Korean women don’t wash their hair like everyone else (just as they don’t care for their skin like everyone else). The Korean hair-washing routine involves a combination of factors. On the one hand, they’re very aware of the importance of caring for the scalp and treating it as an extension of the facial skin with a barrier function that must be protected. On the other hand, they have a very specific set of circumstances that further refines their hair-washing routines. According to a Dyson study, 65% of people in Korea (6 out of every 10 Koreans) wash their hair daily. In fact, the well-known Korean beauty store chain Olive Young, which has locations all over the country—and is also a must-visit for tourists—told Korea JoongAngDaily that a large portion of its selection of haircare products is based on the premise that Koreans wash their hair every day. The country’s high pollution levels explain this trend, as does the prevalence of fine hair that gets oily easily and requires volume (which we can relate to as Indians).
The range of Korean haircare products is so diverse and different from Western offerings that there are even brands like Treecell that tailor their routines based on whether you wash your hair in the morning or at night. In fact, according to a survey by this brand, 34% of Koreans prefer to shower at night, partly due to the city’s air quality and high levels of environmental dust that make their hair dirty.
It all starts with the scalp
Given this context, it’s interesting to consider some of the key aspects of Korean women’s hair-washing routines. One of them has to do with the importance they place on scalp care and the unique way they go about it. “In general, Korean haircare shares a philosophy with skincare: understanding that beautiful hair begins with taking care of the health of the scalp, which, after all, is also skin. That’s why their routines aren’t limited to cleansing and conditioning the hair shaft; they also focus on residue buildup, excess sebum, hydration and scalp balance. It’s not just about keeping it clean, but about maintaining its balance, preventing residue buildup and addressing issues such as dryness, excess oil or sensitivity, which are common problems in that area,” explains María Altur, PR and communications manager at MiiN Cosmetics.
Exfoliate after washing
It’s interesting to see how they incorporate scalp care products and exfoliants. While it’s true that they offer an extensive range of cosmetics applied in various ways (notably hair tonics and enzyme peels without abrasive particles), it’s striking that there are many exfoliants, rebalancing masks and scalp treatments used right after shampooing (and not before, as is typically done in the West), mirroring the step-by-step process we follow in our skincare routine. “Treatments applied after shampooing and rinsed out allow you to treat the scalp during washing, incorporating specific active ingredients in a step that easily integrates into your routine. Depending on their formulation, they can help remove built-up residue, provide a refreshing sensation or relieve scalp discomfort,” explains Altur. As someone with fine hair , I can confirm that you step out of the shower with that feeling of lifted roots that girls with fine hair love so much, since we usually find that our hair loses volume and ends up sticking to the scalp as the hours go by.
Warm water, head upside down and a scalp massage
In addition to using specific scalp products, the Korean hair-washing routine has a few indisputable mantras (just scroll through TikTok to see for yourself). They emphasise the importance of using lukewarm water — not hot — to avoid damaging the scalp’s skin barrier. Without a strong skin barrier, there’s no healthy hair. Apply a small amount of shampoo and always do a gentle, non-negotiable scalp massage —they also incorporate the famous scalp brushes and tilt their head downward halfway through the shower to ensure the shampoo reaches often-overlooked areas like the nape of the neck and behind the ears.
And if you’re looking to step up your game in this often-neglected area of hair washing, María Altur confirms just how mainstream hair perfumes are becoming in Korea. “There’s a sensory aspect worth highlighting: they’re very popular there,” the expert concludes.
