Korean Hair Care Explained
Why it’s so popular and what it actually looks like
Korean hair care is rapidly gaining global attention as a holistic, scalp-focused, and gentle method for long-term hair health. You might already be familiar with K-beauty skincare trends like “glass skin” and innovative routines that address skin health from the surface inward. Now that same philosophy is influencing hair care, with a focus on scalp health, hydration, and balance rather than quick fixes or heavy formulas.¹
This shift comes alongside broader interest in Korean beauty culture, which has grown through global media, influencer culture, and expanded retail availability. Korean beauty has become one of the most influential movements in skincare and hair care worldwide.⁴
What a Korean hair care routine actually looks like
Korean hair care is often described as thoughtful and layered. It is not about adding endless steps, but about consistent, gentle care that supports long-term hair and scalp health. Coverage from beauty editors and experts highlights a routine that prioritises scalp care, lightweight hydration, and targeted repair rather than masking damage.¹ ³
A routine may include:
• Scalp-focused cleansing
• Lightweight conditioning or hydrating essences
• Targeted treatments such as serums or ampoules
• Occasional masks or oils
The focus is on order and intent, starting at the scalp and working outward. This mirrors Korean skincare routines, where hydration and barrier support are layered gradually rather than delivered all at once.¹
Scalp health as the foundation
A central principle of Korean hair care is that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. This idea appears consistently across expert commentary and product development in the Korean beauty space.¹ ³
Treating the scalp like skin means prioritising gentle cleansing, hydration, and balance. This approach can help reduce irritation, flakiness, and tightness while supporting stronger, more resilient hair growth over time.³
Hydration without heaviness
Korean hair care avoids heavy, oil-based formulas in favour of lightweight hydration. Inspired by skincare, hydration is often layered using light conditioners, mists, or essences that deliver moisture without weighing hair down.¹
This approach is especially useful for:
• Fine or easily weighed-down hair
• Hair prone to build-up
• Scalp types that react poorly to heavy products
By focusing on balance rather than richness, hair stays soft, shiny, and manageable without feeling coated.³
Repairing with gentle protein and botanicals
Many Korean hair care formulas use lightweight proteins, peptides, and botanical extracts to support hair strength and elasticity. The goal is to reinforce the hair fibre gradually, rather than masking damage with heavy coatings.¹
Ingredients such as centella asiatica, peptides, and plant extracts are commonly used because they support repair while remaining gentle on both hair and scalp.¹ ³
Why these principles matter
Across reputable beauty publications, the recurring theme in Korean hair care is prevention rather than reaction. Gentle, consistent routines aim to maintain balance and health before problems arise.¹ ⁵
This contrasts with approaches that rely on harsh cleansing followed by heavy conditioning to compensate. By supporting scalp health and lightweight hydration first, Korean hair care encourages more stable, long-term hair health.¹
At An’du, we realised something interesting
Many of these Korean hair care principles, such as a scalp-first approach, lightweight hydration, and repair without coating, already align closely with how we think about formulation.
We talk about them slightly differently, with a sustainability lens and formats that fit real routines, but the underlying philosophy is remarkably similar.
What you can take from Korean hair care today
You do not need a multi-step routine to benefit from these ideas.
You can start by:
• Treating your scalp gently
• Choosing hydration that feels light
• Supporting repair gradually
• Being consistent rather than aggressive
These principles work across many routines and hair types.
Why this matters
Korean hair care has grown in popularity because it prioritises long-term hair health over quick fixes. Its focus on scalp care, balance, and gentle performance reflects how many people now think about beauty more broadly.¹ ²
It is not about complexity. It is about thoughtful care.
References
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Vogue. Best Korean Hair-Care Products and the Skin-Care-First Approach. https://www.vogue.com/article/best-korean-hair-care-products
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Vogue. K-Beauty Trends Shaping 2026. https://www.vogue.com/article/k-beauty-trends-2026
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Allure. The Best Korean Hair-Care Products, According to Experts. https://www.allure.com/story/best-korean-hair-care-products
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Wikipedia. K-beauty. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-beauty
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HairHealthTips.com. Preventative Hair Care and Scalp Health Trends. https://www.hairhealthtips.com/archives/35033