13 Best Korean Hair Care Products, Cosmetologist-Reviewed (2024)
Your search for the mysteries of gorgeous Korean hair ends here with these products.
Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her love of beauty products and hair tools.
Read full bio of Laura Dale
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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K- beauty is one of the top global markets in the world today. With innovative formulas and active ingredients offering nourishment and protection from damage, it’s no wonder that beauty bloggers and experts can’t stop talking about Korean beauty products. Laura Dale, a licensed cosmetologist and a hair care expert, says, “Korean hair care focuses on ingredients for both healthy hair and a healthy scalp, which is why your hair feels so smooth and healthy after using them.” I took more inputs from Laura Dale before curating the list of the 13 best Korean hair products that you can try to up your hair care game. Scroll down to check out these cult-favorite K-beauty hair products!
In This Article
13 Best Korean Hair Products
1. Best Scalp Hydration:Tonymoly Haeyo Mayo Hair Nutrition Pack
This mayo mask from the famous K-beauty brand is fortified with nutrition-enriched oils. It provides moisture and shine to dry tips and damaged hair giving smooth hair. It leaves the hair smelling like vanilla and macadamia nuts and exuding natural beauty. This hair care mask contains shea butter and macadamia seed oil that hydrate and moisturize dry and brittle hair. It also contains egg yolk extract that nourishes and smoothes hair to give it a natural shine. Anastasios Moulios, the founder of Beardlong and an expert hairstylist, says, “The Tonymoly Haeyo Mayo Hair Nutrition Pack isn’t just a product with fun packaging, it is a hair savior! After using it on several clients, I have seen dry, brittle hair transform into softer and shinier locks. It is like giving your hair a refreshing drink of nutrients.” This Korean protein hair treatment mask reduces frizz and removes split ends. It supplies nutrition and hydration to the hair, making it healthy. To find out more about this product, check out this video.
Reinely, a blogger, says, “I’ve used this product quite a bit. My hair has been dry and the roots tend to get oily at times, but this has definitely improved this condition. It does a good job of keeping my hair soft and smooth. My hair was really dry, but it is getting normal, thank goodness to this item (i).”
Pros
- Nourishes and strengthens hair
- Reduces split ends
- Tames frizz
- Repairs and reduces hair damage
- Makes hair soft and smooth
Cons
- Has a tiny spout.
- May not work for all hair types.
- May not suit all scalp conditions (oily, dry, normal).
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 957 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
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2. Best For Hair Texture:Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment
This protein hair care treatment contains ceramide 3 and collagen. It claims to enhance the purity of hair in just 5 minutes. This Korean product reduces and prevents intense hair damage from the sun, heat, and environmental stressors. It is a rich, deep conditioning and repairing protein hair treatment mask for damaged and over-processed hair of all textures. It contains soy protein extract, allantoin, ceramide 3, and pig collagen components. This Korean hair treatment improves hair texture and health. Anastasios Moulios adds, “This one’s a game-changer. I have applied it on clients with lifeless, limp hair, and the results are astounding. Their hair felt rejuvenated and bouncy. It seemed to have gotten resilient against breakage.” If you are still unsure, this video review of a tester’s experience might be useful.
Dorit, a blogger, says, “I use the treatment in place of a hair mask. My hair feels fuller, less frizzy and somehow sturdier and less damaged. I can brush it easily, because it’s not as knotty as usual. It has some body and shine. What it won’t do is repair your hair bonds. It’ll condition them, though, and keep them manageable and shiny. And that’s great (ii)!”
Note: Use a cap when going out for a few days after using this treatment.
Pros
- Volumizes fine and soft hair
- Nourishes and strengthens hair
- Smoothens hair
- Repairs heat damage
- Safe for colored hair
Cons
- Little quantity for the price.
- May increase frizz.
- May not work for all hair types.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 32,474 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
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3. Best For Damaged Hair:Nature Republic Argan Essential Hair Pack
This nourishing hair pack provides intensive care to severely damaged hair, helping with hair loss control. It contains argan oil, rosehip oil, and evening primrose oil that locks moisture into the hair while nourishing and conditioning the tresses. These gentle ingredients repair split ends, white dots, and hair damage from styling tools and treatments. The advanced deep conditioning treatment formula offers shiny and smooth hair. According to Moulios, “Every time I use this on a client, they can’t stop touching their hair. It deeply moisturizes and reduces frizz, leaving the tresses feeling silky and looking lustrous. Use this pack after shampooing your hair and towel drying it. Apply it to your hair from midway down to the ends. Wrap your hair in a hair cap and gently massage it. Leave the pack for about 5-10 minutes and then rinse off thoroughly. For best results, use this once a week.
Pros
- Nourishes and moisturizes hair
- Makes the hair silky and shiny
- Reduces split ends
- Smoothens hair
- Repairs hair damage
Cons
- Packaging issues
Pro Tip| Tonymoly Haeyo Mayo Hair Nutrition Pack | Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment | Nature Republic Argan Essential Hair Pack | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 9.9 Ounces | - | - |
| Dimensions | 2 x 3 x 7 inches | 1.65 x 1.46 x 5.79 inches | 3.23 x 3.23 x 3.35 inches |
| Weight | 9.9 Ounces | 4.94 Ounces | 7.05 Ounces |
| Hair Type | - | Damaged | Dry, Damaged |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 957 | 32,474 | 593 |
| Price | $16.0 | $7.84 | $23.88 |
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4. Best For Split Ends:Mise En Scene Perfect Repair Serum
The Mise En Scene Perfect Repair Serum is a highly concentrated nourishment for your dull hair as it repairs the harshest of hair damage caused by styling and coloring treatments. It contains a special cocktail of seven beneficial oils: argan, Camellia, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and olive oils that provide deep hydration to your hair. This shine serum for color treated hair also helps repair split ends and rejuvenates dry, tangled, and rough hair strands. Anastasios Moulios adds, “I decided to try this on my clients after coming across a detailed review. The results were pretty good! Their hair became much softer, shinier, and felt renewed. This serum works wonders without making the hair feel greasy. It works especially well on strands with dry ends.”
It also improves hair strength, and elasticity as well. After you wash and towel dry your hair, pump a quarter-sized amount of the serum into your palms. Spread it evenly onto damp hair. After it dries, apply more to the ends. It can also be applied to dry hair. Check out this review for a closer understanding of the product.
Pros
- Repairs damaged cuticle
- Reduces split ends
- Improved hair elasticity
- Adds shine
- Smoothens hair
- Retains the hair color
Cons
- Strong smell
- May not work for all hair types.
Pro TipSimilar products:
5. Best Long Lasting Shine:All New Plus TS Shampoo
The All New Plus TS Shampoo is suitable for all hair issues and types utilizing the goodness of rice water for hair growth. This Korean hair shampoo stimulates hair growth, reduces thinning, and prevents hair breakage with the help of essential ingredients. The strengthening scalp treatment formula is enriched with the goodness of biotin, niacinamide, panthenol, and zinc pyrithione to help with hair loss control, shinier hair and keep the scalp clean for hair regrowth. This herbal shampoo with keratin contains 10 supplementary ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein, and arginine to control hair loss. It also contains traditional Korean herbs like camellia sinensis leaf, ginseng, grapefruit extract, chrysanthemum, and honey rejuvenates damaged hair by eliminating product buildup from the hair. Natural botanical oils such as orange peel, bergamot fruit, and lavender oils are also present in this Korean salon shampoo. This scalp scaler hydrates and smoothens the hair strands while ensuring long-lasting shine. Anastasios Moulios notes, “This shampoo is a staple at my salon. It cleans without drying out the scalp and gives the hair a healthier bounce. My clients often mention how their hair feels refreshed and voluminous after a wash with this shampoo.”
Pros
- Promotes scalp health
- Non-sticky
- Natural aroma
- Promotes lustrous hair
- Silicone-free
- Natural lavender scent
Cons
None
Pro Tip6. Best For All Hair Types:Mediheal Hair Care Sheep Steam Pack
This sheep steam K beauty product is a complex formula, specifically for hair damaged by perming or coloring. This product for color treated hair, is a solution to several hair concerns as it makes damaged hair silky and provides professional salon care to hair. The aroma steam collagen works into the hair shaft to deeply help repair hair of all types. Anna Peterson, a seasoned wellness and beauty professional and the creator of Salon Route, says, “This product is a treat, especially for curly or textured hair types that need extra hydration. It is my go-to for an at-home spa day. The heat-activated ingredients deeply penetrate hair strands, and I have seen exceptional results in reducing frizz and promoting shine.”
Pros
- Repairs damaged hair
- Nourishes hair
- Makes hair smoother
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- The sticky part loses grip.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 497 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
7. Best For All Day Long:AROMATICA Tea Tree Purifying Shampoo
The food-grade tea tree essential oil complex in the vegan formula of the Aromatica Tea Tree Purifying Shampoo has scalp treatment properties and controls excess sebum production to preserve scalp freshness, while the salicylic acid helps relieve product buildup from oily hair and scalp. Peppermint soothes the itchy scalp, and the gentle scalp scrub formula cleanses and refreshes the clogged pores and balances scalp oils on the irritated scalp. This Korean hair shampoo leaves a refreshing herbaceous fragrance that lingers all day long on the glossy hair.
Pros
- Prevents hair loss
- Prevents scalp acne
- Removes scalp odor
- Free of artificial fragrances
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- EWG verified
- Vegan
Cons
None
8. Best Protein Enriched Formula:Aekyung Kerasys Oriental Premium Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Kerasys Oriental Premium Shampoo and Conditioner is a perfect combination and is based on the hair science of Kerasys and oriental beauty formula. The Korean hair care product strengthens the hair, improves its elasticity and keeps the hair hydrated. The camellia seed oil present in the shampoo and conditioner makes the hair glossy. The duo contains dual proteins of hydrolyzed wheat protein and wool keratin. These ingredients revitalize damaged hair tissue and strengthen the scalp and hair roots. This set from the renowned K beauty brand reduces hair fall and hair loss and also protects the hair from further damage.
Pros
- Strengthen the scalp and hair
- Reduce hair fall
- Reduce hair damage
- Decrease hair breakage
- Impart a glossy shine to the hair
Cons
- May not suit all scalp conditions (oily, dry, normal).
9. Best Hair-Softening Formula:Amos Professional Curling Essence
This curling essence is an ideal Korean hair volumizer for curly hair from a reputed K beauty brand. This product also moisturizes curly hair and is a recommended inclusion for your Korean hair care routine. It has been formulated by hair experts, researchers, and marketers who created an essence mixed with wax to style hair professionally at home. This Korean hair care product contains aloe vera extracts, which hydrate your hair and give it a healthy glow. It also contains Amos Professional’s patented aqua chain effector technology. This technology produces a simultaneous hair-softening essence effect, conditioning the hair strands. It also helps style wavy hair, defines curls, and gives bouncy hair. Anna wears by this curling essence. She adds, “I use it on clients looking to enhance their natural curls. A pea-sized amount gives definition without the crunchiness you get from typical curling gels. It is a little bottle of magic that truly understands curly hair needs.”
Pros
- Defines curls
- Imparts a healthy shine
- Softens hair
- Strengthens hair
- Reduces hair damage
Cons
- May not suit fine hair.
10. Best Vegan:AROMATICA Cypress Deep Cleansing Shampoo
This beautiful and vibrant AROMATICA Cypress Deep Cleaning Shampoo features cypress, pine, and eucalyptus extract, which offer a refreshing deep cleansing experience. The Korean hair cleansing shampoo is formulated to remove up to 94% of dust particles from the scalp and hair strands. The vegan formula is derived from plant-based ingredients and has a therapeutic and pleasant herbaceous scent. It gives you a sense of holistic well-being.
Pros
- Plant-derived ingredients
- EWG-verified
- Non-irritating
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
Cons
None
11. Best For Sensitive Scalp:LA’DOR Tea Tree Scalp Clinic Hair Pack
The LA’DOR Tea Tree Scalp Clinic Hair Pack invigorates and cools up your senses while keeping your hair healthy. The tea tree and snail mucin extracts in this natural product are great skin care ingredients for controlling impurities and reducing redness. In addition, the menthol content in this hair pack is perfect for soothing and cooling down itchy scalp skin during dry conditions. The natural beauty formula makes it safe for use on sensitive scalp. Multiple reviewers have noted a soothing effect on their itchy scalp after using this product. So whether you’re trying to soothe a dry scalp or keep it hydrated, this hair pack is a perfect choice!
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Natural ingredients
- Strengthens hair
- Soothing effect
Cons
- Contains alcohol
"This product relieves my dry and itchy scalp after consistent use. Its gentle formula doesn't cause irritation, even on my sensitive scalp skin. It leaves behind a refreshing scent and a cooling sensation. I have noticed that it reduced dandruff and dry patches. It feels like a spa treatment and gives a clean and hydrated feeling to my irritated scalp."
12. Best Organic Ingredients:RYO Damage Care Shampoo
This shampoo is specially formulated with organic ingredients rich in hair care properties for highly damaged hair. It deeply nourishes, conditions, and hydrates the hair strands, making dry and frizzy hair manageable and silky smooth. This Korean scalp treatment shampoo contains camellia oil that hydrates hair, softens it, and mends split ends to prevent further damage, thus promoting healthier hair. The presence of pomegranate extract stimulates blood circulation to the scalp and strengthens hair follicles, while Schisandra extracts promote better hair growth. The shampoo not only prevents hair damage but also makes it supple, stronger, and conditioned, leading to healthier hair.
Pros
- Ideal for dry, frizzy, coarse hair
- Herbal fragrance
Cons
- May not work for all hair types
13. Best Heat Damage Formula:Skin Food Argan Oil Repair Plus Heat Serum in Oil
The Skin Food Argan Oil Repair Plus Heat Serum in Oil rejuvenates and protects hair damaged by heat styling. The Korean beauty product also protects dry and brittle hair strands from heat damage. This nourishing Korean hair serum for hair growth contains skin care ingredients such as cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, and jojoba seed oil. This Korean heat protectant serum is lightweight, which makes your hair stronger and silky smooth. This Korean hair oil and serum also nourishes your hair strands and imparts shine, promoting healthier hair.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Moisturizes the hair
- Smoothes the hair
- Controls frizz
Cons
None
Infographic: A Buying Guide On The Best Korean Hair Care Products
The best Korean hair styling products are enriched with active organic ingredients that nourish your tresses, improve your hair texture, and offer healthier scalp. They are loved by hair care enthusiasts and professionals who are the best in the business. But before choosing any product for your hair and scalp type, take a look at our infographic below. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Korean hair care products are known to show miraculous results because of the many natural ingredients present in their formulas. They nourish, strengthen, and moisturize hair, repairing brittleness, hair thinning, and dull, weak hair. The Tonymoly Haeyo Mayo Hair Nutrition Pack is a good choice for damaged hair as it provides nourishment and hydration, the Elizavecca CER-100 Protein Treatment is a good choice if you want to improve hair texture, and the AROMATICA Tea Tree Purifying Shampoo prevents hair loss. The list above contains all kinds of hair products like shampoos, conditioners, hair serum, steam packs, hair packs, etc. You will find an item to build your Korean hair care routine completely anew. Many of them have a mild, pleasant scent that soothes your senses. Browse through the list and get yourself healthy hair care products that will revitalize your hair. Remember to conduct a patch test before application!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hair care routine for smooth and shiny hair like Koreans?
Follow these steps to achieve smooth and shiny hair like Koreans:
Step 1: Use a scalp scrub or scaler to exfoliate and get rid of dirt and product buildup.
Step 2: Follow it up with a shampoo, according to your hair and scalp type.
Step 3: Moisturize your hair with a good conditioner.
Step 4: Follow this up with a hair rinse using vinegar.
Step 5: Use a hair mask (once a week) to rejuvenate your hair and scalp.
Step 6: Use a scalp tonic to balance the pH levels of the scalp.
Step 7: Apply a scalp serum to heal and hydrate the scalp.
Step 8: Follow this up with a hair essence to hydrate the strands.
Step 9: Use overnight treatments to nourish and rejuvenate the hair.
What to look for in a Korean hair care product?
Look for shea butter, macadamia seed oil, ceramides, allantoin, and soy protein in your Korean haircare products. You can also invest in products with argan oil, rosehip oil, Moroccan oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil. These ingredients possess hair care properties that nourish and rejuvenate the scalp and promote hair health and shine.
What are the best Korean hair care products for thinning hair?
The Kerasys Oriental Premium Shampoo and Conditioner work as a power couple to reduce hair thinning and protect from damage. The Daeng Gi Meo Ri Vitalizing Shampoo also helps with thinning hair.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is our in-house skin care expert and has keen interest in hair care. In this article, she has scanned multiple products before curating a list of the best Korean hair products for healthy and luscious tresses. She went through multiple product reviews, their ingredients, and user feedback to curate this list of the best options for her readers. The products mentioned in this list nourish and strengthen hair, repair damage, add volume, and reduce split ends.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) Confessions Of A K-Beauty Fan
https://confessionsofakbeautyfan.wordpress.com/2017/04/08/tony-moly-haeyo-mayo-nutrition-hair-pack/
(ii) Twindly
https://twindly.com/blog/2023/03/elizavecca-cer-100-collagen-ceramide-coating-protein-treatment-review/
Read full bio of Laura Dale
Anastasios Moulios is a hairstylist with over 8 years of experience in the industry and the founder of Beardlong. He is an alumnus of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens.Anastasios Moulios is a hairstylist with over 8 years of experience in the industry and the founder of Beardlong. He is an alumnus of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens.- Anna Peterson is a licensed cosmetologist with over 8 years of experience in makeup, hairstyling, and skin care. She also has a degree in Beauty & Wellness from the Aveda Institute and has worked with renowned brands, such as Sephora, MAC, and RMS Beauty.
Anna Peterson is a licensed cosmetologist with over 8 years of experience in makeup, hairstyling, and skin care. She also has a degree in Beauty & Wellness from the Aveda Institute and has worked with renowned brands, such as Sephora, MAC, and RMS Beauty.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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