Here are 10 reasons why Korean men’s haircuts are some of the most stylish in the world.
South Korea is nothing short of a cultural force. After all, the country has produced some of the most popular entertainment in recent years. From colossally hyped K-pop groups like BTS to smash hit films and shows like Squid Game.
As a result, Korea is also globally known for its approach to men’s hair. K-pop musicians, in particular, are famous for sporting heavily stylized cuts that are quite edgy and unconventional.
For the most part, these Korean men’s hairstyles tend to be favored by younger guys who are looking to make a statement with their hair. However, these cuts might also inspire you to take a new direction with your hair, no matter your age
With that in mind, here are 10 of the most legendary hairstyles for Korean men.
The Best Korean Men’s Hairstyles
From fresh twists on classic cuts to new and daring looks, here are 10 of the most iconic Korean haircuts for men.
As a side note, if you prefer to keep facial hair, be sure to check out a few of our beard ideas for Asian men to pair with these hairstyle suggestions.
Two-Block Haircut
The two-block haircut is by far one of the most popular Korean hairstyles today. In essence, it’s the classic formula of long on the top and short on the sides — but with a distinctly Korean personality.
The top is usually heavily textured and resembles a bowl cut in its shape. The hair hangs down instead of being brushed up or back, but there’s volume on the top as well. Essentially, the hair is so long and thick that it blooms at the top and falls down around the circumference of the head.
This is a great haircut for receding hairlines. Long hair conceals the receding hairline, so you won’t have to worry about it.
The sides are kept shorter for contrast, but there’s no gold standard for exactly how short to go. Typically, two-block haircuts feature sides that are longer than what you’d see with styles like the undercut. (Think around a #5 clipper or so).
Curtain Bangs (Korean Men’s Short Hairstyle)
Every K-pop boy band singer has rocked a curtain hairstyle at one point or another. This hugely popular style features long bangs parted in the middle for a dramatic curtain-like result.
There are plenty of ways to style this haircut. Some guys go for a straighter fringe that’s a little on the bolder side, but other guys opt for a wavy fringe that creates a softer look.
Like most Korean hairstyles for men, the curtain style is meant to be long and messy. You need bangs that go at least past your eyebrows to pull off this style, and as shown here, many guys go even longer so that the fringe falls to the bottom of the eye (or even lower!).
The great thing about this cut is you can make it work for all sorts of hair types and textures. From curly hair to wavy and straight hair, curtain bangs are worth a try.
Mash Haircut
You can’t talk about Korean hairstyles without mentioning the mash haircut. The “mash” in question here is a variation of “mush,” which is short for “mushroom.” Essentially, it’s a top-heavy style similar to a bowl cut that has a mushroom-like shape.
Like other Korean men’s hairstyles, the mash cut is quite textured and features a long and disheveled fringe. The hair is usually the same length all the way around for the head as in a bowl cut, though the sideburns are typically cut shorter.
Asymmetrical Fringe
The asymmetrical fringe is another hairstyle you’ll often see K-pop stars wearing. It’s essentially the curtain hairstyle minus one of the sides, resulting in a neat style that subtly stands out.
There’s no one way to style the fringe, but for maximum Korean style, it should be at least a little messy. Also, consider which side you want the fringe to be on — you might discover you prefer one side over the other.
See-Through Bangs
This isn’t so much a singular hairstyle as it is a crucial element of Korean men’s haircuts. All kinds of Korean styles feature these thin bangs with spaces in between that allow the forehead to be seen.
See-through bangs are useful for just about every Korean style, from the two-block to the mash. Having thin bangs looks more casual and adds a bit more visual variation to a haircut, which is presumably why it’s such a popular technique.
Bleached/Colored
You don’t have to look far to find Korean guys and K-pop idols with bleached or colored hair. Typically, lighter and more metallic colors are most common. Blonde, silver, and even rosy colors are all popular choices.
As with see-through bangs, bleaching and coloring hair isn’t associated with any one haircut. The color choice is more important than the hairstyle — avoid going too dark if you want maximum Korean style.
Wolf Cut
Chances are you’ve seen a wolf cut before — this viral (and instantly recognizable) Korean look is all over social media. Essentially, it’s a cross between a shag and a mullet that resembles a wolf’s shaggy mane.
The wolf cut is characterized by its thick, jagged layers and messy silhouette. It’s not uncommon for the hair to fall onto the shoulders, though you can go with a shorter mullet for a tamer look. For extra texture, use a sea salt spray, and don’t brush your hair too much.
Mullet
If you don’t want to go full wolf, you can always get a regular mullet. But the Korean mullet isn’t exactly the typical ‘80s MacGyver haircut — rather, it’s usually a more textured cut with shorter wings.
The mullet can be curly or feathery, and the top is usually styled in two-block or mash fashion. Alternatively, you can opt for an asymmetrical fringe with a short mullet at the back for a cleaner look with an edge.
Textured Fringe
By now, you’ve probably noticed a trend — the Korean style is full of fringe-heavy hairstyles and textured hair. One option is to keep the bangs long, loose, and unbrushed for a devil-may-care look.
Similarly to most of these Korean hairstyles, a textured fringe all but demands loads of texture and an overall messiness. (This gives the hair the just rolled out of bed look). However, it’s important for the sides and back to be more neatly cut to contrast with the hair on top and anchor the style.
Brushed Back
The brushed back style is one of the few Korean men’s haircuts that doesn’t feature a fringe. Instead, this look borrows from hairstyles like the quiff to create a polished yet carefree vibe.
Note that the top and sides are much longer than similar Western hairstyles — you’ll want at least three inches on top and around a #4 or #5 clipper on the sides.
You can even add a classic side part or hard part to this cut to change it up.
This length ensures the hair can be brushed back and looped over to create unkempt waves. You don’t need to worry too much about volume, but you’ll want to nail the texture.
Korean Hairstyles for Men FAQ
Here are a few common questions about Korean hairstyles, along with handy answers.
What Is the Most Popular Men’s Hairstyle in Korea?
The two-block haircut, mash haircut, and curtain haircut are all popular Korean men’s hairstyles right now.
What Haircut Do Korean Guys Use?
Korean men often have haircuts that are longer on the top and shorter on the sides, though the styles are often longer than what you’ll see in the US.
Is There a Traditional Korean Hairstyle?
One of the most noteworthy traditional Korean hairstyles is the sangtu, which is a style of topknot that married men wore during the Joseon Dynasty.
Korea isn’t the only country with stylish men’s haircuts. Read our guides on the best Asian men’s hairstyles and the best hairstyles for Indian men for more Eastern inspiration.
