Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Emily3373]

I am moving to Seoul in mid-August and was wondering how easy it is to get a haircut if you don't speak any Korean. Any suggestions for salons/barbershops?

Thanks!

[wayfarer]

I was wondering the same thing... and I'm a guy. I like to be able to communicate what I want when it comes to my haircut. Are there any haircutters in Seoul who speak good English?

[Bibbitybop]

The Green Turtle in Itaewon (above the old BK).

There is a place down the street from the Wolfhound, too, but you need to bring a picture of what you want.

[supernaut]

screw Itaewon, just bring a picture to your local sexy hairdresser, they do a fine job and for 8000 won you get the best scalp massage you've ever received, my last one lasted over 10 minutes. I love the Korean hair cut experience, just stay clear of the Blue Club.

[Bibbitybop]

[YoshaMazov]

Most hair salons/barber shops have huge style books with loads of different hair styles in them. Find one you like and point to it; of course, you have to be a bit adventurous. But you can get the point across fairly well.
That being said, avoid walking into an establishment with dual barber polls, unless you want much more than a haircut.

[The_Eyeball_Kid]

There's a Toni & Guy in Apkujong and the geez in there speaks good English and does a good job.

[Wondering]

I've always done very well if I walk in with pictures of exactly what I want (front, back, sides...leave nothing to the imagination). Times I've had really terrible cuts are when I either tried using Korean phrases I'd memorized (or written down), brought along a Korean friend to translate (that included one of the worst, actually) or just walked in and used motions to show how much I wanted cut off (invariably interpreted as how much I wanted remaining on my head).

I've also grown my hair really quite long just so I can avoid going to a hair stylist. And once I timed a haircut to happen while I visiting my parents in the States. Unfortunately, hadn't taken into consideration that they lived in Podunk-ri and ended up with a bad haircut.

When you do get a hair cut that you like, take pictures of it! Front, back, left side, right side. Then, you have something to show them the next time you go it because chances are that even if you go to the same place, you won't get the same person unless only one person works there.

[Alyallen]

I went into a Korean hair shop with a picture of myself sporting the style that I wanted and I wound up with a haircut like this...



No joke. I had to cut all my hair off and wait months for it to grow back...

[NeonRain]

Headrush in Hongdae. Everyone speaks great English from whoever picks up the phone when you amke the appointment to whoever ends up doing the cut. Been to them twice, and it takes a lot for a girl to trust a new hairdresser that much. 02-338-2773 or www.headrush.co.kr

[Wondering]

Alyallen~ Did they at least do your make-up like that, too? Sorry....I feel your pain. Have been through similar hair tragedies myself. But, still....now that your hair is all grown out again, don't you laugh at the memory?

[Alyallen]