating the scalp to locking in moisture overnight.
Whether you follow every single step or adopt a few that suit your lifestyle, the essence of Korean hair care lies in mindful consistency. Treat your hair like a luxury item, just as Koreans do—not something to fix when damaged, but something to protect and cherish every day.
Healthy, radiant hair doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right care, it can last a lifetime.
