Korean Haircare: How to Get Glass Hair at Home

When it comes to setting global hair and beauty standards, South Korea has without doubt taken first place. Skincare fanatics already know the true power of Korean skincare and beauty brands – and their haircare products and vigorous routines are no exception. So, why is Korean skincare so good? Thanks to innovative ingredients, cutting-edge formulas, natural botanicals, aesthetic packaging and huge virality on social media, Korean haircare has now also firmly planted itself on the map, demonstrating major success for customers around the globe.  

Now the secret’s out, we’re here to unpack the latest Korean haircare brands that have taken the industry by storm, how to use them to your advantage, plus all the tips you need for achieving moisturised, glossy locks at home. Let’s break it down: 

What Makes Korean Haircare Unique?

Just like Korean skincare, the philosophy behind Korean haircare focuses on balance, nourishment, and prevention rather than the quick fixes you often come across online. The goal isn’t simply to cover up hair damage but to heal it from within, creating the perfect foundation for that coveted “glass hair” look – ultra-sleek, shiny, and healthy.

Over the past few years, the K-beauty movement has revolutionised how people approach skincare routines with emphasis on layering lightweight, hydrating products. Similarly, haircare Korean-style encourages a multi-step approach that treats the scalp as an extension of your skin. After all, a healthy scalp equals healthy hair.

Here’s what sets Korean haircare apart:

1. Scalp-First Philosophy

In Korean beauty culture, the scalp is treated with the same care and attention as the face. Regular scalp exfoliation, cleansing treatments, and tonics help balance oil levels and encourage growth. This is where many Western routines fall short – we often neglect the scalp or forget about it completely.

2. Innovative Ingredients

From ginseng and camellia oil to green tea, mugwort, and fermented rice water, Korean haircare incorporates powerful natural botanicals that restore hydration and shine. These ingredients are packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins to protect against damage and breakage.

3. Lightweight Hydration

Korean products tend to favour hydration without heaviness. Instead of silicone-laden formulas that coat the hair and make it feel sticky and weighed down, many Korean hair moisturisers and essences use natural oils and fermented ingredients to deeply nourish strands while keeping them bouncy and smooth.

4. Holistic Routines

A complete Korean haircare routine often includes multiple steps – scalp cleansing, shampoo, conditioner, hair essence, and treatment masks – followed by lightweight oils or serums to seal in shine. It’s not about overloading your hair with product; it’s about layering the right types in the right order, and during the right timeframe.

Our Favourite Korean Haircare Brands

Here’s some of the most-loved Korean haircare brands and products that have the Cliphair-seal of approval. Whether you’re struggling with dryness, frizz, or slow growth, there’s something here for every hair type.

For Hair Growth

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Ryo is a household name in South Korea – a brand that champions traditional herbal medicine known as “hanbang” to stimulate hair growth and strengthen your roots. Their shampoos and tonics are infused with ginseng, green tea, and camellia oil, all known for boosting circulation and preventing hair loss.

The Ryo Hair Strengthener Shampoo is ideal for anyone noticing thinning or breakage. Use it with a scalp massager for maximum results – a key step in Korean routines. Pairing this with Remy hair extensions can also instantly enhance volume while your natural hair underneath strengthens over time.

For Smoother Hair

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If you’ve ever admired the flawless, silky hair of K-pop idols, there’s a good chance mise-en-scène played a role. This brand is famous for its Perfect Repair Serum, a best-seller across Asia for its lightweight texture and instant smoothing effect.

Formulated with seven different oils – including argan, camellia, and jojoba – this serum helps fight frizz and repair split ends without leaving residue. It’s the ideal hair moisturiser for achieving glass hair at home. Simply apply it to hair that’s been gently towel-dried before styling, then finish with a few drops for a mirror-like shine.

For Scalp Health

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When it comes to scalp care, Aromatica leads the way in clean, sustainable formulations. Their Rosemary Scalp Scaling Shampoo is a cult favourite for its gentle exfoliating properties. It removes product buildup and excess oil while invigorating the scalp – similar to how an exfoliating toner works for your skin.

Follow up with the Aromatica Tea Tree Balancing Scalp Tonic to refresh and soothe your scalp post-wash. Think of it as the haircare equivalent of toner in your Korean skincare routine – restoring balance and hydration before you apply your heavier treatments.

Best Hair Mask

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Traditional meets modern with Daeng Gi Meo Ri, a brand that has harnessed centuries-old Korean herbal knowledge. Their Vitalizing Treatment Hair Pack is enriched with ginseng, green tea, and chrysanthemum to deeply nourish dry, brittle hair.

Leave it on for 5–10 minutes after shampooing for a spa-like experience that leaves your hair soft, glossy, and resilient. For an even more luxurious result, you can use this mask once a week in combination with clip-in hair extensions for extra body and texture.

Best Overall

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Affordable, effective, and beautifully packaged, KUNDAL has become one of the most popular Korean haircare brands worldwide. Their Honey & Macadamia Shampoo and Conditioner duo is loved for its divine scent and deeply hydrating effects.

These formulas lock in moisture without weighing your hair down – a perfect choice for anyone who wants salon-quality results at home. Pair them with a few drops of KUNDAL Hair Serum for that signature “glass hair” finish, all done on a budget.

How to Get Glass Hair at Home: Korean Style

Ready to start your Korean haircare journey? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you achieve that radiant, silky look in front of your bathroom mirror.

Step 1: Double Cleanse the Scalp

Just as double cleansing is essential in Korean skincare, it’s also key in haircare. Start with a scalp scaler or gentle exfoliating scrub to remove build-up, then follow with your usual shampoo. This keeps your roots healthy and encourages growth.

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Step 2: Use a Nourishing Conditioner 

Choose a conditioner with a formula that hydrates your hair but without the heaviness. Focus mainly on your mid-lengths and ends. Avoid excessive amounts on or near the roots, particularly if you’re wearing hair extensions.

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Step 3: Apply a Treatment Mask

Once or twice a week, treat your hair to a deep-conditioning mask. Wrap your hair in a warm towel for 10 minutes to allow the nutrients to penetrate deeply.

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Step 4: Lock in Moisture with Hair Essence

After rinsing and towel-drying, apply a lightweight hair moisturiser or serum. This step seals in hydration and adds instant shine. A few spritzes of a silky moisturising spray on your mid-lengths and ends will do the trick.

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Step 5: Style with Care

Use a heat protectant spray before styling and opt for lower heat settings. If you love the look of long, sleek locks, consider clip in hair extensions for instant transformation without damaging your natural hair. For a more long-term solution, permanent hair extensions offer a natural, seamless blend that complements your new glass-hair glow.

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The Future of Korean Haircare

K-beauty and K-haircare brands focus on self-care rituals that make you feel good, too. The experience is as important as the outcome – from the soothing scents to the luxurious textures. It’s no wonder global consumers are swapping out their usual shampoos and serums for haircare Korean formulas that deliver real, visible results for celebrities, influencers and anyone who’s looking to upgrade their hair game.

The rise of Korean haircare has redefined what it means to have healthy, beautiful hair. Inspired by Korean skincare principles, this holistic approach focuses on nurturing the scalp, feeding the hair with powerful natural ingredients, and embracing self-care as part of your daily ritual.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re looking to restore moisture, boost shine, or encourage growth, there’s a Korean haircare brand out there to suit your needs. Combine these innovative treatments with high-quality human hair extensions, and you can achieve glossy, glass-like locks worthy of any K-drama star. Shop our clip in and professional extensions today!